Under the Same Sky

By Keyi Huang

WRI 111: Writing Seminar

To read Student Editor Yushuo Wang’s comments on the writing moves found in this essay, click on or hover over the footnotes within the text.

On a normal winter day in December 2019, my sister and I had just come out of our high school’s dining hall.

“I don’t like the winter here. It’s just as quiet as a snow globe without a snowflake,” my sister said.

I agreed. In the mild winter here in Changsha, a typical southern metropolitan area, low and thick clouds covered this city’s sky forever. Seldomly wind blew through the trees, but mostly there was only silence. People either wandered or scurried in the streets, waiting for something lively to happen. Then we heard an air-slicing sound, like wings flapping and feathers cutting the air. This sound was even louder than the wind, so when they, a huge flock of white-cheeked starlings, came from very far away, the sound was loud as if they could shake the branches. Hundreds of them skimmed through the gray sky and tore the veil of silence apart. ¹ As they came closer, the group gradually expanded in our view, almost shuttering the sky with gathered individual creatures. Without a director or a guide, they spontaneously circled the red-block buildings and bald canopies of trees. With an unimaginable speed, these agile birds did their skillful flight so near to the branches that the sound of feathers sweeping through the leaves was heard. A sense of awe caught us and pinned us where we were. As city kids, we had never seen so many birds at once. We just stood there, watching these guests from the north. These white-cheeked starlings went south for the winter; now they were probably searching for a place to rest. For my sister and me, it was such a pleasure that we could see the migration behavior in cities. The city area has been occupied by humans so long that we almost forgot that other animals like white-cheeked starlings used to live freely here. Knowing that they may not be staying here for too long, our eyes traced their flight paths with secret delight.

What was unexpected was that a few loud muffled sounds mingled with the wind, like someone knocking on the windows with their knuckles super hard. ² A sense of foreboding reared up in my mind. I hate this speculation, but I clearly knew that the extensive glazing covering our main buildings could be too dangerous and too cold for these free souls. I was too afraid to encounter this possibility.

“Oh…Look over there…” My sister took a deep breath, beckoning me to look up to the main building.

The thing I feared the most happened. What I didn’t want to see was several sites of radiating crash marks and bloodstains on the glass curtain walls. I couldn’t imagine how fast and heavy the crashes would be to leave those marks. We ran in that direction in deep concern. Below these crash marks, birds curled up on the ground, struggling to get up but never able to do so. Blood soaked the soft feathers on their heads; their bellies shook. ³ We couldn’t speak a word. A huge sense of incapability attacked us, for we couldn’t even save them from this tragedy. They wouldn’t stop. Driven by their instincts, they kept flying at such a high speed. The crash kept happening, and more and more birds dropped down from the sky. Mistaking the reflection on the glass for open sky, they dashed into it without thinking twice – the lush canopy of trees was their resting place, how could they ever doubt? The wind that reflected their speed became more terrible than ever. We watched helplessly as they crashed, fell, and floundered on the ground.

In the United States, there are from 389 million to 1 billion birds killed by bird-building collisions annually (Loss et al. 8). In China, there is yet no mass-scale data collection held by any organization on this issue, yet according to a report by Binbin Li at Duke Kunshan University, volunteers collected 39 collision cases in 77 days (Duke Kunshan University, 2021); a national survey held by two bird lovers in Chengdu reported 250 cases in one year (Duke Kunshan University). ⁴ Since China has not yet had large-scale field research on this topic, there could probably be many more collision cases not reported.

One possible reason is the ongoing urbanization process and expanding use of glass curtain wall systems in buildings. The glass curtain wall is mostly used as the facades of skyscrapers; they are the glazing envelope of buildings. The rapid urbanization of China in recent years has greatly increased the number of glass buildings. In thirty years, China has been the largest user of glass curtain walls, owning 80% of curtain walls in the world (Xu). The problem of mass construction of glass buildings is not confined to China; the global glass curtain wall market is estimated to keep expanding in the next six years – in 2019, the market size was USD 48.06 billion; in 2027, it’s estimated to be 71.14 billion (Glass Curtain Wall Market Size, Growth | Global Report [2020-2027]).

