Research by ornithologist Daniel Klem Jr. of Muhlenberg College indicates that as many as one billion birds die each year in the United States due to collisions with windows.
Daniel Klem's research also examined various methods of preventing the collisions. He found that by placing visual clues such as window decals on the window at no more than 5cm-10cm apart, the birds could be effectively deterred from flying into the glass.
Find out more:
- Collisions Between Birds and Windows: Mortality and Prevention (PDF) (Journal of Field Ornithology)
- Windows: A Clear Danger to Birds (NPR)
- Clear & Present Danger (National Audubon Society)
- A Billion Birds Die in Plate Glass Plate (Wildlife Protection)
- Human Causes of Bird Fatalities (Curry & Kerlinger)
What you can do:
- Reduce Bird Collisions on Windows (Whispering Windows)
- Protecting Windows From Flying Birds (RLRouse)
- Minimizing Window Collisions (National Audubon Society)
- Birds and Windows (RSPB)
- Feather Guard (FeatherGuard.com)
Photo © Feng Yu
Comments
we covered our windows with decals, and it worked great! we had birds striking the window above our sink. We purchased a film from FLAP.org (a great non-profit for any bird related issues). Once applied you could still see out. Looks nice, and completely stopped the birds from seeing the sky reflection off the glass. CollidEscape, I think, is what they call it.
Stopped all problems instantly!
Decals work well but you could also use special window film, specifically designed to deal with bird collisions. It’s relatively inexpensive while being highly effective in preventing bird collisions.