Prevent Birds Flying Into Windows (simple tips)

Caroline Smith

Millions of birds fly into windows each year, but most cases can be prevented. Using just a few simple tips, a couple of clever inventions, and better town planning.

Also read how to create safe havens for garden birds (includes tips on providing natural habitats like hedges and trees, for safe food and shelter).

Simple tips to prevent bird strike

• Turn off lights when not in use. This is a huge factor in prevent strike, especially in glass buildings (which reflect foliage and cause confusion) are lit up at night. In Canada, a ‘lights out’ campaign has resulted in millions less birds being killed. If you use lights at night, then use blinds and curtains, and desk lamps.
• Don’t face indoor plants to outdoor gardens. Again, reflection confuses birds, who think they are flying into gardens (territorial birds like robins are tempted to fly into their own reflections).
• Know where not to place bird feeders. If you feed garden birds, place them within 1.5 feet (or at least 10 feet away – some say up to 30ft, others say no more than this). The reason is to avoid birds building up speed, when most crashes are fatal. Also avoid landscaping walkways that could funnel birds towards glass planes, nor plant fruit trees or berry bushes within 30 feet of glass windows or greenhouses.
• Also place them at least 5 to 6 feet above ground (away from cats) and sheltered from strong wind and sun, with a 360-degree view to spot predators.

Use feather friendly bird tape

Feather Friendly bird tape is far more effective than those decals (which you stick on windows, but to be effective they nearly have to cover the entire window and would also block out light).

This bird tape is a US invention, but you can buy it on Etsy in the UK. It’s sad that it’s not sold in garden centres (or even by RSPB) as it could save millions of bird lives).

To use, you basically seal it over a window. It doesn’t block out light, and birds can see the window, so don’t crash into it.

Packs have full instructions on how to use it (very easy to apply).

Start a FLAP program in your community

FLAP programs (stands for ‘fatal light awareness program’) are run from Canada. You start by conducting a local survey (if you see feathered prints on windows or people putting up window decals, this a clear sign there are issues, and people want to help).

Get involved by receiving a volunteer training manual. You can then educate local people on all the information above, and perhaps bulk-buy ABC bird tape, to help stop bird strikes. And conduct local ‘lights out’ campaigns .

How to help birds that fly into windows

If you hear a thud, wait to see if the bird recovers and flies off. If not:

• Gently place the bird in a ventilated box lined with a cloth (no tassels on towels).
• Keep it for a couple of hours in a quiet dark warm place, to help recover from shock.
• If you don’t have a box to hand, a clean paper bag with ventilation holes will do.
• Do not give the bird food or water.
• If the bird recovers, let it fly off (keep an eye and ear out for tapping on the box). If the bird shows signs of injury like blood and drooping wings (or cannot stand or hold its head up) or remains unconscious for a few minutes, contact your local wildlife rescue. Or take it to a local vet, who can humanely put it to sleep.

Bird-friendly glass buildings

Guardian Glass solution at Penn Medicine Radnor Building in Pennyslvania, United States (©Albert Vecerka/Esto)

Architects and councils can use bird-friendly glass for new buildings. This has UV patterns that birds can see, but we can’t. It’s widely used worldwide: available from Pilkington and Guardian Glass. If you look closely at the photo above, you’ll see the glass has etchings, so birds can see and avoid it.

A great way to help is to leave old facades of old buildings intact. And not replace with more glass buildings.

Books to help prevent bird strike

• Solid Air is by the world’s expert in preventing bird-window collisions. He condenses over 40 years of experience, into a book for builders and councils.
• The Bird-Friendly City is packed with proven solutions for urban birds. Includes case studies of how to stop birds flying into windows and buildings.