Bird strike is the official term, given to the awful times when birds crash into windows. Billions of our feathered friends die each year (including 100 million in the UK alone).
Something made worse by old building facades being replaced by glass buildings (often lit up at night).
This post had help from experts at Feather Friendly, to ensure information is accurate.
Don’t Face Indoor Plants (to face gardens)
- Birds don’t see glass like us, so if there is foliage (say an indoor plant facing the garden), they may ‘fly into’ what they think is a garden, with glass often also reflecting their surroundings.
- So place indoor plants where they can’t be seen by garden birds.
- Read our post on pet-friendly gardens, to know indoor (and outdoor) plants to avoid, near animal friends. All bulbs (especially lilies) and sago palm are toxic to pets.
Turn Off Unused Lighting
- Indoor lights can disorient birds at night, so turn them off when not in use. Also close curtains/blinds and use task lights (like downward-facing lamps) where possible.
- In Toronto (Canada), a ‘Lights Out’ campaign (asking people who work in glass buildings ) resulted in huge reductions of bird strike.
- Use outdoor motion-activated lights, that go off when not in use.
Use ABC Bird Tape on Windows
Feather Friendly (Canada) makes visual markers (black for clear glass or white for reflective/mirrored areas). These are applied to outside glass, with no more than 2 inches of space between each marker.
The company also offers an online store that sells other various options to prevent bird strike. Etsy is a UK-based supplier.
The company says to only install at temperatures of above 10°C (50°F). This is because adhesive needs more time to bond in cooler weather.
For best results, cover the entire glass surface with markers in one go. CollidEscape is similar (also sold in the UK).
This tape breaks up reflections, to make windows visible to birds. Patterns like dots or stripes work well. Other one-way films let you see out, while making the glass appear opaque from outside.
Bird tape is far more effective than window ‘decals’ that usually are not applied correctly (you would have to almost cover the window).
It’s unclear why RSPB and other shops don’t sell bird tape, as it could save millions of garden birds.
Place Bird Feeders & Bird Baths Correctly
Experts say to avoid placing bird feeders and bird baths directly in front of windows. Instead, position them very close (within half a metre or 1.5 feet) or far away (over 10 metres or 30 feet). This lessens chance of birds flying at high speeds, into glass.
Greenhouses are another hazard, as again they have foliage in glass. See our post on greenhouses (you can now buy opaque green polytunnels that are cheaper and safer for birds , as they won’t be able to see the plants inside).
Also don’t place greenhouses or polytunnels near trees or vegetable, as this again can reflect and confuse.
How Communities Can Prevent Bird Strike
- FLAP (an organisation focused on preventing bird strike) has tips to start a community program, beginning with a bird-safe assessment. It suggests scanning your area for dead birds, and ask people if they have witnessed bird strike (often leaves ‘feather ghost imprints’ on windows).
- Sister site BirdSafe has recommendations. One is ‘bird-friendly glass’ that is made by several companies. Installed by window-fitters or builders, this has etched markings. So basically it looks the same to us, but is treated so that birds can see it.
- Read Solid Air by expert ornithologist Dr Daniel Klein Jr. He explains why birds fly into windows, and how to stop this occurring.
- Read The Bird-Friendly City for tips to to keep birds safe from cats (keep feline friends indoors at dusk/dawn when birds are likely feeding, avoid wooden bird tables (cats can claw up) and provide natural food and habitats for birds.
How to Help Birds Who Have Hit Glass
- FLAP says that if you hear a ‘thud’ on the window, survey the scene (a third of birds die).
- If after a few minutes the bird has not recovered, approach from behind and (gently) place in an (unwaxed) paper bag with punched air holes (and a clean unscented paper towel inside, to grip).
- Place the securely closed bag upright in a dark warm quiet place, away from children and pets. Don’t give the bird food or water, and call your local wildlife rescue.
- If the bird recovers, gently release, to assess flight. Fully feathered baby birds may fledge on the ground, waiting for parents. If you believe the bird is in danger, place in a branch to be safe.
- Place baby birds back in nests (parents may reject nests if disturbed, but not if they smell a human scent). If you cannot find the nest, line a small flowerpot with leaves or dry glass, and place the bird close to where you found it.
