Growing up, birds were a significant part of my life. My grandmother, an avid bird lover and volunteer at a local wildlife rescue, taught me almost everything I know about these incredible creatures. I would admire the different species of birds that visited our bird feeder and take pictures of them on my mom's camera. This passion and admiration for birds carried into my adult life and continues to inspire me today, with birds being the subject of lots of my art, even being tattooed on my body.

Unfortunately, I recently experienced something heartbreaking at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Savannah Historic District. While passing by this building, I witnessed multiple birds dead from crashing into the front window, some even on the same day. These birds were victims of a cruel fate that claims over 1 billion birds each year in the United States alone—death by window collisions.

Birds, unable to distinguish reflections from reality, constantly fall prey to reflective surfaces, mistaking them for open skies or even another bird. To make matters worse, the glass Embassy Suites uses on their front windows is tinted, which only amplifies the mirror-like quality, making it even more appealing to birds. This issue isn't just about numbers; it's about preserving the rich and diverse avian life that graces our cities and gardens. I managed to rescue a juvenile common yellowthroat, who was injured and disoriented from striking the glass, but laying on the ground by the same windows was another bird who didn't survive.

Fortunately, there is a simple and effective solution: bird-safe glass film. This specialized film can be applied to windows to drastically deter bird collisions, offering a visual cue that prevents these unnecessary deaths. Studies have shown that collisions can be reduced by up to 95%! Many buildings worldwide have adopted this straightforward solution with great success.

I urge Embassy Suites by Hilton Savannah Historic District to take immediate action and implement bird-safe glass film on their front windows. It's a small change that can lead to a monumental impact in the conservancy of our cherished birds. Not only will it honor their lives and preserve biodiversity, but it will also resonate deeply with guests who value ecological responsibility and encourage other businesses to do the same.

Join me in making a difference. Sign this petition to advocate for bird-safe glass and protect our avian wildlife from unnecessary harm.