Make a difference: Wis. Humane Society urges you to help prevent injuries to birds

MILWAUKEE -- It's a busy time of year at the Wisconsin Humane Society's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. They're seeing many injured, and even more dead, birds migrating south for the winter -- and there are a few things you can do to help.

A Swainson's Thrush was on his way to Mexico or Peru, but is now being cared for at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at the Wisconsin Humane Society.

"He or she collided with a window," said Wisconsin Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Director Scott Diehl.

Scott Diehl says it's a huge problem, with the migratory season upon us.

"We actually had his wing stabilized by taping it to his body, and the fracture was actually one of the bones in his shoulder structure," said Diehl.

Diehl keeps track of where, even which buildings, the birds hit. Volunteers search designated areas in downtown Milwaukee for birds, many suffering from fractures or concussions.

"On just doing a few square blocks downtown, he found 31 dead and injured birds," said Diehl.

These are just a few examples of some of the dead birds at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Sometimes, when the weather is bad they can see a lot more of them. Especially when it is foggy or rainy, and they can get dozens of dead birds in, in just a week.

Ultra violet reflective products can help birds see window glass as a barrier, decals too.

"This product is really hard for people to see and that is part of its attraction," said Diehl.

According to experts at the Wisconsin Humane Society, research shows nearly one billion birds die each year from colliding with windows in the U.S. alone.