Cozumel, Q.R. — The Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC) rescued two autumn migratory birds with the help of citizens. Due to public reports, a merlin falcon (Falco columbarius) and an American green heron (Butorides virescens) have been treated and released.
The birds were rescued “thanks to reports from citizens who have shown a growing interest in wildlife conservation. Both birds, after accidentally crashing into windows, were treated, their good health was verified, and they were released into their natural habitat,” the Fundación de Parques y Museos de Cozumel (FPMC) General Director, Juanita Alonso Marrufo, reported.
“The merlin falcon collided with a building in the northern hotel zone, while the green heron collided with a residence in the city center. In both cases, citizens reported the incidents to the Center for Conservation and Environmental Education (CCEA) and the staff in charge of the agency immediately went to evaluate the physical condition of the migratory birds and proceed with their release,” island biologist Rafael Chacón Díaz explained.
Rafael Chacón Díaz, who heads the Conservación y Educación Ambiental (CEA) said that bird collisions with windows are due to several factors such as the confusion experienced by birds when they see reflections of vegetation or sky in the glass, wrongly interpreting them as part of their natural environment.
He also says the internal lighting of buildings can attract birds, who assume that they are flying towards open spaces.
Chacón Díaz said that practical solutions are recommended to prevent these accidents such as placing films with visible patterns on windows or installing curtains, which helps make obstacles more evident and protects migratory and local birds.
