Dear [Your Elected Official],

<p><strong>Up to a quarter million birds in New York City, and more than one billion across the country, die each year from collisions with buildings.</strong> This number can be significantly reduced if buildings utilize bird-safe practices.</p> <p>Birds do not detect clear glass as a barrier, nor do they understand reflections in glass. When they see habitat or sky either reflected in glass, or through it, such as in a courtyard, the birds collide at full speed. This poses a particular threat to over 100 species of migratory birds, some of which are experiencing long-term population declines.</p> <p><strong>I am calling on you to support the FLACO Act</strong> (“Feathered Lives Also Count” Act) , which honors the impact Flaco, a non-native Eurasian Eagle-Owl who escaped the Central Park Zoo in 2023, had on New York City. This law will require any new or significantly altered state buildings to incorporate bird-friendly designs, particularly in their windows.</p> <p>Introduced in the NY State Senate by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (District 47) and the NY State Assembly by State Assemblymember Dr. Anna R. Kelles (District 125), the FLACO Act would amend the public buildings law to incorporate the use of bird-safe features, practices, and strategies to reduce bird fatality resulting from collisions with state-owned or state-leased buildings. The FLACO Act needs your support.</p> <p><strong>Can I count on you to sign on to the FLACO Act [AB 7808-A (KELLES) / SB 7098-A (HOYLMAN)] as a co-sponsor?</strong></p>