DINGMANS FERRY, PA — In the week following Earth Day 2025, the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) worked with mural artist Eurhi Jones to install several bird strike-deterrence features on its Visitor Activity Center (VAC).

Without these installations, birds collide with the glass because they see the reflection of the sky, trees and landscape outside the building. Bird silhouettes on the outside of the VAC windows are complemented by clear two-inch bird tapes spaced two inches apart. According to research conducted by Cornell University, this spacing reduces bird strikes by over 90 percent. Paint marker dots were added on easy to reach areas as well to demonstrate an easy and inexpensive way to deter bird strikes at home and on school buildings. PEEC received project support from several sponsors and volunteers, including CollidEscape, Alliance for Watershed Education of the Delaware River, Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology, Rent-Event and Bobcat of Milford.

Glass=Bird deaths

According to the American Bird Conservancy, glass collisions kill up to one billion birds in the U.S. each year. Existing buildings need to be safer for birds, PEEC argues.

Birds at PEEC

PEEC’s campus provides a habitat for PA’s Species of Greatest Concern, such as the wood thrush and Blackburnian warbler. Reducing bird collisions helps prevent these species from becoming endangered. 

“What started as a way for PEEC to reduce the number of bird deaths resulted in our very own staff learning more about how this project helps to prevent more bird species from becoming threatened or endangered,” said Amanda Subjin, PEEC’s chief executive officer. “We’re so thankful to Eurhi and her team for the thoughtful and creative design she incorporated into this installation. Many of the species we are working to protect are visibly evident in the silhouettes she includes, further incorporating education into art.”

At home, work and school, people can reduce the reflections causing bird strikes with products such as CollidEscape, Acopian Birdsaver cords, paint markers or suncatchers.

PEEC, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, is located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, between Milford and Bushkill. PEEC advances environmental education, sustainable living and appreciation for nature through hands-on experience in a national park.