However, this is a nightmare for birds. During the day, they will not be able to distinguish between the sky and the reflection on the glass. They are misled by the reflections of the blue sky, thinking the window is a trustworthy direction to go. They plan their flight by instinct, confidently manipulating their flying skills to depart toward where they want to go, but the only thing waiting for them is the cold, hard glass and the unbearable pain from skull fracture. Even during the night, the artificial light from inside will “disorient and attract” birds (Yang et al. 2021). Continuous blue, green, and white artificial light would interfere with the migrating paths of nocturnally migrating birds, for the birds will prefer these continuous light sources when the stars are invisible (Rebke et al., 2019). As I dived deeper into my research, the information shows that even if one bird is not immediately killed by the collision, the bird will have a side effect of congestion or swelling of the brain, which often leads to death. Birds that have been hit are also less able to navigate, making them more likely to be killed or maimed brutally (such as raptors and cats) (Chinese Academy of Science, 2011). This problem becomes more severe considering that three major global migratory flyways for birds (East-Asia Australasian, West Pacific, and Central Asia) among five cover almost the entirety of China, with over 400 species using the East-Asia Australasian alone (Yang et al. 2021). On the way to migration, they already face countless threats from their predators and illegal hunting (Xu). We must do something to reduce the risks of their instinct-driven journey.

After all, the solutions are not difficult to implement. ⁵ Simply reducing the use of large glass curtain walls can well solve this problem. Research shows that when the proportion of glass exceeds 40%, there is a direct relationship between bird-building collision frequency and glass area (Duke Kunshan University, 2021). Besides, the mass use of all-glass curtain buildings may not be that energy efficient (Al-Kodmany 683). The energy-intensive part is mainly concentrated in the air conditioning and artificial ventilation. Glass curtain buildings usually have poor insulation (Al-Kodmany 683), making the temperature inside harder to maintain; besides, due to a lack of shading and the features of glass, glass curtain buildings suffer from overheating during summer, and that means higher energy consumption (Volf et al 36). We usually feel the greenhouse hotter than outside, and the all-glass curtain system is just like a greenhouse, since glass houses can accumulate heat and prevent dissipation. Therefore, we should really consider if it’s necessary when we want to build more curtain walls since they are not only damaging to birds but also quite energy inefficient.

For existing glass curtains and windows in residences, there are still ways to protect birds from colliding with them. ⁶ Different visual cone cells in the eyes can sense different light signals in the environment; therefore, creatures can recognize and distinguish different colors. Unlike human eyes, which have only three kinds of cone cells to sense red, green, and blue lights (though enough to accept visual light signals), birds have one additional cone cell to sense ultraviolet light, so birds’ eyes can not only be sensitive to visual light signals, but also to matters that reflect UV light (Rajchard 352). Based on this difference, special coatings, stickers, and glass that can reflect UV lights are designed to prevent bird collision so that birds can see the designs on the glass and avoid them. At the same time, the transparency of windows is not affected, since human eyes cannot sense the UV light signals. ⁷ Noticeably, there is a 2″ x 4″ rule for the sticker designs that is proven the most effective in defending birds. It’s a pattern of dot arrangements, where the distance between vertically arranged dots is 4 inches and that between horizontally arranged dots is 2 inches. Therefore, if we stick this special sticker to existing glass windows, we could prevent most bird collisions. This technology has been implemented and proved effective. Among all the bird-window strikes recorded, windows with UV-reflective films that follow the 2″ x 4″ rule had only 3% of the strikes, while as high as 70% of the strikes happened in windows without UV-reflective films (Klem JR 319). Led by Professor Li, the building constructions at Duke Kunshan University implement bird-friendly building designs, including stickers that adhere to the 2″ x 4″ rule (Duke Kunshan University).

Along with the increasing awareness of the bird-window collision problem, there are commercialized bird-friendly glass and window films for both commercial and private use, designed and produced based on the mechanisms of bird vision. Bird-friendly glass is glass with stripes and dots painted with special coatings, usually used in large construction projects; bird-friendly films are window films with designs that can reflect UV or visible light to prevent bird collision. Yet we don’t always need to spend a large amount of extra money or use an advanced technique to tackle the bird collision problem. Other than purchasing UV-reflective films, there are other solutions that are not so demanding in money or effort. For example, to reduce reflections, The Cuihu National Urban Wetland Park in suburban Beijing applied frosted film on its glass walls. Researchers at Peking University used posters, wires, and stickers to cover the glass balustrades after they found bird collisions (Yuan). Besides, UV light reflection coatings or special stickers only work under daylight; at night, the coatings and stickers can hardly block the effect of artificial lights. In this case, we can draw the curtains, use roller shades, or adjust the angle of window blinds to prevent the emission of light (Chinese Academy of Science). ⁸

However, simply adjusting the residence windows is not enough. To stem the increase of those commercial structures, we could “educate architects, developers, glass manufacturers, engineers, politicians and the public” and stop the production of more bird-hazard buildings (Sheppard, pt.1). Bird protection legislation is urgently needed, as relying on public monitoring and consumer boycotting is still relatively weak in effect. New York City implemented a bird-protection Local Law 15 in November 2020. The Local Law 15 gives clear definitions to concepts like Bird Hazard Installation (BHI), Fly-Through Conditions (FTC), and Bird-Friendly Material (BFM). This law sets clear requirements for window material selection, building construction, and other factors that may pose a potential threat to birds in construction projects (“Bird Friendly Building Design & Construction Requirements Guidance document”). Other regions considering legislation issues may look to New York’s experience. Since this law has only been imposed for one year, the long-term effect is not yet known. However, it is still very necessary for us to raise awareness of this issue.

