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Bird Safe Windows at Boise State

Found a dead bird?

Report Birds

Found a dead or injured bird on Boise State University’s campus?

Report window strikes on campus here

Found a bird elsewhere? Take a photo. Then report it on iNaturalist following instructions on their app or website.

Report Window Strikes
a shiny mirrored building perfectly reflects the sky, clouds, and trees around it
Buildings on campus with reflective surfaces like this one pose a danger to birds during their migration journeys. Photo Credit: Mariah Hoel

Project Background

Birds often hit windows because they can’t see the glass, leading to 1 billion bird deaths every year in the US and Canada. The Intermountain Bird Observatory at Boise State University is working to solve this problem in Boise. This project brings together students, staff, and faculty to find windows where birds are most at risk and make them safer.

Volunteers and Biology students from Boise State and the College of Western Idaho conduct surveys each spring and fall to find dangerous windows. In 2024, Graphic Design students created awareness campaigns and vinyl window markers to help birds see the glass.

Supported by a Student Sustainability Fund grant, the project blends science, art, and conservation to protect birds and make our campus more bird-friendly.

Impacts

34

Dead Birds Found Last Semester

45

Surveys Conducted

6

Student Projects

0

Windows Protected

Get Involved

Students

Students at Boise State and College of Western Idaho can conduct bird window strike surveys, answer research questions, and work on window strike mitigation.

mariah stands smiling and wearing sunglasses near the banding table at the Diane Moore Nature Center. She's wearing olive-green pants, an olive-green jacket, and dark boots. In her hand is a tiny female ruby-crowned kinglet held in banders grip. her head feathers are the same color as Mariah's clothes!
Mariah and this Ruby-crowned Kinglet share the same fashion sense: a love for olive-green! Photo Credit: Heidi Ware Carlisle

Vertically Integrated Projects

Sign up for 1 credit (equivalent to 40 hours spread throughout the semester; approx. 2.5hrs/week) of research work including window strike surveys and report writing. Receive one VIP200 or VIP400 credit. Permission number required. Email Heidiware@boisestate.edu for information.

Work Study

Students who qualify for work study (a form of financial aid) can receive $15-$21 hourly wage for work on this project. Visit the Work Study website to see if you qualify. Email Heidiware@boisestate.edu for information.

Art Students

There may be future opportunities for design work surrounding this project, similar to the Fall 2024 semester project featured here. Email erynpierce@boisestate.edu and Heidiware@boisestate.edu for information.


Volunteer

Experimental Design and Analysis
a volunteer records data on a data sheet

We need community volunteers to help survey for bird window strikes during spring and fall migration. Surveys begin a half hour before sunrise at various buildings on Boise State University’s main campus. Email HeidiWare@boisestate.edu for more information


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