Did you know that as many as one billion birds die in the US every year due to collisions with glass? And research shows that 54-76 percent of bird-window collisions are fatal. In fact, they’re one of the top three leading causes of untimely bird deaths, along with habitat destruction and cats.
Why Do Birds Fly into Windows?
So, why do birds fly into windows anyway? Birds see trees and open air in the reflection and then perceive a continuation of their space or recognize a competitor and go in for a confrontation. If the bird is similar to the size of a hawk, the strike can even break the window. If you want to help save our fine, feathered friends – and your windows! – obscuring the glass is key.
The easiest way to do this is using dish soap, but you can take different steps with varying degrees of complexity and cost to discourage birds from flying into your windows.
Ways to Prevent Birds from Hitting Windows
Construction Paper Birds
Paper birds made with dark construction paper and taped to your windows will discourage birds from flying into them. Taping images of larger birds, like hawks, to a window will decrease the likelihood of smaller birds flying into them.
To add construction paper birds to your window:
- Draw the outline of a large bird on a piece of dark construction paper. The outline does not need to be detailed – the general shape will work.
- Repeat two to three times.
- Cut out construction paper birds with scissors and attach them to the window using double-stick tape.
Decals and Window Film
Glass decals and window films can help break up reflections and are a simple way to prevent bird strikes. Usually, a pattern is suggested for placing these items on a window, such as spaced dots or stripes.
- Decals. About 4-10 inches apart, place bird tape or one of a few different glass decals, such as etched-glass, decorative decals or adhesive dots, to break up reflections. Many of these products are available commercially or make simple DIYs.
- Film. Apply a window film on the outside of the window to reduce reflection. These films are available commercially as well and installed easily, like wallpaper. They not only reduce reflection and help save birds and windows but also help make windows more energy efficient.
Manufactured Glass
Commercially produced glass treatments can also help protect birds from hitting windows:
- UV patterned glass. This glazing treatment makes glass visible to birds by adding a UV pattern that they can detect, as they can see in the UV spectrum. Because humans can’t see in this spectrum, the option maintains the windows’ transparency for us humans. This treatment also helps with energy efficiency.
- Acid-etched glass. This etching technique uses chemicals to either etch patterns in the glass or obscure it fully to a bird-friendly opacity. With this option, visibility for humans is obscured, but translucency is maintained. This method is more durable than film and won’t scratch off coatings.
Other Ways to Prevent Birds from Hitting Windows
Naturescaping: Use naturescaping to encourage birds to stay away from windows. Tips include:
- Placing feeders and baths more than 30 feet from or within three feet of windows.
- Moving houseplants away from windows where bird strikes could be a problem.
- Planting trees or bushes near windows to help break up reflections, discouraging birds from flying into windows.
Create stripes:
- Use 1/8" vertical window-safe white tape on the outside of the window, four inches apart to help block reflections
- Paint pens and stencils can be used in the same way.
Netting and screens: Netting and screens can be used to deter birds from window reflections and serve as a physical barrier, preventing birds from physically hitting windows.
- Cover windows with thin netting, bird screens, or other bird-safe products.
- Use roll-down screens to reduce reflection.
Lighting: Exterior lighting can encourage birds to fly towards homes and can even cause disorientation. Keep these tips in mind as you install or update your home’s exterior lighting:
- Shield and aim exterior lighting down, making it wildlife-friendly.
- Install motion sensor lights.
- Carefully choose the wattage of your exterior light bulbs to avoid overlighting.
- Use warm-light LEDs.
- Turn off lights seasonally from dusk to dawn mid-March through early June for spring migration and late August to mid-November for fall migration.
Prevent Birds from Hitting Windows with Help from Glass Doctor
From DIY to professionally installed solutions, it’s evident that a wide range of solutions can help homeowners prevent birds from hitting their windows. To find out more about specialized glass, window film, and windows for your home or business needs, contact your local Glass Doctor® or schedule an appointment online.