After that year, my sister and I never saw the starlings again. Probably they were just randomly selecting an area they wanted to fly by that day, or they had already realized that those human buildings were dangerous and not trustworthy. ⁹ If you have seen bird migration once, you will be amazed by how such tiny bodies can store that much energy to fly, and by how precise and clever their bodies are to make use of the power of the wind to raise themselves to the sky.

Birds are full of life yet fragile creatures. They are light and agile as flowing air that ought not to be trapped by artificial buildings or lost in glass labyrinths. Urbanized only for a century or two, why should we build glass cages and obstruct their domain? This land does not belong to us, and we have no right to harm these souls. We must bear it as our duty to eliminate as many forms of hazard as them. We should never let the cities become much more dangerous areas to them.

Works Cited

Bird Friendly Building Design & Construction Requirements Guidance document https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/bldgs_bulletins/bird_friendly_guidance_document.pdf. Accessed 30 Nov. 2021.

Feature: China Strives to Make Glass Buildings Bird-Friendly. http://www.news.cn/english/2021-11/02/c_1310286338.htm. Accessed 27 Nov. 2021.

Glass Curtain Wall Market Size, Growth | Global Report [2020-2027]. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/glass-curtain-wall-market-103912. Accessed 30 Nov. 2021.

Li, Hongyang. Survey Collects Data on Avian Accidents. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202008/11/WS5f31f24ea31083481725f7ae.html. Accessed 27 Nov. 2021.

Loss, Scott R., et al. “Bird–Building Collisions in the United States: Estimates of Annual Mortality and Species Vulnerability.” The Condor, vol. 116, no. 1, American Ornithological Society, 2014, pp. 8–23.

“Modern Glass Façades: Air Conditioning and Energy Production Included.” Glassonweb.Com, https://www.glassonweb.com/article/modern-glass-facades-air-conditioning-and-energy-production-included. Accessed 30 Nov. 2021.

Sheppard, Christine D. “Evaluating the Relative Effectiveness of Patterns on Glass as Deterrents of Bird Collisions with Glass.” Global Ecology and Conservation, vol. 20, Oct. 2019, p. e00795. ScienceDirect, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00795.

The First Survey Report of Bird-building Collision in China | Duke Kunshan University. https://dukekunshan.edu.cn/zh/news/bird-collision-infographics. Accessed 30 Nov. 2021.

Why Do Birds Hit Glass by Mistake —- Chinese Academy of Science. https://www.cas.cn/kxcb/kpwz/201107/t20110715_3309744.shtml. Accessed 27 Nov. 2021.

Why Glass Curtain Wall Becomes Birds’ Blind Zone – Xinhua Net. http://www.xinhuanet.com/local/2020-04/17/c_1125867720.htm. Accessed 30 Nov. 2021.

Yang, Hong, et al. “Bird-Friendly Buildings for China’s Cities.” Science, vol. 374, no. 6565, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Oct. 2021, pp. 268–268. science.org (Atypon), https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abm3221.

A Word from Keyi

Photo of Keyi Huang If there must be a top-three in challenging steps of writing an essay, I will rank “choosing a topic” as the highest, followed by “organizing arguments” and “revision.” At the very beginning, I chose a topic that intrigued me a lot but was too vague and complicated. I spent quite a long time brainstorming a proper perspective to cut into that topic and the best way to organize the essay structure. The more I thought about that topic, the more problems occurred – unclear claims, lack of evidence, inconsistent logic chains… In the end, I abandoned the topic and chose the “glass and bird safety” one. Though I spent nearly two weeks on the previous topic, I still don’t regret that decision. A clear topic really helps a lot in essay writing. Later, the whole writing process went much smoother than I thought. In addition, overcoming perfectionism and finishing the “shitty first draft” is also challenging for me. Though I knew that it was nearly impossible to write a perfect essay at once, I could still be constantly distracted by thoughts on how to modify the finished parts when I was writing. This is when deadlines and step-by-step submission worked really well for me – they pushed me to focus on finishing the draft first, and then I could come back and revise the essay.

