2023-05-21 10:00:18
Vienna (OTS) – On the occasion of the “International Day of Biodiversity” on May 22nd, the Vienna Environmental Ombudsman would like to draw attention to the dramatic state of biological diversity and, in particular, to the threat to our Viennese bird life through glass. Every year, millions of birds die on glass panes that they cannot see. They fly at it unchecked and die instantly, they injure themselves fatally or they are dazed and become easy prey.
The number of birds has been steadily declining in recent years, with some field bird species even falling by around 80 percent within 20 years. “In times of climate and biodiversity crises, we need to take quick action to protect bird life. Marking panes of glass is a quick and effective way to save bird lives,” says Vienna environmental attorney Iris Tichelmann.
Birds of prey stickers have no effect!
A common misconception is the effectiveness of black raptor stickers. The birds do not flee from the silhouettes because they do not think they are birds of prey due to the lack of movement, and they crash into the glass right next to them. But there are numerous effective patterns that have been tested in a standardized test procedure. Whether stripes, dots or creative shapes – it is important to mark the entire surface of the outside of the pane. The Vienna Environmental Ombudsman knows how and when these markings are used correctly. “We have been committed to bird protection for many years and provide information in consultations, lectures and publications about the problem of bird impact and how it can be prevented,” explains Iris Tichelmann, Vienna environmental lawyer and adds: “There are various solutions and we are happy to advise. If you have any questions, you can contact the Vienna Environmental Ombudsman at any time!”
New, free brochures provide an overview and show solutions
A compact summary of the topic is provided by the Vienna Environmental Ombudsman’s folder entitled “Bird impacts on glass surfaces”, which was created in cooperation with the Hohenau-Ringelsdorf biological station. In the new edition, the different dangerous situations for birds (transparency and reflection) as well as suitable solutions are presented. An overview of tested samples and “do-it-yourself” methods shows the design options. “In this way, interested citizens get a good overview of effective measures and can become active themselves,” says Tichelmann happily.
The brochure “Bird-Friendly Building with Glass and Light”, which was written by the Vienna Environmental Ombudsman’s Office, the Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach, the German Association for the Environment and Nature Conservation, the State Association for Bird Protection in Bavaria and the Hohenau-Ringelsdorf Biological Station (collabs), gives an overview of the current specialist knowledge and also offers concrete solutions. It is primarily aimed at experts and decision-makers, but also at citizens who implement bird protection measures in their projects.
Contact to the Vienna Environmental Ombudsman:
E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: (+43 1) 379 79
www.wua-wien.at
Links:
Information on the WUA homepage: https://bit.ly/3pQkj8Q
Folder “Bird impact on glass surfaces”:
Brochure “Bird-friendly building with glass and light”:
Questions & contact:
DI Ramona Cech
ramona.cech@wien.gv.at
0676/8118 88987
1684728654
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