Student art project helps prevent bird strikes on campus

March 02, 2026

An innovative art installation at FGCU’s Arts Complex is transforming the building’s entrance into both a visual statement and a conservation solution. The white-patterned design on the main glass doors, developed through a collaboration between the FGCU Ornithology Club and the FGCU Art Galleries, serves the functional purpose of preventing bird collisions while showcasing student art.

Professor Oscar Johnson stands outside the entrance of the FGCU Arts Complex next to the main entrance glass doors. They are decorated with a white-dot pattern and white nature‑inspired designs. A microphone stand is positioned nearby, and reflections of people and the surrounding area are visible in the windows.

Oscar Johnson, assistant professor of ornithology, speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the bird-safe window art project at the Arts Complex in December 2024.

The project started in fall 2024 after a student found a bird that had struck a window outside the Arts Complex.

The two groups came together to create a project to help prevent future bird strikes.

It incorporates a hand-drawn, white-dot pattern, as well as student art designs.

The current window design displays a 2-by-2-inch design that breaks up the window’s reflective surface, making it easier for birds to recognize it as a barrier. The spacing between the dots deters birds from flying into a space they perceive as too small. This pattern helps protect local birds on campus, including gray catbirds, raptors and small songbirds.

Colorful artwork and a white-dot pattern design covers the glass entrance doors of the FGCU Arts Complex. The colorful artwork features graphic illustrations including fruits, plants, animals, abstract shapes, and a heart, all arranged in a grid across the doorway. The FGCU Art Galleries signage is visible at the center of the entrance.

White-dot window design on the front doors of the FGCU Art Galleries and TheatreLab.

Through the art project, the Ornithology Club hopes to raise awareness about window bird strikes, retrofit additional windows across campus and contribute to conversations about installing bird-safe windows in future buildings.

If you spot a bird that has struck a window on campus, send a photo and the location of the bird to fgcuornithologyclub@gmail.com, Oscar Johnson, assistant professor of ornithology, at ojohnson@fgcu.edu or call/text (941) 564-9253.