Seeing a bird fly into a window is upsetting, as often the bird dies. Billions of birds are killed worldwide each year from ‘bird strike’, which has increased since old facades are replaced by 24-hour lit glass buildings. This post has help from Feather Friendly, to ensure information is accurate.
Why Do Birds Fly Into Windows?
Birds lack the visual cues that help humans see glass, making it difficult for them to recognize it as a barrier. Slo they may perceive windows as open spaces, either because glass reflects their surroundings (or is clear and shows habitat beyond). In urban areas, the high number of glass buildings increases the risk of collisions. Migratory birds are especially at risk.
In the UK, it’s estimated around 100 million birds are victims to this fate each year. Thankfully, there are several ways to help reduce these collisions.
Lights Out!
Outdoor lights can disorient birds, especially at night. Turn out lights when not in use, and close curtains and/or use task lights where possible. Outdoors, use motion-activated lights to stop unnecessary light pollution.
Don’t Face Indoor Foliage to Face Gardens
Place indoor plants where they can’t be seen, by garden birds. If you live with pets, know unsafe plants to avoid, as well as pet-friendly garden plants.
Use ABC Bird Tape on Windows
Feather Friendly (also sold on Etsy) makes a suite of visual markers (black for clear glass or white for reflective/mirrored areas) for all project sizes and needs. All markers are applied to the outside glass surface and have no more than 2 inches of space between each marker. The company also makes Bird Tape.
The maker says to only install at temperatures of above 10°C (50°F). This is because the adhesive needs more time to bond in cooler weather. For best results, cover entire glass surface with markers in one go, to cure evenly across the whole area. CollidEscape is similar (sold in the UK).
This product 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 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 entirely). It’s unclear why RSPB and other shops don’t sell this wonderful product, when it could save millions of garden birds.
Place Bird Feeders and Bath 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.
See the post on greenhouses (you can now buy opaque green polytunnels that are cheaper, and safer for birds as they can’t see through them to foliage). If you use greenhouses, don’t place near trees and vegetation that could reflect and confuse.
How Communities Can Help Prevent Bird Strike
- FLAP has free resources on its website to start a community program. First scan your area for dead birds and ask people if they have witnessed bird strikes (feather ”ghost imprints on windows). Take a bird-safe assessment of the area. Sister site BirdSafe has recommendations (like ‘bird-friendly glass’ that avian friends can see).
- Read Solid Air (by Dr Daniel Klein Jr, an ornithologist whose expertise is used to design bird-friendly buildings). He explains why birds fly into windows, and how to stop this occurring. Also read The Bird-Friendly City, a book of ideas that work – from from avoiding bird strike and light pollution, to helping birds stay safe from cats.
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 and flown off, 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 it, 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 won’t reject it, if they smell your 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.
