A hawk known as Chocolate has been injured after colliding with the glass facade of McDaniel High School in Portland, Oregon, an incident highlighting the dangers posed by bird-unfriendly building designs. The hawk is currently undergoing rehabilitation at a local wildlife center after striking the windows earlier this month.
McDaniel High School underwent renovations between 2019 and 2021, which included the addition of extensive glass windows along its Northeast 82nd Avenue side. This design feature has unfortunately led to frequent bird collisions, as the glass can be mistaken for the sky or natural habitat.
According to a 2020 report by the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, approximately one billion birds die annually in the U.S. due to collisions with buildings. Buildings that do not incorporate bird-safe features, such as decals or specialized glazing, are considered particularly hazardous.
The Bird Alliance of Oregon, which is treating Chocolate at its Wildlife Care Center, reported a 20 percent increase in bird injuries from window strikes this year. Travis Koons, director of the Bird Alliance, emphasized the need for preventative measures.
"We do our best to try to educate about how to prevent window strikes with either stickers or paint on your windows and various ways to make sure the birds can see where they’re going and where the buildings are before," Koons told KOIN.
Opsis Architecture, the firm responsible for the school's redesign, has contacted the Bird Alliance for recommendations on how to mitigate the danger posed by the windows. Heather DeGrella, a spokesperson for Opsis Architecture, confirmed the firm is exploring solutions in partnership with the school district.
"[Opsis is] somewhat responsible for the design. They partnered with the school district, and so now, if they’re finding that it’s causing harm, they are concerned about trying to fix it, and they are taking recommendations," Koons stated, adding that any implemented changes would involve the contractor and school district for cost approval.
Compounding the issue, the school's location in Northeast Portland means it is not subject to the city's bird-safe glazing rules. The Bird Alliance of Oregon also recently purchased property across the street for a bird sanctuary, increasing concerns about continued bird injuries if the windows are not addressed.
Chocolate is expected to be moved to larger flight pens for recovery and, if rehabilitation is successful, is slated for release within the next month. Wildlife officials are hopeful that measures will be taken to prevent future incidents at the school.