Safer Skies Ahead
Big News for Birds in Philadelphia!
A new grant will help make the greater Philadelphia region safer for migratory birds
Bird Safe Philly and partner, the Wildlife Management Institute, were awarded funding for the project Reducing Bird-Building Collisions for Migratory Birds in the Delaware Watershed (PA, NJ) through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
The grant will help us scale up solutions to reduce bird collisions with glass and promote safer skies for birds while engaging building owners, municipalities, libraries, schools, nature centers, and residents in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties.
Why This Matters
Philadelphia is on a major migratory flyway. Over a billion birds are estimated to die each year in the United States because of collisions with glass and other reflective surfaces. The greater Philadelphia region is a critical passage point for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway. During spring and fall migration, artificial light at night and reflective or transparent glass can disorient birds and lead to fatal collisions.
A safer city is possible. When buildings reduce unnecessary nighttime lighting and make glass visible to birds, collisions can be prevented. This grant gives us the opportunity to expand that work across the region — and to build a stronger network of people and places committed to protecting birds.
Project Actions to Take
We are working to increase participation in Lights Out Philly among commercial, municipal, educational, and residential properties throughout the greater Philadelphia region. Turning off or reducing unnecessary exterior lights during migration helps birds navigate more safely at night.
Turn Off Lights
We will identify and prioritize buildings for bird-safe retrofits using visible markers such as dot patterns and other proven treatments that help birds recognize glass as a barrier. These projects will build on Bird Safe Philly’s work with libraries, nature centers, environmental education sites, and other community-serving spaces. See our Project Spotlights for examples. Contact us for more information.
Retrofit Windows to Make Glass Safer for Birds
We will expand education and outreach through presentations, tabling, signage, partnerships, and public engagement, so more people understand the problem and know what they can do at home, at work, and in their neighborhoods.
Bring Bird Safety to the Community
More Ways to Get Involved
This project depends on community action, with the grant requiring local match through volunteer hours and other community support. By volunteering, partnering, or contributing resources, you help Bird Safe Philly unlock the full value of this funding and bring life-saving solutions to more buildings across the region.
This is a rare opportunity to turn regional momentum into lasting change for migratory birds — but it will take community participation to make it happen.
The Greater Philadelphia Birdathaon is a friendly competition where birding teams attempt to identify as many different bird species as possible in a 24-hour period. Two Birdathon Teams are raising funds to support the efforts of Bird Safe Philly. The teams are seeking individuals willing to make a financial contribution to support their effort on behalf of Bird Safe Philly! You can select a team to sponsor OR contribute to both teams!
Meet the Match
Are you a building manager, owner, or resident that is interested in turning out lights or treating dangerous glass? Bird Safe Philly will review opportunities across the five-county region.
Inquire About a Building
Bird Safe Philly volunteers power this work. Sign up to help monitor collisions, assist with retrofits, support outreach, and help us meet the required grant match.