The MTR station that I usually pass by has a hidden "bird trap".
The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society received reports from members of the public last month that bird bodies were found outside the Mei Foo MTR station.
A bird-watching club inspected the scene and found that there were at least seven traces of suspected bird impact on the glass windows of the West Rail Concourse of Mei Foo MTR Station, some of which had obvious bird shapes.
Bird watching clubs believe that the main cause of bird strikes is that the Mei Foo MTR station has many pieces of floor-to-ceiling glass that reflect natural images, including trees outside the station, which make the birds mistakenly think that they can fly by and hit the building by mistake, causing injuries. even death.
The bird watching club suggested that the MTR can add anti-collision design to the glass surface, for example, sticking stickers at a distance of about 5 cm.
The MTR responded that it will closely monitor the situation at the station after receiving the bird-watching club’s advice, and will also explore whether there are ways to reduce the situation.
The floor-to-ceiling glass reflects the images of the surrounding trees
Huang Xuemei, Conservation Officer of the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, pointed out that in November, a public reported that a bird's body was found outside the floor-to-ceiling glass of the Mei Foo MTR station. There were also reports in Mei Foo’s neighborhood that it has been observed since the completion of the West Rail Concourse. When a bird hit the floor glass.
After the bird-watching club visited the site earlier, it was found that there were plants around the environment outside the MTR station, and the large area of floor-to-ceiling glass reflected trees. It was believed that the Mei Foo MTR station might be a potential black spot of "bird strike".
There are at least seven bird strikes on the glass. Bird watching is just the tip of the iceberg.
In addition, the bird-watching club also observed at least seven traces of birds on the floor glass outside the MTR station.
Huang explained that the birds may be unable to recognize the glass curtain wall as an obstacle, thinking that they can fly over and accidentally hit the building. "The impact force can cause the birds to be injured or even killed." This phenomenon is also called "window killing."
Advocate the anti-collision bird-watching club with stickers every 5 cm: beautiful and creative elements can be added
Huang said that he has written to the MTR requesting that the problem should be addressed squarely and measures to prevent bird strikes should be implemented as soon as possible.
She suggested that the MTR can put stickers on the glass surface at a distance of five centimeters. "The stickers can also add beautiful and creative elements, which can be remedied "the day after tomorrow."
MTR: Will explore ways to reduce bird strikes
MTR responded that it has recently received suggestions from the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society on related matters. The company is aware of the comments and will closely monitor the situation at the stations, and will also explore whether there are ways to reduce the situation.
Nearly 10,000 square feet of freshwater wetland in Ten Long on Lantau Island is filled up and bird-watching will worry about the biodiversity target for bird habitats. Only 30% of the target bird-watching club’s plan is approved for conservation, fragmentation and habitat loss. The number of sparrows has dropped sharply to 210,000. Sai Kung’s least sparrow bird watching club called for not disturbing the number of black-faced spoonbills in the bird’s nest. The number of black-faced spoonbills in the bird’s nest fell by 6.9%.