How Do You Keep Birds From Flying Into Windows

How to Keep Birds From Flying Into Windows: A Comprehensive Guide

Birds flying into windows are a sadly common occurrence, often resulting in injury or death for the birds and distress for homeowners. This comprehensive guide explores the reasons behind these collisions and offers practical solutions to deter birds and keep your feathered friends safe. We'll cover everything from simple, inexpensive DIY solutions to more advanced strategies, ensuring you find the perfect approach for your home.

Why Do Birds Hit Windows?

Birds don't intentionally target windows; the collisions happen due to a combination of factors:

• Reflective surfaces: Windows often reflect the surrounding environment, creating an illusion of open space. Birds, especially those flying at high speeds, may not recognize the glass as a solid barrier. This is exacerbated by clear glass, which is virtually invisible to birds.
• Vegetation and feeders: Placing bird feeders or birdbaths too close to windows increases the chances of collisions, as birds will frequently fly between these resources and the perceived open space beyond the glass.
• Attractive scenery: Windows reflecting lush greenery, trees, or other desirable habitats can lure birds into fatal collisions.
• Lack of visual cues: Birds rely on visual cues to navigate. The absence of obvious boundaries like branches or other obstacles near windows makes it harder for them to recognize the glass.

Effective Strategies to Deter Bird Collisions

Here are several proven methods to prevent birds from flying into your windows:

Simple and Affordable Solutions:

• Window decals: Applying decals, stickers, or tape to the exterior of your windows disrupts the reflected image and provides visual cues to birds. Consider using patterns, silhouettes of birds of prey, or even simple dots. Spacing the decals approximately 2 inches apart is effective. Experiment with different designs and placements to find what works best.
• Exterior netting: Strategically placed netting outside windows, particularly near feeders or areas with dense vegetation, can create a visible barrier, preventing birds from approaching the glass directly.
• Strategic planting: Planting shrubs and trees outside windows can help to soften the appearance of the glass and provide natural visual cues for birds. Choose taller plants to create a visual barrier.
• Reduce reflections: Keep blinds or curtains drawn during times of high bird activity, particularly at dawn and dusk, to minimize reflections.

More Advanced Strategies:

• UV-reflective film: Specialized films designed to reflect ultraviolet (UV) light are invisible to humans but highly visible to birds. These films are applied to the exterior of windows, providing a clear barrier without affecting the aesthetics of your home.
• External window treatments: Consider installing window awnings, shutters, or decorative screens that obscure the reflection and provide visual cues. This is a more permanent solution that can enhance the architectural style of your home.
• Bird-friendly glass: This specialized glass uses a pattern or texture that is perceptible to birds but mostly transparent to humans. It's a more expensive option, but it's incredibly effective.

Preventing Collisions Near Bird Feeders:

• Proper placement: Position feeders at least 3-4 feet away from windows to minimize the risk of collisions.
• Minimize reflections: Ensure the feeder isn't directly reflected in the glass.
• Use a feeder guard: Some feeders have built-in guards that help prevent birds from flying directly into the windows.

What to Do If a Bird Hits a Window:

If a bird strikes your window, check it for injuries. A stunned bird should be gently placed in a cardboard box lined with a soft towel in a quiet, dark place for about 30 minutes. If it doesn’t regain its bearings or shows signs of injury (bleeding, broken wing, etc.), contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of birds colliding with your windows, protecting both the birds and your peace of mind. Remember, a proactive approach is key to creating a safer environment for our feathered friends.