BIRD VS. WINDOW.

Protecting Our Feathered Friends. Birds!

Spring is here! You may have experienced a thump against your window. A bird has collided with your window. Birds strike glass because reflective or transparent glass is often invisible to them. Between 100 million and 1 billion birds are estimated to be killed by collisions in the United States alone each year. Our lovely songbirds, warblers, finches, wrens, and sparrows are the most prone to crashes.

Bird vs. Window

There are two types of collisions; territorial aggression, a bird attacking its reflection, thinking it is a rival. This is a problem that is most common in spring as male birds are establishing and defending territories. And the second is full-speed collisions, where the bird doesn’t realize the difference between the window and their environment.

Birds are most active where the vegetation is. Plants and brushes placed near your windows are a common cause of bird strikes due to the reflection of the landscape and sky in the window.

How do you prevent bird-window collisions?

1. Create patterns on reflective glass surfaces (quantity and spacing matter: multiple markings 2 to 4 inches apart are recommended).
2. Install external screens on windows.
3. Close blinds or curtains.
4. Move interior plants away from windows.
5. Place bird feeders directly on windows.
6. Turn off the lights.

Anti-Collision Treatments For Existing Windows

There are several DIY and professionally installed options to deter small birds from colliding with your window. Put decals, stickers, sun catchers, mylar strips, masking tape, or other objects (even sticky notes) on the outside surface of the window. But remember, these solutions are only effective when spaced very closely.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology lists these options for creating a safe environment for birds:

• Tempera paint or soap: Mark the outside of the window with soap or tempera paint. You can use a grid pattern or creative patterns no more than four inches by two inches.
• Window Decals: Put decals, stickers, sun catchers, mylar strips, masking tape, or other objects (even sticky notes) on the outside surface of the window. Spacing is key. These are only effective when spaced closely and placed outside the window. We have used WindowAlert. They have a variety of decals. Note that hawk silhouettes do not deter birds.
• Dot Patterns and Tape: Long-lasting tape products offer an easier way to apply the correct spacing of dots across your window.
• Acopian Bird Savers: Also known as “zen curtains,” these closely spaced ropes hang over windows. They do the work of tape or decals but are easier to install and can be aesthetically pleasing.
• Screens: Installing mosquito screens over your windows is very effective as long as they are on the outside of the window and cover the entire surface.
• Netting: Cover the glass on the outside with netting at least three inches from the glass, taut enough to bounce birds off before they hit. Small-mesh net (around 5/8″ or 1.6 cm) is best so that birds don’t get their heads or bodies entangled but will bounce off unharmed. You can mount the netting on a frame, such as a storm window frame, for easy installation and removal.
• One-way transparent film: Products such as Collidescape permit people on the inside to see out but make the window appear opaque on the outside. According to Sheppard, they can reduce the amount of light that comes into your window (this can also reduce your cooling costs).

For a more detailed overview of solutions, visit the American Bird Conservancy, a nonprofit group’s website. They have reviewed about 200 window materials and treatments for bird safety, types of glass for new construction, films, decals, and others for existing windows.

Resources

• American Bird Conservancy, https://abcbirds.org/glass-collisions/
• The Cornell Lab: “All About Birds,” https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/why-birds-hit-windows-and-how-you-can-help-prevent-it/#
• Great video webinar from Audubon New York: “An Inside Look: The Science and Solutions for Bird-window Collisions, “https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUP8o5bKVUU

Spring is an excellent time to give your home a facelift.

Time for window and door renovations. During the spring months, the weather is less hot and humid. That’s important for window installation. While you can still have windows done during the summer, the reduction in humidity and heat can help minimize the amount of disruption to daily life in the home. If you are thinking about a replacement project this year, please call us, and we can strategize to create a plan that fits your budget. Schedule a free consultation.