Preventing Window Strikes - Make Windows Less Hazardous To Birds

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (Thursday, February 01, 2001) - Birds fly into windows for many reasons, but there are some things you can do to make your windows less hazardous to the birds.

"The most common reason birds fly into windows is because they don't see the glass," said Jim Carpenter, president of Wild Birds Unlimited. "Birds cannot distinguish a pane of glass from an open and unobstructed space or flyway. Some birds fly into windows because predators are chasing them. Others will dash repeatedly at their reflection in the window. This usually occurs because the bird, typically a male, mistakenly perceives his reflection in the window as another bird. Most of the time, this behavior does not harm the bird."

On the other hand, birds can be seriously injured or killed when they strike a window in free flight. These strikes are most common during spring and fall migration.

The following are suggested steps to make your windows safer for the birds:

Locate feeders and birdbaths a safe distance from windows. If you want your feeders close to windows, move them within 3 feet of the window or put up a window feeder. That way, if birds hit the window when "fleeing" away from the feeder, they will not be going fast enough to harm themselves.
Where practical, use window screens.
Place decals, including cutouts of raptors, and leaded glass decorations in windows.
Put vertical exterior tape strips 10 centimeters apart on windows.
Use interior vertical blinds and open the slats halfway.
Cover windows with soap if appropriate.
Plant shade trees outside windows to reduce the reflection.
If a bird hits your window and does not move or fly away within a few minutes, it may be dazed or injured. To protect the bird from predators, place the bird in a box with a lid. This may provide warmth and safety from predators until it recovers and can fly away safely. If the bird appears injured, call Wild Birds Unlimited nearest you for a list of rehabilitators in your area.

Wild Birds Unlimited, is the original and largest franchise system of backyard birdfeeding and nature specialty stores with more than 290 locations throughout the United States and Canada. Wild Birds Unlimited specializes in providing expert information and offers an exclusive line of products designed specifically for the hobby of backyard birdfeeding.

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