MORE BIRDS



This is a piece I did a while back whilst collecting dead and stunned birds as a part of the Audubon's "Project Safe Flight" - which helps track data on bird + building collisions (usually migrating birds who run into windows reflecting trees).

The bird is rendered in tape and watercolor from a picture of a bird I picked up at one of the city's worst architectural aviary offenders, Bellevue Hospital. A lovely tree sweeped courtyard unfortunately is reflected across the many glass surfaces and dead birds, confused from a night of flying, and the super reflective city, are frequently gathered in front of the lobby entrance.



So I'd like to take my experience volunteering for the Audubon and translate it into some window based art. I'd love to work out a system to deter the birds from meeting their violent ends from a blind spot of architecture.

I call this mock up "An Honest Mistake", I'm picturing future installations with more variety of birds and larger windows.

The deadliest buildings for birds in NYC are The Met, Javitz Center, Bellevue Hospital and a couple of buildings at the WTC.
Through Audubon's efforts, the worst one, the big Post Office building in midtown (killing almost 400 birds a week), was modified to be less reflective and is now in good graces.

These types of collisions remain the biggest threat to birds man has to offer. It seems solvable though, so on with the art, awareness and fundraising! More soon.