About a month ago, this little goldfinch flew into our big glass doors while my son and I were eating breakfast and watching the birds at the feeder. I was horrified. I rushed to see if there was anything I could do, but the poor thing died pretty quickly. I made a decision right then that I would do everything in my power to prevent an incident like that from occurring again. So I did some research on how to prevent birds from smashing into windows. What I didn't realize is how huge a problem windows are for birds; nearly a billion birds are killed each year from flying into glass! Here is some information I found from the Mass Audubon:
It is estimated that over 100 million birds die in the United States each year as the result of collisions with windows. Research has determined that birds hit every size window: at any height (from a one-story house to high-rise building), anytime, day or night. Window strikes can be deadly for both large and small bird species.
Many of the deaths occur when migrating birds fly into illuminated, high-rise buildings. Twice annually, migrating birds travel to and from their wintering and breeding grounds, a distance anywhere from a few hundred miles to a few thousand miles, depending on the species. For many migrants, these long-distance flights take place at night and, because they are attracted to light, thousands die or are injured when they strike illuminated buildings, especially on foggy or rainy nights.
In residential areas and office parks, windows often reflect nearby trees, shrubs, or sky. Birds do not understand the concept of reflection. When they attempt to fly into the landscape they see, they strike the barrier they can't see - the glass. A bird in a hurry can fly into a window with enough speed to be killed or, if it is lucky, stunned. Predators, especially domestic cats, often take birds that are not killed on impact.As someone who cares deeply about conservation and is working towards living in harmony with nature, I felt very upset to be a contributing factor to the decline of migratory bird populations. So right away I purchased a bunch of window decals to put our big glass doors in front of the feeders. Hopefully they make a difference.
Here are some other suggestions that Glenn Phillips of the NYC Audubon and the Mass Audubon makes on how to prevent collisions:
- Bird feeders should be placed within three feet of a window, so that birds visiting the feeder cannot get up enough flight speed to hurt themselves.
- Break up the reflection. It is the reflection that fools the birds, so you need to signal the birds that this is not a safe flying zone. Window decals in the shape of hawks are sold to reduce window strikes, but the hawk shape is unimportant (it doesn't fool the birds). Any decals or stickers that are at least 6 inches in diameter can be used. Be sure to place several on the outside of the window, one foot apart, both horizontally and vertically. There are now decals that contain a component that brilliantly reflects ultraviolet sunlight, when placed on the outside of the window. This ultraviolet light is invisible to humans, but glows brilliantly for songbirds. The decals, shaped like maple leaves or butterflies, are about 4 by 4 inches (this is what we used). Another product uses the motion of brightly colored poultry feathers to warn birds away from glass. It is believed that birds have an aversion to loose, fluttering feathers because they associate them with the attack of a predator. The feathers hang from a five-foot length of monofilament line that attaches to the outside of the window with suction cups.
- Installing a pattern on a window where birds are known to hit can be uncomplicated and inexpensive. Patterns with negative space no greater than 4 by 2 inches, the size of a hand, are most effective.
- Place vertical tape strips at a maximum of 4 inches apart or horizontal strips a maximum of 2 inches apart. ABC BirdTape, is long-lasting and more aesthetically pleasing than masking tape or electrical tape, though all are effective. Be sure to place the tape on the outside of the window for maximum effectiveness.
- Soap windows, or use window paints or tempera paints to obscure most of window.
- Purchase or make your own window gel clings. Be sure to space them no more than 4 inches apart horizontally and 2 inches apart vertically.
- Draw blinds and move indoor plants away from windows. This will not work if there are strong reflections of the landscape in the window.
- Install a frosted or opaque window film. Collidescape is a film that looks opaque from the outside, but allows views out. Films are most effective when applied to the outside of the window. Most films are not guaranteed when placed on the outside surface, but many are reasonably long-lasting on these surfaces.
- Install awnings, louvers, lattice work, or shades in front of windows.
- Install mesh window screens.
- Install unobtrusive netting in front of window. A company called Bird B Gone has designed several types for glass windows and facades.
- Cover the window with a non-reflective material. There is a commercially available film for window exteriors which claims to reduce the reflectivity of windows without affecting the light entering the room.
- Cover the window with an impact-absorbing barrier Windows can be covered with a screen that is attached to the window using hooks or suction cups. This not only reduces the reflection, it prevents injury by cushioning the bird if it inadvertently flies toward the window. It also prevents territorial birds from attacking their reflection in the glass.
- The ultimate solution would be a glass that is visible to birds but not humans. A product called Ornilux Mikado, manufactured in Germany by Arnold Glass, incorporates an ultraviolet spidery crisscross pattern within the glass visible to birds but nearly invisible to us.
Please save some birds lives' and try to prevent window collisions at your home. You can make a difference!
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