USU Researchers Tackle Bird Collisions at University Inn
LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University’s University Inn has become a known hazard for local bird species, prompting urgent action from faculty members. Student employee Aspen Lovell reports finding dead birds outside the inn’s entrance weekly due to the inn’s expansive mirrored windows, which reflect the sky and surrounding trees, creating a fatal illusion for avian visitors.
In a pioneering experiment, professors Kimberly Sullivan and Mark Koven introduced ultraviolet (UV) lights aimed at these problematic windows. Birds, unlike humans, perceive UV light, which makes glass appear solid, significantly reducing collisions. The initiative proved effective, with bird fatalities dropping from around a dozen monthly to just a few during the trial phase. Unfortunately, once funding ran out and the UV lights were removed, casualties resumed.
Sullivan and Koven are now seeking grants for a more sustainable, aesthetically pleasing solution. Their previous studies on innovative designs have also led to successful installations in other campus areas, decreasing bird deaths substantially. The plight of birds remains a nationwide concern, with over one billion dying from window collisions annually. As Sullivan emphasizes, protecting birds is crucial amid their declining populations.
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