Humber alumnus leads bird-safe glass initiative at Lakeshore Campus

Thomas Varey led volunteers to install bird-deterrent dot markers on high-risk glass at Humber’s Lakeshore Campus; the team recorded more than 150 dead or injured birds in 2024 and expects a 95% reduction in collisions in treated areas.

A Humber alumnus led a campus project to reduce bird collisions with reflective glass at the Lakeshore Campus. Thomas Varey documented collisions and raised concerns with Humber’s Office of Sustainability, Capital Development and Facilities Management. He worked with staff, volunteers and local suppliers to measure panes, prioritize high-risk areas, and install bird-deterrent dot markers. The work took place over several months, with most high-risk areas treated during the summer and fall. Key facts: - Project leader Thomas Varey recorded more than 150 dead or injured birds around campus in 2024. - Varey measured hundreds of glass panes, gathered quotes, and prioritized areas for treatment before installation. - Installation work involved volunteers from FLAP Canada and Humber Sustainability Ambassador students and was coordinated with Humber’s Office of Sustainability and Capital Development and Facilities Management. - The majority of identified high-risk glass areas were treated over the summer and fall, and the project took several months to complete. - The team expects a 95 per cent or greater reduction in bird-window collisions in the treated areas and plans ongoing monitoring during upcoming spring and fall migration cycles. Summary: The installations of bird-deterrent markers are intended to reduce fatal bird collisions on campus and reflect a coordinated effort by an alumnus, staff and volunteers. Ongoing monitoring during the next migration cycles will assess effectiveness and inform any future treatments.