Lessons learned through participatory bird-window collision research on a university campus

Abstract Bird populations face many threats worldwide, including collisions with anthropogenic structures such as buildings’ windows. Bird-window collisions are gaining attention, but research and mitigation often face barriers including collision surveying guidelines, funding availability, and retrofitting costs and approvals. Beginning in 2022, we conducted research about bird-window collisions on an urban university campus to engage students in research and inform the implementation of mitigation at the site(s) with the most collisions. To achieve these goals, we worked with undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, administrators, and media personnel to monitor bird-window collisions, spread the word throughout the community, and advocate for retrofitting buildings. Research was incorporated into a course-based undergraduate research experience, several undergraduate directed studies, paid undergraduate research positions, and volunteer opportunities. By the end of 2024, bird-friendly window markers were installed on two buildings on campus. In this article, we present the collective reflections and lessons learned from university stakeholders involved in the project. We recommend that similar conservation projects on university campuses (1) maximize project flexibility and consider how to best support stakeholders; (2) build impact and momentum over time by engaging stakeholders in unique ways; and (3) leverage participants’ previous experiences and use a solution-focused approach to ensure that participation is motivating and rewarding. With our lessons learned, similar projects on other university campuses may be able to attain more success in student engagement, project outcomes, and ultimately, the implementation of bird-friendly practices.