By Elizabeth Filippelli, Conservation Director for Duval County, Audubon Society
In a remarkable blend of creativity, science, and conservation, students at the St. Johns Country Day School have embarked on an inspiring new art project aimed at protecting local wildlife. The initiative was born out of a concerning issue: Cedar Waxwings were colliding with some of the school's reflective windows, resulting in injury and death. Cedar Waxwings, with their dazzling flight behaviors, are regular winter visitors to Florida. When I am lucky enough to have them visit, the whole extended family comes in for the fruit and berries on our neighborhood trees. It is quite an amazing show of splendor.
In North America alone, 365 million to one billion birds die each year by colliding with reflective glass. Statistics show that lower-level windows are the most deadly. Determined to make a difference, we salute two remarkable teachers, science teacher Judibelle Román, and art teacher Pam Ayres, who decided to take action!
As soon as I got the call for assistance, your Lights Out Northeast Florida (LONF) team jumped into action to help with a science-based approach and solutions. To assess the threats our first step is to conduct our free onsite "Bird Friendly Window Audit." Mike Taylor, Curator of Birds, Herps, and Others at the Jacksonville Zoo, and Kim Lamb, Collision Monitor and Project Co-Lead, conducted the onsite audit. Their findings included recommendations to install visual markers on the most dangerous reflective windows. LONF provided the visual marker design specifications recommended by the American Bird Conservancy (ABC), the leading expert in this area. To be effective, the visual markers must be placed on the outside of each window in a 2-inch by 2-inch design pattern. White is the preferred color for visual markers.
Judibelle and Pam decided to engage art students in a bird-friendly art window project. Under the guidance of their teachers, two students (Rowan and Kelsey) brainstormed ideas to transform the school’s windows into a beautiful bird-friendly facade. They set to work designing scenes that depict a natural habitat using white electrical tape and oil-based Sharpie markers for inspiring abstract patterns and eye-catching imagery. Each window now tells a story, showcasing the beauty of nature while also serving as a visual marker for birds.
The bird-friendly art project not only aims to reduce bird collisions but will also serve as an educational opportunity for all students and their parents.
This project marks a huge milestone in our LONF Community Awareness, Education, and Action Plan! We praise Judibelle, Pam, and students Rowan and Kelsey for their innovative approach. Through their art, these students have become advocates for wildlife, showcasing how creativity and responsibility can come together to create a safer, more harmonious world for all living beings.
In closing, we thank each and every one of our Duval Audubon Society members and our LONF volunteers. Our bird-friendly outreach and action are fueled by your support and service.
L-R Pam Ayres, Kelsey Gregson '25, author Elizabeth Filippelli, Rowan Fix '25, and Dr. Judibelle Román
"Standout Teachers at St. Johns Country Day School Take Flight with Art to Save Cedar Waxwings" reprinted with permission from Duval Audubon Society, September 2024.
- Visual Art