Strategies to Minimize Bird Collisions with Your Windows
In a world where birds meet their untimely demise due to bird-window collisions, it's essential to take action and keep our avian friends safe. Shockingly, it's estimated that over 100 million to one billion birds get killed annually by smacking into manmade structures. Chloe Saucedo Crumley, public affairs and engagement manager with Audubon Texas, states emphatically, "Bird-window collisions pose a significant threat to bird populations."
Birds flying haphazardly off course often suffer severe injuries, resulting in agonizing deaths lasting days. Worse still, a single collision causing a parent bird's demise might lead to the deaths of helpless babies in the nest. Saddening, isn't it, that up to 50% of bird-window collisions go unnoticed, meaning you might not even know a traumatized bird took its last breath on your window.
Chloe Saucedo Crumley, the public affairs and engagement manager with Audubon Texas, shares some insider knowledge. "Birds literally can't see glass," she explains. Collisions occur due to reflections on windows and because the mirror-like surface often resembles a clear passageway to these flighty creatures. During the day, these collisions occur due to the reflectivity of glass showing trees, sky, or vegetation, and transparency, where birds mistakenly see through the glass to potted plants or vegetation on the other side, Crumley elaborates.
Nighttime poses an even greater threat for nocturnal migrants. Unfortunately, it is estimated that about 80% of migratory birds in North America migrate at night, making them more vulnerable to buildings and their glittering windows. Researchers aren't entirely sure why, but artificial lights at night disorient and steer migrating birds toward urban areas, placing these feathery travelers in the direct path of deadly collisions.
But, fear not dear nature enthusiast! With some simple steps, you can help ensure that your neighborhood and migrating birds gracefully fly by your windows:
Why Birds Fly into Windows
Ever wondered why birds get that deer-in-headlights look when they fly into your window? That's because they can't see glass! Collisions happen due to reflections on windows and the mirror-like surface mimicking a clear passageway to birds. Daytime crashes occur because of the reflective nature of glass displaying trees, sky, or vegetation, and transparency, where birds can see through the glass to potted plants or vegetation on the other side. Crumley adds that nocturnal migrants (including most songbirds) crash because they fly into lighted windows. Researchers aren't certain why, but artificial lights at night also confuse and divert migrating birds, drawing them to urban centers, making them prime targets for building collisions.
How to Keep Birds Safe from Windows
You might think skyscrapers are the main menace when it comes to bird collisions, but think again! Residential buildings down to one to three stories high are responsible for approximately 44% of annual bird collision deaths. To protect our fine-feathered friends, the National Audubon Society and Crumley recommend the following tried-and-true methods:
- Move bird feeders less than three feet away from the nearest window to prevent birds from gaining deadly speed as they take off. Alternatively, place feeders more than 30 feet away from the house.
- Install screens on windows or glass doors to keep out bugs and eliminate reflections for the birds.
- Use vertical cords that dangle in the breeze on the outside of windows to break up reflections. They should be closely spaced to prevent bird strikes. You can buy or DIY these cords with paracord.
- Place films or dots spaced 2 x 2 inches apart both vertically or horizontally on windows. You can use adhesive tape or painted dots in a grid-like pattern. This spacing stops birds without hindering your view. A single sticker won't make a difference in preventing strikes.
- Turn off non-essential outside lights at night from 11 pm to 6 am, especially during migration periods in spring and fall. If you can't turn off lights, use motion sensors, direct lighting downwards, and warm white lights instead of bright white. Avoid installing landscape lighting that shines into the sky or up into trees.
- Close curtains and blinds at night to minimize light that could disorient the birds.
What To Do if a Bird Hits Your Window
Alas, despite your best efforts, you might still witness a bird collide with your window. If you find or hear a bird that's been in an unfortunate collision, follow Crumley's advice:
- Assess the situation carefully. If the bird is still alive, wearing gloves, place it in a small box lined with soft fabric or tissue.
- Look up a wildlife rehabilitator by searching "wildlife rehabilitator near me." Your state's department of environmental conservation or state fish and wildlife agencies may also have a list of local rehabbers.
- If the bird has sadly passed away, wear gloves to handle and bury it in your yard. Alternatively, call your town or municipality to inquire about wildlife removal assistance.
On the flip side, if you're wondering why your bird bath isn't getting any action, check out this article: "3 Reasons Why Birds May Not Be Using Your Bird Bath." #BirdSafety # birdcollision #birdconsciousness
- Culture and lifestyle suggests that, by taking simple steps to minimize bird-window collisions, one can contribute to the preservation of bird populations, fostering a greater harmony between human residences and the avian world.
- Animals and wildlife illustrate the potential consequences of human-constructed environments on their safety, as an estimated 100 million to one billion bird deaths occur annually due to collisions with manmade structures, including windows.
- Outdoor recreation provides an opportunity to witness various activities and entertainment, such as the seasonal migration of birds, but it also highlights the need for conscious design, like using cords or films on windows, to Mitigate tragic bird collisions due to reflections or transparency.
- Homeowners may find that Creating a bird-safe environment, by implementing measures such as moving birdfeeders, installing screens, or utilizing vertical cords, greatly helps to minimize bird collisions, contributing positively to the Home's overall eco-friendliness and fostering a stronger connection with nature.
- voracious readers of Southern Living might appreciate the magazine's commitment to highlighting solutions for reducing bird collisions—such as minimizing indoor and outdoor lighting at night—and educating readers on the challenges faced by migratory birds and the importance of contributing to their conservation efforts.
