The leading world expert on bird-window collisions, Dr. Daniel Klem Jr., Sarkis Acopian Professor of Ornithology and Conservation Biology at Muhlenberg College, was honored Dec. 12, 2016, for his research contributions that led to the installation of bird-friendly glass on the observation tower at America’s oldest state park, Niagara Falls.

Klem’s research of more than 40 years led to the glass design that prevents birds from colliding into windows at this historic site and around the world.

The unveiling of a new sign, which recognizes Klem’s contributions, was part of the ceremony.

The sign reads: “The striped design of the tower and the research documenting the threat that sheet glass poses to birds is from the scientific work of Daniel Klem Jr., Sarkis Acopian Professor of Ornithology and Conservation Biology at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Klem commented on receiving the honors.

“It is so humbling to have our scientific work at Muhlenberg College recognized and highlighted at New York’s Niagara Falls State Park for the lifesaving value it has for billions of birds worldwide.”

The college was well-represented at the recognition ceremony, with President John I. Williams Jr. and Acopian Ornithological Specialist Peter Saenger in attendance, in addition to Klem.

In 2001, considerable concern was expressed at the Falls regarding impact on birds, as the area is designated as a globally-significant “Important Bird Area.”

An environmental analyst at the New York State Office of Parks was looking for preventive measures that could be taken to reduce the instances of bird-window collisions.

She came across research prepared by Klem, which included crucial information about what birds could see and not see.

The original design for rebuilding the observation tower at the Falls called for mirrored glass, so their team reached out to Klem, who helped provide design recommendations to prevent bird collisions, and he advised on specifications for the glass manufacturer.

“Visitors travel to Niagara Falls each year for different reasons, but one of the most popular reasons is that people love to experience the nature of the Niagara Gorge,” Mark W. Thomas, western district director, New York State Parks, said. “The Niagara River Corridor was designated by Audubon in 1996 as the first internationally designated ‘Important Bird Area’ and so the fact that we can make their journey a bit safer is a very vital part of our mission here at New York State Parks.”

Klem earned his Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and was honored with a D.Sc. from Wilkes University for his research on the birds of Armenia and his pioneering studies of human-associated avian mortality from bird-window collisions.

He has taught at Muhlenberg since 1979 - specializing in ornithology and avian conservation.

Klem has spent more than four decades inspiring students with a love of learning and research as well as an abiding concern for the health of the earth and all its creatures.

His research interests involve the encounter between birds and humans in general and the preventable encounters between birds and plate glass windows, which Klem’s research estimates at billions of bird deaths a year.