How to Prevent Birds from Flying into Your Windows

Your windows are dangerous territory for your neighborhood birds. The reflection of the trees and sky in the glass is easily mistaken for extensions of your garden. Half of all glass collisions end in death. If the bird is lucky enough to survive, the impact can still cause internal bleeding and bruising. The shock alone lasts a minimum of two hours, so when you decorate your home, don’t forget to consider your feathered neighbors.

Why do birds fly into windows?

Birds often think the sexy feathered friend in their reflection is another bird that needs to be attacked. They may also interpret the flowery reproduction in the glass in front of them as a clear flight path, so they’re often flying at top speed when they collide. That’s a potentially fatal mistake, but it’s easily avoided.

How to stop birds from flying into windows

A little tape can work feathery magic. Bird tape makes your window barrier obvious, so it’s the cheapest, simplest solution to the problem. It’ll also prevent your toddlers from walking into your sliding doors. For a more comprehensive effect, a one-way transparent film will make your windows opaque from the outside without cutting off your natural light. That comes with the added benefit of reducing your cooling costs. Decals, wind chimes, and shutters have a similar effect.

Sunshades and awnings also act as an excellent window bird deterrent, but if you’re not willing to reduce your natural sunlight, FeatherGuard will discourage birds more subtly. This fascinating product was developed to leverage birds’ natural tendency to avoid loose feathers. Simply string these feathers vertically in front of your windows, and your feathered neighbors will assume there’s a bird-eating predator in the area.

Mosquito screens perform double duty by keeping birds and bugs outside. Wave goodbye to buzz-induced insomnia and protect your local wildlife simultaneously. Lightweight polypropylene lasts well and can be customized for any window size and shape. If misdirection suits you better, simply move your bird feeders 30 or more feet from your window. This will attract birds at a distance, eventually teaching them that your windows are barriers to avoid.

Bird nets are the most effective collision deterrent on the market today. They’re hung three or more inches from your windows, giving birds a soft surface to fly into. If you need a removable barrier, it’s easy to mount your nets on a storm window frame. All you need is a staple gun and a little kindness.

How to avoid disorientation

Sensor lights can disorient birds that migrate at night. They disrupt their geomagnetic orientation, causing endless circling that can exhaust your feathered friends. To avoid the effect, use blue and green lights. These emit less long-wavelength radiation than red and blue lights, so they’re less likely to cause confusion and window collisions.

What to do if a bird collides with your window

When a bird is in shock, handling it can be all that separates it from death so, if possible, keep the bird protected from Fido without carrying it indoors. If this isn’t possible, gently wrap the bird in a towel and move it to a darkened, unoccupied room. Remove the towel and leave the bird alone. If it seems to recover, take it outside in a container. If the bird doesn’t fly away on its own steam, it might be time to call a conservation specialist.

When you build a house, you intrude on a thriving ecosystem. Respect the creatures around you, and they will reward you with their constant presence.

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