We were joined by over 20 people on Zoom for our postponed April meeting. We had a historic ice storm and much of our community was without power on the original date.
Michael Measure from Fatal Light Awareness Program joined us as guess speaker.
FLAP was originally formed due to the issue of light from building at night. Very quickly they realized there are many more issues to tackle. That comes down to guidelines, policies and law. FLAP does rescue efforts, tracking and other as well.
When formed in 1993, it was the first of its kind. Now there are similar organizations across the country.
Bird rescue and tracking of window strikes: volunteers across Toronto. They use a paper bag. Typical injuries are things like broken beaks unless it gets into the blood vessels. There is also head trauma and ruptured livers. The ROM temporarily stores the dead birds in their freezers. FLAP then puts together an annual ‘layout’. It is a public educational program, which also provides the opportunity for closure for its bird rescue volunteers. It is a valuable way to educate the public. There is a famous image that won international wildlife photographer of the year.
Frequently Encountered Species: White-throated Sparrow, Ovenbird and Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Species at Risk: Canada Warbler, Eastern Whip-poor-will and Wood Thrush
178 species of birds picked up across Toronto in the past year.
Window strikes happen because they are translucent, and also they are reflective. Michael shared information what makes for good and BAD options to make windows more visible for birds. Visit their website for more.
FLAP advocates for change at government levels and also with building codes and policies. You can sign a petition to change building codes at: https://flap.org/ontario-building-code/
If we lose birds, we lose a lot. They control insects, pollinate plants, distribute seeds and also provide us with a healthy natural and economic environment for humans.
What can you do?
- Collision mapper, birdmapper.org (there is an app)
- Treat your windows
- Advocate for Bird Friendly Cities
- Report buildings (lethal, high risk, moderate risk, low risk buildings that effect birds) – flapapp.ca
- Global Bird Rescue annual events – ask people to go out in community in a 7 day period, and report to the Bird Collision app. September 22 – 28 2025.