What I learned from WRI 111 was that arranging the arguments was just as important as generating the arguments themselves. The process of writing the ideas down in a more organized form is also a way to better sort them out and find potential flaws. When I had a blurry direction on how my essay would go, I thought all the arguments were perfect; but when I wrote the outline, I started to think about counterarguments and how I could enhance my arguments. Writing is always more than a written presentation of thoughts. I started to believe that the writing process itself could bring me more than I expected. All in all, writing requires a lot of effort, constant reflection, and practice.

From Professor Elisabeth Whitehead

Commentary:

What I admire most in this essay is that it showcases Keyi’s flexibility, balance, and nuance as a writer. Throughout the semester, she wrote powerful and engaging essays, whether the focus was on observation, analysis, research, or narrative. This was the final major assignment in the class. One of the larger challenges in the assignment is that it requires a seamless integration of many different writing approaches that we practiced throughout the semester: utilizing strong observation skills, critical reading and analysis of sources, incorporating research, awareness of audience, precision of language, use of sensory description, creativity, and flexibility, among others. Here Keyi works to expertly integrate all these elements, creating, in the end, a thoughtful, informative argument that engages its readers on many different levels.

Especially strong is the lyrical and poetic quality in her writing. Here is just one moment that stood out to me: “Then we heard an air-slicing sound, like wings flapping and feathers cutting the air. This sound was even louder than the wind, so when they, a huge flock of white-cheeked starlings, came from very far away, the sound was as loud as if they could shake the branches.” Keyi takes her time, slowing down the writing in these moments. Through her use of dialogue, metaphoric language, sensory description, and her honest, reflective voice, we can feel, as readers, a part of the scene, rather than observing from a distance. She creates a strong tonal quality and atmosphere that connects us emotionally to the topic of her advocacy. Because of the strength of her introductory narrative, this emotional connection is sustained throughout the rest of the essay, even in the purely researched sections. She has made the choice as a writer to keep her research and narrative sections mostly separate from one another. But somehow, we never lose her voice and personal connection to the issue. We hear it in the background, connecting the research back to the opening narrative. The research and statistical sections offer clear picture of the scope of the issue, and also provide practical steps toward change. Keyi’s essay is well-organized, clear, and emotionally resonant.

Assignment:

Essay 4: Narrative Advocacy

For your fourth paper, develop an argument built on the foundation of personal narrative on an issue of concern to you.

Narrative arguments make it possible for writers to illustrate a point by appealing to their audience, invoking experience, and creating a sense of identification with the controversy at hand. Key to creating an effective narrative argument is establishing credibility (your audience must believe you and trust your presentation) and establishing representativeness (the audience needs to understand that your narrative reflects a larger problem beyond the scope of its events).

Choose a subject that is tightly focused. You will want to keep your work balanced rhetorically by accompanying the emotional appeal of your story with strong credibility and with logical evidence (both anecdotal and researched) to support your claims.

Think in terms of an experience that made you realize that something was wrong or that something needed to be changed, and from which you gained essential knowledge about yourself and about the workings of the world around you. Tell a story that allows you to establish your position on the controversy and provide support for your claims. A well-told story often engages in vivid description. Create presence in your details. Your readers should really feel that they too, by reading your account, are there beside you, and can hear, see, smell, and touch those surroundings. Clean and vivid details can help set scene and tone. Therefore, be specific, descriptive, and engaging.

Successful papers will provide a rhetorically balanced narrative argument and will be clearly and engagingly written. You should conduct enough research to provide relevant, external support for your position. Your paper should include at least three sources (books, magazines, journals, newspapers, interviews, films, and/or texts from the academic databases), but use as many sources as you need.

Editor Comments

1
With the clever and apt use of verbs, here is a great example of scene writing: showing instead of telling.
2
Like what Keyi did here, approachable writing can be achieved by setting metaphors that the audience can easily identify with.
3
Sometimes detailed observations outweigh superfluous adjectives, as is seen in this case.
4
Taking a step back and reporting data, Keyi brought the tragedy aforementioned into a bigger picture that is worth discussing.
5
It is the two transitive sentences that make the problem-and-solution structure back to back.
6
Here we can feel Keyi pushing her discussion of solutions a step further, from the general reduction of the use of large glass curtain walls to how to deal with the ones currently existing.
7
When doing a scientific discussion, we want to be informative while avoiding the use of jargon. Here, Keyi achieved this by unraveling the term “visual cone cells” for us layer by layer.
8
With many sides, even detailed caveats, of the solutions being discussed, Keyi provided the audience with comprehensive and persuasive information.
9
The reference to the beginning of the passage reminds readers of the opening scene and once more time calls for our attention to the importance of bird protection.