NYC makes buildings safer for birds

The city council of New York City has passed a new bill making buildings safer for migratory birds. The new rules call for bird-friendly touches like patterned glass on new buildings at heights at which birds are likely to fly. Supporters point to Manhattan’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as an inspiration. After its all-glass faced killed nearly 500 birds between 2005 and 2009, it became one of the city’s deadliest for birds. A five-year, billion-dollar expansion renovated it with bird-friendly panels that reduced bird deaths by 90%. The bill, which included input from NYC Audubon, the American Bird Conservancy, and the city’s chapter of the American Institute of Architects, passed 41-3.

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Header Image: Manhattan’s Jacob K. Javits Convention reduced bird deaths by 90%. ©Ajay Suresh