99% Invisible Murder Most Fowl
Apr 5, 2022
Alexandra Lang, a design critic and writer for CityLab, dives into the invisible dangers urban architecture poses to migrating birds. She unpacks the staggering issue of bird-window collisions caused by reflective glass buildings, emphasizing the need for bird-safe design. Lang shares her transformative experience discovering urban birdlife in Brooklyn Bridge Park and discusses practical solutions homeowners can implement to protect these feathered friends. The conversation also explores how modern architecture can thoughtfully blend urban environments with wildlife.
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Discovering Birds in the Park
- Alexandra Lange, an architecture critic, frequented Brooklyn Bridge Park but initially overlooked its avian inhabitants.
- Guided by local birders, she discovered a vibrant birdlife, including the "Butterbutt" (Yellow-Rumped Warbler).
The Glass Building Threat
- Urban parks attract birds, but nearby glass buildings pose a deadly threat.
- Birds don't perceive glass like humans do, leading to fatal collisions.
Why Glass Buildings are Dangerous
- Glass buildings are a significant threat to birds because of their transparency and reflectivity.
- Birds often see reflections of trees or vegetation in the glass and attempt to fly towards them.