Eimsbüttel relies on bird protection: measures against dangerous glass surfaces

Eimsbüttel relies on bird protection: measures against dangerous glass surfaces

In Hamburg-Eimsbüttel, the district assembly is causing a stir. The reason: an application that is intended to improve the safety of birds on glass surfaces. The action zone on Hörgensweg, which separates residential buildings and green spaces, provides for measures aimed at reducing frequent collisions between wild birds and glass surfaces. Animal welfare in Eimsbüttel strongly supported this proposal, as an estimated 100 to 115 million birds die in Germany every year from such collisions. This makes glass one of the most significant man-made causes of death for our feathered friends, informed Eimsbüttel News.

The planned initiative envisages the systematic examination of all district-owned buildings and infrastructure with larger glass surfaces. The focus here is primarily on hotspots, such as the Isebek and Alster green corridors as well as heavily frequented public transport nodes. The aim is to carry out an analysis of the risk areas with regard to reflections, night-time lighting and proximity to green areas. The topic is particularly relevant in densely built-up areas like Hamburg, where many glass facades dominate, as birds often interpret such reflections as “free flight space”. bv-hh.de reported.

Preventive measures for more species protection

The initiators plan to defuse identified danger spots using cost-effective measures such as marking films or special structural glass. These techniques, such as high-contrast dot or line patterns and etching, have already proven effective. During renovations, endangered areas should be replaced with bird-friendly glass technologies. In the future, the standard for new buildings should include mandatory bird-friendly glass solutions in order to make a decisive contribution to species protection, according to the suggestions from the Greens and the SPD.

The problem is not unknown in other European countries: In Switzerland, several million birds die every year from collisions with glass, like this Swiss bird observatory shows. This institution regularly works on solutions to reduce collisions and informs private households and authorities about appropriate measures. The exchange of knowledge and experiences could also be important for Hamburg in order to overcome the local challenges.

The proposal to promote bird-friendly construction methods is therefore not only an important step towards species protection. Above all, it shows awareness of the dangers caused by modern architecture. The Eimsbüttel district could set a shining example for other districts and cities.