CAMBRIDGE, MD – In an effort to protect migrating birds, the Friends of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge has completed the first phase of a project to prevent window collisions by applying specialized bird-deterrent film to windows at the refuge Visitor Center. This project aims to mitigate window-strike mortality during peak migration seasons. The project is funded by the Public Lands Alliance and Foundation for Sustainability and Innovations, along with the Friends of Blackwater.
A Critical Shield for Migratory Birds
Window strikes are one of the leading threats to migratory bird populations, causing up to one billion bird deaths annually in the United States. Migrating birds often fail to perceive glass as a solid barrier, instead seeing reflections of trees, sky, or nearby vegetation. During the breeding season, male birds often mistake their reflection for a rival and will attack the window reflection to defend their territory. This behavior is common in species like cardinals, woodpeckers, robins, and mockingbirds. This project will mitigate this collision hazard by applying specialized films that make windows visible to birds while maintaining a clear view for human occupants.
As a critical stopover habitat on the Atlantic Flyway, the refuge faces high risks of bird-window collisions. The new, barely visible, high-visibility film allows birds to recognize glass as a barrier, significantly reducing fatal impacts. The non-profit Friends of Blackwater and it’s partners have worked with the refuge to initiate this project.
"Protecting migratory birds is central to our mission," said Steve Funderburk, a member of the Friends group. "By retrofitting refuge buildings with this technology, the Friends of Blackwater are helping the refuge take proactive steps to create a safer environment for avian wildlife." The project is just the first phase by the Friends of incorporating deterrent film on all windows of the Visitor’s Center and refuge headquarters. This effort exemplifies the Friend’s and refuge’s commitment to conservation stewardship.
Project Highlights
- Timed for Migration: The project was strategically executed during the peak of the spring bird migration season (March–May), ensuring immediate protection for thousands of birds passing through the refuge.
- Effective Technology: The Friends contracted Shore Windows, Inc., to use high-performance deterrent films that follow the "2x2 rule"—applying patterns spaced no more than 2 inches apart to prevent even small birds from attempting to fly through.
- Conservation Leadership: By retrofitting its facilities, Blackwater NWR serves as a model for "bird-friendly" architecture, encouraging residents and local businesses to adopt similar life-saving measures. "For birds, glass windows are worse than invisible; they are a dangerous trap," says Marcia Pradines Long, Refuge Manager. The refuge has recorded a number of bird mortalities over the years. By installing this deterrent film, we and the Friends are significantly reducing the danger our building windows pose and supporting our mission to protect the diverse wildlife that call Blackwater home".
How You Can Help
The public is encouraged to visit the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center to see the deterrent film and learn about simple home remedies, such as bird-safe films, screens, or paracord curtains, to safeguard their own windows. You can become a member of the Friends to help contribute to all aspects of conservation at Blackwater NWR (
https://www.friendsofblackwater.org/join-donate.html).
About the Friends of Blackwater
The Friends of Blackwater is a nonprofit citizens support group founded in 1987, assisting Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Cambridge, Maryland, and the Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex to carry out their educational, interpretive, and public use missions.
About Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, protects over 33,000 acres of rich tidal marsh, mixed hardwood and pine forest, managed freshwater wetlands and cropland for a diversity of wildlife. To learn more, visit our website at
www.fws.gov/refuge/blackwater or
@BlackwaterNWR.
