Prince Edward County is a vital stopover for migrating birds. On their journeys, however, more than about 25 million birds die each year from window collisions in Canada alone. Why is that? Research shows how birds mistake reflections of sky and trees in glass and become victims of these optical illusions. Together, we’ll ask: “How can we make a difference in our immediate natural environment?” The most effective answer is: by treating glass-surfaces to optically break these reflections. In this workshop, you’ll craft your own decorative bird-safe window designs that function as decals. Patterns by foliage, bark, fractal light, natural forms, and Art Nouveau, or geometric shapes will be our inspirations.

Join landscape architect Victoria Taylor and visual artist Iris Häussler for a playful art-making and educational workshop on bird-friendly gardens and bird-safe windows. We start with a short explorative sketching/photography fieldtrip: walking through Delhi Park to visualize how birds see patterns and take inspiration for our own art-making.

You will learn:

– Why and how glass reflections of buildings and railings in the urban-and rural environment pose a threat to migrating birds
– How to make decorative, durable vinyl patterns and designs for windows that are bird safe (you take your sample creation home)
– The important role of using native shrubs to transform your garden into bird-friendly habitat
– Other creative DIY measures to treat windows temporarily, like using oil sharpies and oil-pastels for handwriting or calligraphy on glass-surfaces and DIY designs using burlap-string or fabrics

Age range – 18+

Location – The County Arts Lab, Unit 2E, Picton Armoury Building

Sliding scale pricing.