Volunteer position: Exploratory study on bird collisions at OC Transpo light rail
stations. Safe Wings Ottawa volunteer since May 2020.
How did you get involved for the first time with Safe Wings Ottawa ?
Over the course of my studies, I read about bird collisions with human structures, and that it was just one problem among many. Having no jobs in sight for the spring of 2020, I
looked for an organization with which I could volunteer, in order to continue to gain
experience. It was when I came across the Safe Wings website that I
realized the magnitude of the problem of bird collisions with glass, and I immediately felt the need to get involved. I initially thought I would patrol and rescue birds, but when the need for local research about collisions was mentioned, I knew that it would be the niche that I would be most useful in.
What activities did you do as a Safe Wings Ottawa volunteer?
Mainly drafting research proposals and collecting data in the field (patrolling some train stations and early morning bus shelters almost every day, from May to November). I was also able to receive emergency calls to pick up injured birds and transport them to the treatment center or pick them up and label them for data when they were dead.
What has been one of your most memorable experiences so far?
I’ve had many memorable experiences before, but one of the most unusual was the afternoon spent at the treatment center, helping to treat a large number of injured birds found downtown one day. Not only was I able to help the carer and take care of some birds, but I also had the opportunity to practice my identification skills! I hope I’ll have even more experiences because I’m still volunteering for Safe Wings Ottawa.
In the summer of 2020 I was doing it full-time 7 days a week, and will try to do the same in 2021.
Why do you volunteer for with Safe Wings Ottawa?
To improve our cohabitation with wildlife – and to save birds! Because birds that are in urban areas provide many ecosystem services to the city, such as pest control, nutrient cycling, pollination and carrion removal. Birds are also essential contributors to urban biodiversity. In a changing world where citizens’ living space and the environment are often threatened, urban biodiversity is one of the keys to sustainable development and quality of life. Also, the urban bird population offers citizens many opportunities for wildlife viewing
and attracts birdwatchers. With the situation in 2020, one could say that the preservation of bird populations in the city is also a public health issue, giving citizens a window of escape if only by the pleasure of observing and listening to wild birds.
What do you find most rewarding?
Knowing that my research reports may have a real impact to improve the practices of using architectural glass in my city and reduce the impact on our urban bird populations. Indeed, the exploratory study to provide feedback on the design of OC Transpo’s light rail stations and their effects on bird collisions and trapping during the migration season may provide valuable information on bird collisions with the glass of these
structures. The data from this study can then be used to assess the effectiveness of future renovations or to inform plans for future phases of light rail construction if the municipal government and its tributaries such as OC Transpo are also committed to it.
