THE WORLD'S FIRST 'BIRD-FRIENDLY' SPORTS STADIUM

The new arena: Photo courtesy of Kenny Yoo (Milwaukee  Bucks) 

 A NEW sports stadium in the USA has been hailed as the first of its kind that is 'bird-friendly'.

The Fiserv Forum in Wisconsin - home to the Milwakee Bucks basketball team - has been built using a type of non-reflective glass that reduces the prospect of  bird collisions.

Up to 1 billion birds are believed to die annually after colliding with glass in the United States.

Scientists reckon  that this total probably  accounts for 5 to 10 percent of North Amerca’s  birds and contributes to ongoing declines in their populations.

Says the American Bird Conservancy: "Addressing collisions is vitally important, not only because of the inherent value of birds, but also because they  reduce pest populations, pollinate plants, disperse seeds and captivate tens of millions of Americans with their beauty and fascinating behaviour."

ABC's collisions campaign manager  Bryan Lenz comments: "“The Milwaukee Bucks' decision to build the world's first bird-friendly arena speaks volumes about the ownership's character, concern for the environment and desire to be a part of a green community.

“The Bucks stepped up for birds in a way that no sports franchise ever has. 

"Hopefully the team's message, that designing with birds in mind is an achievable goal, will become a model for arenas, stadiums, and all other buildings for years to come.”

The American robin is Wisconsin's state bird and a member of the thrush family. 
                                                      

American robin - Milwaukee's state bird

Species such as wood thrush and Swainson's  thrush, are frequent victims of glass collisions.

Conventional  reflective and see-through glass and lighting disorients birds during their nocturnal spring and autumn  migrations.

 “When glass or other glass-like materials are employed in venue design, it is vital to balance insulation and reflectivity to create an ideal environment both inside and out, both for people and for local wildlife,” says Heather Stewart of  Populous, the architectural design firm involved.

 “We are proud to hear that other sports venues are looking toward Fiserv Forum as the new standard for bird-friendly design around the globe.”
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The initiative has delighted the president of the ABC,Michael Parr who comments: “So many sports teams use animals and birds as mascots; this approach just makes perfect sense for them.

“Surely no sports teams want to kill wild birds at their facilities?

"The Bucks are showing the way. I am betting some good karma will head their way for this and coming seasons!”


More at:

https://abcbirds.org
https://birdcitywisconsin.org
https://populous.com/fiservforum