Volunteer Perspective Series: No. 2 –

Author: Donna, BirdSafe Pittsburgh volunteer

My name is Donna and I have been with BirdSafe Pittsburgh for a little over a year now.  Matt mentioned BirdSafe Pittsburgh during a banding demonstration back in 2014 at my home.  I had several birds hit my windows over the years, including a red tail hawk! It left a dust print on my window, which I took a picture of, and was amazed he got up and flew away. I never thought to put something over the glass, so just kept the shade down.  I had several birds die from window strikes and it upset me tremendously.  I was in tears many times when taking the dead birds to the wildlife center. After talking to Matt, he stated that BirdSafe Pittsburgh would install a treatment on my windows since I was participating in the BirdSafe Pittsburgh program as a Residential Monitor.  I couldn’t wait to have it on so no more birdies would lose their lives.  Matt and Jon came out on a hot and sunny day and applied it to my front and back windows that had the most strikes. I believe my windows were on the BirdSafe Pittsburgh website to show how wonderful they looked.  When I mentioned about the strikes on my glass sliding door, he installed dots on it as well.  I have had no strikes on these windows since they were applied, but then had strikes on a few others so I applied a covering on them.  Knock on wood, I’m happy to say, I haven’t had any strikes for several months.  I continue to monitor around my home and enjoy doing it.  Thank goodness for BirdSafe Pittsburgh and thanks again Matt for making me aware.