Salt Lake Avian Collision Survey (SLACS)
This project investigates the interaction between light pollution and bird-building collisions. Between 365 million-1 billion birds die as a result of building strikes or collisions each year. Most migratory birds travel at night, and light pollution can disorient them and draw them down into cities. Surrounded by glass that they are unable to perceive, these birds often collide with windows before they can find their way back out and on their way.
During April – May and September-October, volunteers conduct early morning surveys (dawn to 8:30 a.m.) around downtown Salt Lake City looking for birds that have collided with buildings. Looking for bird collisions helps us understand the magnitude of this issue and coordinate an appropriate response. Injured birds are taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center, and dead birds are collected to be donated to the Natural History Museum of Utah. These surveys can be done alone or in a group. Volunteers are trained via an online training session and can sign up to complete surveys on any morning that is convenient.
Light Pollution is a Problem for Birds
Light pollution, the inappropriate use of artificial lights at night, disorients the many migratory birds that travel at night.
Self-report bird collisions in your area
Do you live outside of downtown Salt Lake? We can still use your help. Reports birds that you think died due to striking a building. Report a bird strike.
Project Partners
This project was created in partnership with the Utah Chapter of the International Dark Sky Association.