Hello Wild Side Readers,
It is distressing when a bird collides with your window. In the United States, approximately 500 million to 1 billion birds die annually from collisions with buildings, automobiles, powerlines, communication towers, and wind turbines. Windows reflect trees and vegetation, such that birds confuse them for a continuation of the habitat. Breaking up that reflection, or removing it, can reduce window collisions.
The below information on reducing window collisions is from the NEW guide Managing Small Forest Patches for Birds . The resource is intended to help landowners manage their woods in ways that provide resources to birds throughout the year. While this guide is written for landowners with small forest patches on their property, the information is also great for homeowners interested in attracting birds to their backyards.
Simple modifications can make residences much safer for migratory birds. The following methods are suggested for homes with large glass windows, especially those adjacent to forest patches and other vegetation:
- Eliminate exterior decorative lighting, especially upward-facing spotlights.
- Draw blinds at night and turn off lights in rooms that are not in use.
- Move house plants away from windows so birds don’t mistake them for available habitat.
- Position bird feeders and birdbaths either within 3 ft (1 m) of the window or further than 15 ft (5 m).
- Use products such as ABC BirdTape or Feather Friendly DIY tape to make windows safer for birds.
- Use Tempera paint (available at most art supply and craft stores) to create patterns on windows with brush or sponge, or use a stencil.
- Tempera is long-lasting, even in rain, and non-toxic, but comes off with a damp rag or sponge.
- Add screens to window exteriors. Not only will screens break up the reflection, but if birds do collide with the screen it will cushion the blow and significantly reduce the chance of injury.
- If fitted screens cannot be used, lightweight netting may be stretched over windows. The netting must be several inches in front of the window, so birds don’t hit the glass after hitting the net. Several companies, (www.birdscreen.com, www.birdsavers.com) sell screens or other barriers that can be attached with suction cups or eye hooks (also see www.birdbgone.com, www.nixalite.com, or www.birdmaster.com).