The Atlas Obscura Podcast · Friday, July 17, 2026
New York City's lights and glass buildings create significant hazards for migratory birds, especially those on the Atlantic flyway. Environmental issues like lead poisoning from soil and paint also contribute to bird injuries, making organizations like the Wild Bird Fund essential.
“And Brian Park is especially dangerous part of New York City for birds. Brian Park is especially dangerous. It just happens to be right smack in the middle of bird's migration path. New York City is right on the Atlantic flyway, which is a major highway for birds to migrate from Canada down to South America.”
“Like the window issue. A lot of the reasons why a bird would end up needing the Wild Bird Fund's services are human-caused environmental issues. Like lead poisoning, which gets to birds by lead in the soil, water, and the paint on some bridges.”