Why Birds Can't See Windows and what to do about it

Birds often collide with windows because they cannot perceive glass as a barrier. Windows can reflect the sky, trees, and surrounding vegetation, creating an illusion of open space that birds attempt to fly through. Additionally, transparent windows can present a clear view of indoor plants or light sources, attracting birds inside. During migration, birds are particularly vulnerable to window collisions due to their long journeys and the unfamiliar landscapes they traverse. Urban areas with large, reflective buildings pose a significant threat. American Bird Conservancy estimates that as much as 1 billion birds die every year from window strikes. Mitigating this issue involves using bird-friendly window designs, such as decals, screens, or patterns that make the glass visible to birds, reducing the likelihood of collisions.

Dot decals on glass help birds understand that there is a barrier there and deter them from attempting to fly through.

Some birds, like songbirds, can see Ultra-Violet light (UV) and are able to avoid flying into windows when the UV index is high. But if the windows are shaded, or it is in the early morning or evening, birds won’t be able to see the reflection and have difficulty avoiding windows. Some birds cannot see UV light, like pigeons and raptors, and therefore may collide with a window regardless of the time of day.

Here are some ideas to help prevent birds from colliding with your windows.

To prevent birds from colliding with windows, you can apply decals or stickers to the glass, spaced closely together, to break up reflections and make the window more visible to birds. Installing external screens or netting can also help create a barrier. Using window films or patterned glass that disrupts reflections can be effective as well. Additionally closing curtains or blinds when not in use can reduce the likelihood of attracting birds to the glass.

Here are our recommended products to help prevent bird collisions.

1) Haverkamp birdsafe®protection film: dot grid black/black

2) Acopian BirdSavers

3) WindowAlert

Check with the manufacturer on proper installation.

What to do if a bird collides with your window

At this time, we are unable to take injured birds, but luckily, there are a few things you can do to help a small injured bird. However, if you need assistance or have found a raptor, please call or text us at 231-590-8639.

1. Assess the Situation: Carefully approach the bird to check if it is injured. Look for signs of distress, such as heavy breathing, disorientation, or blood.

2. Provide a Safe Space: If the bird is stunned but appears otherwise unharmed, gently pick it up using a cloth or gloves and place it in a cardboard box with air holes. Keep the box in a quiet, dark, and warm place to reduce stress. Please keep pets inside during this time.

3. Observe and Wait: Allow the bird to rest in the box for about 30 minutes to an hour. Check on it periodically. If the bird becomes active and alert, it may be ready for release.

4. Release: Take the box outside and place on the ground, open it, and allow the bird to fly away when it is ready. DO NOT force the bird out or dump it on the ground Ensure the release area is free from immediate hazards like predators or busy roads.

5. Seek Help for Injuries: If the bird does not recover, shows signs of serious injury (like bleeding or broken wings), or remains unresponsive after an hour, contact us for assistance.

Prevent future collisions by making your windows more visible to birds using decals, screens, or other deterrents. And to help bird populations in general, keep your cats indoors, and consider turning off external light sources on your home during peak migration times.