New Stadium Becomes Top Venue For ... Bird Killing [Video]

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A study from the Audubon Society of Minneapolis finds that U.S. Bank Stadium has become yet another of the nation's thousands of bird-killing buildings, ranking No. 1 as the most deadly building for birds in the Twin Cities.

The group's study found the stadium caused 60 fatal bird collisions during the 2016 fall migration period. An earlier study found an average of 42 birds were killed each year by the metro's former most fatal building.

Nationwide, windows are the second biggest killer of birds, falling only behind cats.

In the United States, between 365 and 988 million birds die annually from crashing into windows, the Washington Post reported. Research indicates that up to 10 percent of the nation's total bird population is killed by collisions with windows.

The Audubon Society states that the number of dead birds found likely underestimates the actual bird deaths that occurred at U.S. Bank and said the Minnesota Sports Facility Authority "should take immediate action to protect migrating birds from the unnecessary and preventable injuries and deaths documented in this study."

"Bird-safe treatments should be applied immediately to the glass on all sides of the stadium in order to protect birds."

The group provided several ways the stadium could be retrofitted to reduce bird collisions:

• Patterns on glass (etching or fritting)
• Window films
• Decals and tape
• Netting, screens, grilles, shutters,
• exterior shades
• Awnings and overhangs

Not Surprising News

Even before construction on the new stadium began, bird advocates warned stadium officials that many birds would be killed and injured from collisions with the glass at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The stadium is located within the Mississippi Flyway, a bird migration route that goes from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, as well as Central and South America.

In 2012, when plans for the stadium were released, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources asked MSFA to consider bird-friendly designs that would help reduce fatal bird collisions.

Stadium officials have no public plans to change the glass.

Image via Google Streetview