Class Registration opens Jan 20, 2025
Class Instructor: Steven Fletcher
Class level: All
In-Person Workshop date: 03/01/2025 from 1pm – 5pm
Class fee: $45 for Members, $50 for Non-Members
Class Size: 12
Minimum Class Size: The class requires at least 5 attendees to proceed. If fewer than 5 people register, the class will be cancelled, and all registration fees will be fully refunded.
Join us for a 4-6 hour hands-on workshop designed to help homeowners create and apply affordable, effective window treatments to protect migratory birds from window collisions. As birds migrate each year, they often mistake reflective glass for open sky, leading to dangerous crashes.
This workshop will provide valuable knowledge and practical skills for anyone interested in safeguarding both local and migratory bird populations.
The session will kick off with a brief introduction to bird behavior during migration, supported by important facts, figures, and research on why windows pose such a hazard to birds. We’ll explore expert advice and best practices on how to break up window reflections and make your home safer for these amazing creatures.
Next, participants will roll up their sleeves and apply what they’ve learned by treating windows on our campus. We will explore a variety of low-cost materials and techniques such as tempura paint, paracord, screening, vinyl tape, and more. You’ll gain hands-on experience in using these methods, which can easily be replicated at home to reduce bird collisions.
Steve Fletcher teaches in the Environmental Science and Policy program at St. Edward’s University. He has over 25 years of formal and informal teaching experience in the science education field. He also earned a living by building and fixing the wooden boats and old houses. He enjoys guiding others in learning how to use basic tools and make useful things. He is currently conducting research with students at SEU on bird mortality from window strikes on campus and is excited to share his knowledge and provide some practice and guidance on how to quickly and inexpensively treat glass surfaces against bird strikes.
