Bird strikes are a significant threat to avian populations, and after habitat loss, collisions with glass windows are considered the second leading cause of bird deaths. You may have heard the disconcerting thump of a bird hitting your window, or sadly discovered a deceased bird near your home. This is a widespread issue, but thankfully, there are many effective strategies to learn How To Stop Birds Flying Into The Window and make your home safer for our feathered friends.
Understanding Why Bird Window Strikes Happen
Birds perceive the world very differently from humans, and clear glass presents a deceptive and often fatal illusion. They do not recognize glass as a solid barrier. Instead, they see reflections of the surrounding environment – trees, sky, and open spaces – and instinctively attempt to fly towards these perceived pathways. This is why birds fly into windows, mistaking the reflection for reality. Even humans can sometimes misjudge glass doors, so it’s no surprise that birds, with their different visual processing, are even more vulnerable.
Daniel Klem, a renowned ornithologist, estimates that window collisions cause nearly a billion bird deaths annually. Studies, including one conducted with NYC Audubon, have shown alarmingly high rates of bird mortality in urban areas. For example, in New York City alone, it’s estimated that window strikes claim over 90,000 birds each year. While any bird species can be affected, migratory songbirds are particularly susceptible during their journeys. Sadly, many collisions result in instant death, while others leave birds stunned and vulnerable to predators.
Simple and Temporary Solutions to Prevent Bird Strikes
Fortunately, you don’t need extensive renovations to make a difference. There are several easy and temporary fixes that can significantly reduce bird collisions:
Bird Feeder Placement
Strategically placing bird feeders can be a simple yet effective method. Position feeders either within three feet of your windows or further than 30 feet away. When feeders are very close to windows, birds taking flight from the feeder are less likely to build up enough speed to cause serious injury if they do hit the glass. Conversely, placing feeders far away reduces the likelihood of birds approaching the window area in the first place.
Applying Window Patterns
Creating visual patterns on your windows is one of the most effective ways to deter birds. Birds are less likely to fly into windows that are not completely transparent or reflective. The key is the spacing of the pattern: it should have negative space no greater than four inches horizontally and two inches vertically – roughly the size of your hand.
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Tape Strips: Applying vertical tape strips (maximum 4 inches apart) or horizontal strips (maximum 2 inches apart) to the exterior of your windows is a straightforward solution. Specialized bird tape, like ABC BirdTape, is available which is more durable and aesthetically pleasing than standard tapes like masking or electrical tape. Ensure the tape is applied to the outside of the window for maximum effectiveness.
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Soap or Paint: Temporarily obscuring your windows with soap, window paints, or tempera paints is another easy and reversible option. Covering a significant portion of the window surface disrupts reflections and makes the glass more visible to birds.
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Window Gel Clings: Commercially available or homemade window gel clings can be applied to windows to create patterns. Remember to space them closely together, no more than 4 inches apart horizontally and 2 inches vertically, to be effective. Contrary to popular belief, decals of raptors are not particularly effective unless spaced very closely; the pattern itself is what deters birds, not the image.
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Adjusting Indoor Environment: Drawing blinds or curtains and moving indoor plants away from windows can help reduce reflections, especially if strong landscape reflections are present. However, this method alone may not be sufficient if external reflections are prominent.
Permanent Solutions for Bird-Safe Windows
For a more lasting approach to stop birds flying into the window, consider these permanent solutions that alter the properties of your glass:
Window Films
Installing window films is a highly effective long-term strategy.
- Frosted or Opaque Films: These films reduce both reflectivity and transparency of the glass, making windows much more visible to birds. Collidescape is a specialized film designed for bird safety. It appears opaque from the outside, effectively deterring birds, while maintaining outward visibility from inside your home. For optimal performance and longevity, films should ideally be applied to the exterior surface of the window, although some manufacturers may not guarantee them for external use.
External Window Coverings
Adding physical barriers in front of windows is another reliable method:
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Awnings, Louvers, Lattice, or Shades: These architectural elements placed in front of windows physically block reflections and create a visual barrier that birds can perceive.
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Mesh Window Screens: Installing or ensuring you have mesh window screens is a simple and widely applicable solution. The screens provide a visual and physical deterrent without significantly obstructing views or light.
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Bird Netting: Unobtrusive netting installed in front of windows creates a safe buffer zone. Companies like Bird B Gone offer netting solutions specifically designed for windows and building facades.
Innovative Bird-Friendly Glass Technologies
The most advanced solution lies in the development of bird-friendly glass itself.
UV Patterned Glass
Ornilux Mikado, manufactured by Arnold Glas, is a groundbreaking product that incorporates an ultraviolet (UV) pattern within the glass. This pattern is highly visible to birds, who can see UV light, but is nearly imperceptible to the human eye. This innovative technology offers a seamless way to make windows bird-safe without compromising aesthetics.
Creating a Bird-Safe Home
Preventing bird window strikes is a vital step in protecting wild bird populations. By understanding why collisions happen and implementing these practical solutions, you can significantly reduce the risk of bird strikes at your home. Whether you choose simple temporary fixes or more permanent installations, making your windows bird-safe allows you to enjoy watching birds from inside your home while ensuring their safety. Bird fatalities from window collisions are an unintended consequence of modern building design, but with a little effort and creativity, we can create homes that are both beautiful and safe for birds.
