(412) 946-8734
Photo by Ankur Khurana, Feather Friendly
We sat down with Paul Groleau, Vice President of Feather Friendly, to discuss how bird-safe window markers protect wildlife, support building performance, and improve everyday spaces. With installations in more than 47 countries, Paul has led projects at some of the world’s most recognized properties, including McCormick Place in Chicago, where bird strikes were reduced by 95 percent after installation.
Every year, nearly one billion birds die from building collisions in the US alone. During spring and fall migration seasons, these numbers spike as birds mistake reflections of sky, trees, or water in glass for real, open space. They fly toward what looks like safety, only to meet an invisible wall.
As Paul explained, “People think the bird flew away and it’s fine. Research shows 60 to 70 percent of those birds die within 24 to 48 hours. Their skulls are very, very thin. They don’t stand a chance.” It is a heartbreaking issue and one that hits closer to home than many realize.
Why This Matters for Buildings and Businesses
We often hear, “But what does this have to do with my building?”
It is not just about saving wildlife. It is also about creating a better environment for people, tenants, and clients. Bird collisions are loud and disruptive. They can occur during a meeting, while a client is walking through your lobby, or right outside an office window. It is unpleasant, distracting, and easy to prevent.
No one wants to step over injured or dead birds on their way into the office. Reducing strikes is not only good for nature but also for business, building reputation, and peace of mind.
A Practical, Proven Solution Installed by Experts
During our conversation with Paul, he emphasized that Feather Friendly’s collision mitigation products have become one of the most trusted solutions worldwide. These products are simple, effective, and long-lasting.
The solution involves applying small, closely spaced markers—placed about two inches apart—to the exterior of glass. These markers break up reflections, making the surface appear solid to birds and preventing them from attempting to fly through.
“The biggest misconception is that people think putting a few stickers on the window should prevent collisions. This could not be further from the truth. Strict spacing, contrast, and correct surface application guidelines—mandated by decades of scientific research—must be followed for a product to be effective. We’ve done a lot of R&D, and work directly with organizations like American Bird Conservancy, Dr. Daniel Klem, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the National Audubon Society, ensuring that our products meet all these guidelines.” Paul explained.
While every project is unique, independent studies have shown Feather Friendly products to reduce bird-glass collisions by more than 95 percent, with testing and approval from Environment and Climate Change Canada.*
“We’ve got over 12 million square feet of product installed in 47-plus countries, and we haven’t had a project come to end of life. The material we use today has a 15-year warranty and can last over 20 years. It’s almost a one-time cost for a long-term solution.”
US Film Crew brings that solution directly to your property with professional installation, expert craftsmanship, and fast, reliable service. We are proud to be one of the regional installers that Paul Groleau recommends, trusted for completing projects right and on schedule.
Start Small, See the Difference
Not sure how it will look? A variety of pattern options, marker sizes, and spacing designs are offered to complement your building’s aesthetic. Paul and his team at Feather Friendly often work closely with architects or building owners to find a look that’s both effective and visually appealing. Custom decals can also align with your branding for a seamless finish.
We can start with a mockup on one section of your office or building. You will see how subtle the pattern is, barely noticeable once installed yet highly visible to birds. Think of it like looking through a screen door. Your eyes focus on the view, not the grid.
It is an easy, impactful upgrade that makes your building safer for both people and wildlife.
Do Your Part Without Compromising Design
When we spoke with Paul, one thing stood out: protecting birds is not just an environmental gesture—it’s an essential part of maintaining healthy ecosystems and sustainable cities. Birds are key pollinators, seed dispersers, and natural pest managers. They help regenerate forests, control insects, and support the balance of entire food webs. Without them, ecosystems falter and human environments suffer too.
As Paul explained, “We’ve all heard over the years that if we lose bees, we’ll die as humans because of pollination. Birds serve the same kind of role in nature—they’re pollinators and seed spreaders. It’s not just about a few dead birds. It’s about the entire circle of biodiversity.”
In short, when we protect birds, we protect the systems that sustain clean air, healthy forests, and resilient communities. We are here to make it simple to be part of the solution. Whether you manage an office, commercial tower, or campus building, our team can help you take the first step with expert installation and proven results.
Let’s make your building bird-safe for good. Ask us about a mockup demo or a full-site installation today.
