Townhall's Temporary Window Retrofits Bring the Township Closer to Becoming a Bird-Friendly City!

Earlier this week, Bird Friendly Uxbridge volunteers hand-painted murals on a few of the windows at Town Hall to prevent bird collisions and halt the decline in bird populations. These murals serve as a temporary measure while the Township explores more permanent solutions. This initiative is part of the Township’s broader effort to achieve the ‘Bird Friendly City’ Certification.

In February, the Bird Friendly Uxbridge team received Council’s endorsement to apply for certification from Nature Canada. To earn this designation, Uxbridge must accumulate points in several categories, including threat reduction, habitat protection, and community outreach. Certification will enhance the Bird Friendly Uxbridge Team’s ability to report on its progress, assess performance in key areas, and compare its efforts with those of other cities and municipalities. It also allows Uxbridge to join the growing movement and network of Bird Friendly Cities across Canada.

In addition to this window project, the Township participated in Lights Out Uxbridge, an initiative to reduce light pollution during peak bird migration seasons, as well as proclaiming May 11^th, 2024, as Migratory Bird Day.

Residents can support the Township’s journey to becoming a Bird Friendly City by making windows safer for birds, keeping cats indoors, planting native species, avoiding pesticides, and minimizing plastic use. Engaging in bird watching and sharing observations also contribute to the cause.

For more information, visit the Bird Friendly Uxbridge Team on Facebook or explore Nature Canada’s Bird Friendly City website.