PREVENT TRAGIC BIRD LOSS DURING MIGRATION

It's finally time to put away the winter coat. But we're not the only ones excited about the changing seasons — birds are too.

Migratory birds have started their trip north and will soon arrive to enjoy the summer.

They then migrate south again come August and September. Unfortunately, millions of them will never complete this journey. More needs to be done to prevent this.

Colliding with windows is one of the major ways migratory birds meet their end. Birds often confuse glass with more open space due to the reflection.

Municipalities should encourage the use of decals on tall buildings such as apartment balconies, office buildings, and even city hall to prevent fatal strikes.

Decals help birds differentiate between the glass and sky.

I have used them on my own windows and have noticed a major drop in the amount of fatal strikes per year.

Not only are migratory birds pretty, but they are also beneficial. Some are pollinators, like hummingbirds, and some are pest eaters, like warblers.

Prevention is key and I urge everyone to do their part to help.

SOPHIA PURMAL