Preventing Bird Collisions with Windows

Quck answer

Birds often fly into windows because they see the reflection of the sky or trees in the glass and think it’s a clear path. This can result in injury or death for the bird. To prevent this, there are several things you can do:

– Install bird-friendly window treatments, such as decals or screens.

– Move bird feeders and baths away from windows.

– Use blinds or curtains to reduce reflections.

– Put up netting or string in front of the window to break up the reflection.

By taking these steps, you can help protect birds and enjoy their presence without harming them.

Wild Animals

A baby Cooper’s Hawk crashed into a home’s window, but after sitting stunned for almost an hour on the homeowner’s deck, it eventually flew away. normanack/USED UNDER CREATIVE COMMONS CC BY-ND 2.0

Have you ever heard a bird crashing into your window? During the day, birds mistake reflections in windows for a continuation of the landscape and fly into the glass. At night, birds can be attracted to artificial light and collide with windows. In the spring, birds may see their reflection in windows and attack it. Unfortunately, 54 to 76 percent of bird and window collisions result in fatalities, and between 100 million to 1 billion birds are killed each year by colliding with buildings in the United States alone.

However, people can make a difference in preventing bird collisions. Yale University has incorporated bird-safe standards for its building construction, including making glass more visible and reducing reflections to the sky, and decreasing light pollution. The Audubon Society suggests retrofitting existing buildings with bird-friendly features, such as adding window films or screens, closing curtains or blinds at night, and using lighting that is turned off or directed downward during migration season.

Here are some tips to prevent bird collisions with windows: install a net or screen outside the window to slow down the bird before the impact, close curtains or blinds at night, keep bird feeders and plants at least 30 feet away from windows, hang bird feeders with suction cups right on the glass, purchase or make Acopian BirdSavers using paracord and a simple horizontal piece to hang the paracord from, and buy or paint decorations on the windows. You can also paint or apply sticker strips to your windows, but make sure they are no more than 2 to 4 inches apart to prevent birds from trying to fly through them. FLAP Canada has a “Bird Death Counter” on their website, which shows the estimated number of migratory birds that have died in window collisions across North America. In less than five minutes, 4,503 birds had perished while HowStuffWorks was on the site. Remember to take these precautions to protect our feathered friends.

FAQ

1. Why do birds fly into windows?

There are a few reasons why birds fly into windows. One reason is that they see their reflection in the glass and believe it is another bird. Another reason is that windows can be confusing for birds, especially if they are not used to seeing them. Additionally, birds may be attracted to plants or other objects inside the house and accidentally fly into the window while trying to reach them.

2. How can I prevent birds from flying into my windows?

There are a few things you can do to prevent birds from flying into your windows. One option is to place decals or stickers on the window to make it more visible to birds. Another option is to hang netting or other materials over the window to create a barrier. Additionally, you can move bird feeders and other attractants away from the windows to reduce the likelihood of birds flying into them.

3. What should I do if I find a bird that has flown into my window?

If you find a bird that has flown into your window, it is important to approach it slowly and carefully. You should wear gloves to protect yourself from any potential injuries and avoid touching the bird directly. If the bird is unconscious or appears injured, you should contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.

4. Are certain types of windows more likely to cause birds to fly into them?

Yes, certain types of windows are more likely to cause birds to fly into them. Windows that are large, clear, and reflective are particularly problematic. Additionally, windows that are located near trees or other areas where birds may be flying are more likely to cause collisions.

5. How does bird-window collision impact bird populations?

Bird-window collision can have a significant impact on bird populations. It is estimated that up to one billion birds are killed each year in the United States alone as a result of colliding with windows. This can have a negative impact on local ecosystems and reduce bird populations in affected areas.

6. What are some bird-safe building design features?

There are several bird-safe building design features that can help reduce the likelihood of bird-window collisions. One option is to use window films or coatings that make the glass more visible to birds. Another option is to install exterior shading devices or screens to reduce the reflectivity of the windows. Additionally, incorporating bird-friendly landscaping around the building can help deter birds from flying into the windows.

7. How can I get involved in bird conservation efforts?

There are many ways to get involved in bird conservation efforts. You can volunteer with local wildlife rehabilitation centers, donate to organizations that work to protect birds and their habitats, and participate in citizen science projects that collect data on bird populations. Additionally, you can advocate for bird-friendly policies and practices in your community, such as reducing the use of pesticides and supporting bird-friendly building design.