How To Prevent Bird Window Collisions
It is estimated that millions of birds are killed by glass window collisions.
Birds often cannot recognize reflective windows as barriers and subsequently fly into them.
They also may see their reflection as another bird in their territory and will peck at your windows incessantly, trying to drive its competitor away and simultaneously drive you crazy from non-stop pecking.
Identify problem windows, especially those greater than 6 feet, and reduce bird window collisions by:
- Applying window decals, i.e. hawk silhouettes (no more than 4" apart vertically and 2" apart horizontally)
- Attaching decorations on outside glass surface to break up reflection
- Installing screens, awnings, or netting to buffer impact
- Placing feeders within 3' or greater than 30' from windows*
- Curtains, shades or blinds to prevent reflection
- Hang ribbon, strands of string, party tape or similar from the outside of the window frame to break up window space and reflection
*Consider placing your feeder either within 3 feet of a window - birds won't gain enough momentum to harm themselves when they strike, or greater than 30 feet - birds will be less likely to see the windows as pathways.
Applying Window Alerts to Prevent Bird Collisions
Here's those nifty window decals shown in the video that shows transparent to our eyes, but solid to birds:
Use Netting to Prevent Window Collisions
Here is another method to prevent bird window collisions, courtesy of Judy Barkley from our Facebook page:
Judy hangs mosquito netting to prevent birds from flying into her window.
She hooks the netting at the top of her gutter with gutter hooks and at the bottom it's attached to the window box.
She also uses the same netting on a big ceiling-to-floor window in the front of her house where she also hooks the top to the gutters and at the bottom she attaches the net to stakes that have protruding screws.
As far as the birds flying into the netting, Judy says:
They fly into it at times, mostly if a hawk swoops, or a loud noise spooks them, not often tho, but the mesh is about a foot from the window and taut, so they just bounce back. This works great, and if you're inside you can't notice it unless you're looking for it.
Thanks Judy for your photo and tip!
Cornell's All About Birds also has more tips to prevent bird window collisions.
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