A third-year student, Minhye Lee, at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), is on a mission to make the campus safer for birds. Lee has launched a new research initiative aimed at reducing the number of bird-window collisions on university grounds.

The project seeks to pinpoint collision hotspots across the campus where birds are most likely to be injured or killed after flying into glass surfaces. The goal is to implement data-driven solutions that minimize these often fatal accidents.

“Each year, an estimated 25 million birds die in Canada after flying into windows,” said Lee. “Birds often mistake reflections of the sky or trees in glass for open space, leading to fatal impacts. With PEI located along the Atlantic Flyway—a major migratory route—campus buildings, especially those with large glass surfaces near trees and water, pose a potential risk.”

To support the project, Lee is inviting the campus community to participate. Students, staff, and faculty who witness a bird strike are encouraged to snap a photo and report the incident, including location details, via Instagram to @birdsafe.upei. These community-submitted reports will help build a map of high-risk areas across campus.

Although her efforts are beginning at AVC, Lee hopes the initiative can grow beyond the university. She envisions expanding the research to include other areas of Prince Edward Island that face similar issues, especially during bird migration seasons.

Ultimately, Lee hopes her findings will contribute to long-term conservation strategies, protecting birds today and creating safer urban environments for wildlife in the future.