Preventing Bird Window Collisions at Home

Why do birds fly into windows? The two most common causes of daytime window collisions are:

• Birds see landscapes in window reflections.
• If a bird can see through to the outside through two aligned windows in your home, they confuse them for a tunnel and will attempt to fly through to get to the other side.

Collisions can be reduced or even eliminated by any one of the following:

• To avoid a bird's ability to look through one window and see the outside through another window, simply close the blinds or curtains on one of the windows.
• Apply bright window clings. In some cases, to be fully effective clings may have to be placed as close as 4-6" apart.
• Hang brightly colored fluttering ribbons in front of windows. Alternately, tie unwanted compact disks (CDs) on string in front of the window so that they turn in the wind.
• One of the most effective ways to reduce bird window collisions is to install Bird Screens or other fine-mesh plastic netting in front of windows (especially during periods of peak migration). Leave a few inches between the glass and the netting to allow birds to collide softly with the mesh instead of hitting the glass.
• Apply CollidEscape to the outside of windows. CollidEscape is an easy-to-apply film that greatly reduces the reflections on the outside of windows.
• Place bird feeders very close (within three feet) or at least ten yards away from windows.
• Lower window awnings to reduce window reflections.