Significant spike in bird-building collisions across the GTA in September

Bird-building collisions have spiked significantly across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in September, according to the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP). FLAP executive director Michael Mesure reported that nearly 3,000 injured or dead birds have been collected from a few dozen buildings in the GTA, with over 400 found during one 24-hour period.

Mesure noted that the organization is nearing 5,000 birds for 2026, a stark contrast to previous years where the count would typically range from 3,000 to 4,000. While ultra-tall, glassy office towers may draw some attention, Mesure emphasized that proximity to densely vegetated areas and exposure are the primary factors leading to bird-collision incidents.

Thousands of birds are collected and sorted by a network of volunteers in Mississauga, Toronto, North York, Scarborough, and Markham before being sent for research. Mesure mentioned that during recent patrols in Markham, he collected around 60 dead birds. FLAP attributes the increase in bird-building collisions to the higher number of birds stopping in the GTA during the fall migration, which naturally raises the chances of collisions.