Bird Window Collisions: A Deadly Toll
by Madeleine Linck
by Madeleine Linck
Millions of birds are killed each year by collisions with window glass. This mortality is in addition to deaths due to collisions with other man-made structures such as communication towers, power lines and wind turbines.
Many of us have heard a thud on a window only to go outside to find a lifeless bird lying on the ground. Occasionally the bird is just stunned and might revive if kept warm and protected. However, the bird might die later from a concussion.
Birds do not see or understand glass and reflections. Birds are misled into flying through what they perceive to be sky, trees or shrubs. Picture windows and glass doors are most deadly but even small windows can be problematic, and some types of glass are more highly reflective. The homeowner should go outside and look back at the window to see what the birds actually see. Flocks of sparrows or cedar waxwings might think they are flying into the protective cover of shrubs that are actually behind them.
As homeowners, there are several ways we can reduce this carnage. First, if one feeds birds, placement of feeders can help. It is best to place hanging feeders within two feet of the window or actually on the window itself. Birds adapt and are less apt to build up enough speed to cause injury if they fly towards the window. Six-15 feet out from the house is deadly for birds flying away from feeders. Thirty feet or more out is a safer distance.
Other solutions that will help:
For more solutions the following websites are excellent:
https://www.massaudubon.org/nature-wildlife/birds/bird-window-collisions
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/why-birds-hit-windows-and-how-you-can-help-prevent-it/
https://abcbirds.org/glass-collisions/
https://flap.org/stop-birds-from-hitting-windows/
World-wide, birds face many threats, but reducing window collisions is where we can all make a difference.
Many of us have heard a thud on a window only to go outside to find a lifeless bird lying on the ground. Occasionally the bird is just stunned and might revive if kept warm and protected. However, the bird might die later from a concussion.
Birds do not see or understand glass and reflections. Birds are misled into flying through what they perceive to be sky, trees or shrubs. Picture windows and glass doors are most deadly but even small windows can be problematic, and some types of glass are more highly reflective. The homeowner should go outside and look back at the window to see what the birds actually see. Flocks of sparrows or cedar waxwings might think they are flying into the protective cover of shrubs that are actually behind them.
As homeowners, there are several ways we can reduce this carnage. First, if one feeds birds, placement of feeders can help. It is best to place hanging feeders within two feet of the window or actually on the window itself. Birds adapt and are less apt to build up enough speed to cause injury if they fly towards the window. Six-15 feet out from the house is deadly for birds flying away from feeders. Thirty feet or more out is a safer distance.
Other solutions that will help:
- Keeping window screens (for double hung windows) up year-round
- Hanging wind chimes, bird flashing tape, UV decals, hawk silhouettes (all sold at bird feed stores) on the OUTSIDE of windows and very close together
- Hanging window art, decorative flags or banners to overpower reflections
- Closing white blinds or curtains to mute reflections
- Moving large house plants further away from windows
- Installing Collidescape film. Available at www.collidescape.org
For more solutions the following websites are excellent:
https://www.massaudubon.org/nature-wildlife/birds/bird-window-collisions
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/why-birds-hit-windows-and-how-you-can-help-prevent-it/
https://abcbirds.org/glass-collisions/
https://flap.org/stop-birds-from-hitting-windows/
World-wide, birds face many threats, but reducing window collisions is where we can all make a difference.