The Raptor Trust admits 190 birds in four days as window collisions surge during fall migration
MILLINGTON, N.J. (Morris County) — The Raptor Trust has reported a significant increase in injured birds arriving at its wildlife rehabilitation facility, admitting 190 birds over four days, including 114 on Sunday, Oct. 18, as fall migration continues across New Jersey.
According to The Raptor Trust, Sunday’s total of 114 birds was likely a single-day admission record for the organization. Of those birds, 55 have already been released after receiving care.
The organization said the vast majority of the birds were injured in window collisions, which occur when birds strike glass while traveling through developed areas. Many are found on the ground after colliding with windows and are brought to the rehabilitation facility for treatment.
Fall migration presents additional challenges as birds travel south through New Jersey, often encountering buildings and windows along their routes. The Raptor Trust explained that many birds making the journey south are accompanied by their newly fledged young, which are particularly vulnerable to collisions because of their limited experience navigating unfamiliar environments.
With large numbers of birds traveling through the state during migration, window strikes can pose a serious threat to their survival. The organization said the recent increase in admissions highlights the dangers migrating birds face and the importance of rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Despite the unusually high number of admissions, The Raptor Trust reported that many of the injured birds are receiving a second chance thanks to volunteers who locate them and transport them to the facility for care.
The organization expressed appreciation for volunteer Peter Monti, the group Jersey City Birds and its partners at New Jersey Audubon for their efforts to rescue injured birds during the recent surge.
According to The Raptor Trust, every rescued bird represents an opportunity to save a life and support wildlife conservation. However, the extraordinary number of admissions also serves as a reminder of the impact window collisions have on migrating birds.
The Raptor Trust is also encouraging the public to learn what to do when encountering an injured bird and to seek guidance on how to help safely.
Additional information is available through The Raptor Trust.
