Helping birds avoid window collisions
Birds of many types have been killed by flying into glass windows and doors. In fact, according to the Audubon Society, recent evidence shows that collisions with glass may be a major source of avian mortality that's widely overlooked. Experts believe that over 100 million birds die each year in collisions with buildings and skyscrapers in the United States and Canada alone.
Although there are
several variables which account for bird strikes, the primary cause is
reflection. Birds become confused or startled and rush to to cover or
open sky; unfortunately they often mistake a reflection for the real thing.
In cities the biggest kills typically occur at night during spring and
fall migrations, when building lights appeared to lure birds into deadly
collisions. Light-dimming campaigns, such as those led by the Toronto-based
Fatal Light Awareness Program, have helped reduce the problem.
Here are ways to reduce bird strike occurences in homes and small buildings:
• observation
Bird strikes often follow a pattern - the same windows on a house or building
may be repeatedly struck, while others are never struck. Observation and
attention to bird attractions such as water, food and cover, will help
identify the small percentage of glass area which causes the most problem.
• reduce window reflection
Put a screen or a shade cloth over the window which is nearest to bird
activity. A shade cloth, available at hardware stores, is a plastic mesh
that allows you to see through, yet keeps the windows from having reflections.
If you have blinds, turn them so they are slightly closed, this will reduce
reflection. White shears also work to reduce reflection while being able
to see through.
• CollidEscape
This transparent film adheres to the exterior surface of a window, and
allows ample light to pass through to the interior, while reducing the
window's exterior reflectivity and transparency. Presently used for commercial
and retail advertising on glass. The cost is approximately $4.00 US per
square foot. more info
• place a hawk silhouette in your
window
Most smaller birds will avoid the company
of hawks, especially the sharp-shinned hawk which flies low into cover,
often near feeders, and preys on small birds. A hawk simulation can be
placed on your window or door to discourage birds from flying in this
direction.
A life-sized silhouette, made of wood or plastic, can be attached to glass
areas near feeders or bird activity. It should be hung on the outside
of the window so that it moves a bit in the wind.
buy a hawk silhouette
more info
Hanging a plastic owl is not effective over time, as the figure never moves and birds quickly learn to ignore it.
•
tack up a temporary cover
Sometimes a more-aggressive behavior occurs, typically in the breeding
season, where a bird repeatedly 'attacks' a window. Seeing its own refection
as another bird, it's trying to drive it away, as songbirds are competitive
during breeding times. A cloth,
piece of netting or solid material can be placed on the outside of the
window
for a few days to break the bird of its
habit. Or you can install
indoor-outdoor blinds on the outside of the window.
• place sun ornament, crystal or other objects in
your window
Sun ornaments, crystals, strips of cloth and other objects in the window
will help birds know they can't fly through. Avoid hanging plants in front
of the window - this can further confuse the bird who may fly towards
the plant looking for shelter. Double-pane windows have enhanced reflection
and are harder for a bird to see through; hanging objects would work better
when placed outside the window.
• locate bird feeders close to, or further away from windows
Feeders should
be either further back in the yard or up close within 2 or 3 feet of the
window. By placing the feeder up close, birds come in at a slower speed;
they're less likely to get hurt during escape because window stikes occur
at slower speed. By placing the feeder further out (10 feet or more),
the bird has more room to manoevre. Window bird feeders do not encourage
bird window strikes.
•
block 'through-house' line of sight to the outdoors
Are
any windows in your home oriented such that, from the outside, there is
a clear view through the house and to another window looking to the outside?
A bird may see this as a flight path. This can be changed simply by putting
up a shade on the one window, or closing a door or similar obstruction
which breaks the open view.
If
you find a bird stunned by a window collision:
In many cases when a bird
collides with a window, it is just stunned and will flying again within an
hour, after they regain their senses.
With
gloved hands, carefully pick up the bird and place it in a safe area away
from cats and other predators. In cool weather, place the bird in a well-ventilated
box in a warm area to recover. Avoid handling the bird and the box as much
as possible. Never handle birds or any other wild animal with your bare hands.
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