The numbers are surprising and staggering. Between 100 million to 1 billion birds in the United States die each year from flying into windows. More than half of window strikes are fatal for birds.
Birds hit windows during the day because they may see vegetation reflected in your window and think it’s an open area to fly through. At night, migratory birds are especially susceptible to hitting windows illuminated by light as they travel.
So, how do you prevent birds from flying into your windows? Here are three simple tips to make your house, townhome or apartment safer for them. Tip #1 should be your starting point. Then tips #2 and #3 can be done separately, or in tandem to be even more effective.
Focus your attention on any large windows in your home, or those that are near a bird feeding station.
1. Hang Your Bird Feeders Properly
Where you hang your bird feeders can make a significant difference in reducing window strikes. Wild Bird’s Unlimited recommends you hang feeders either within three feet (one meter) or more than 10 feet away (3+ meters) from windows.
If birds are startled at your feeders for whatever reason, keeping them within three feet will prevent them from gaining enough speed to hit your window with any harmful force. Keeping feeders more than 10 feet away gives them plenty of room to maneuver.
How to Attract Blue Jays to Your Bird Feeder – Everything You Need to Know
2. Buy Special Window Decals
This is an easy and cost-effective way to prevent birds from hitting your windows. Plus…they can be a neat decoration! The basic premise behind hanging window decals is that they highlight the window more and cut down the reflection for birds to realize it’s a surface to not fly into.
There are several different decal options available in bird stores or online.
Anti-Collision Window Clings Bird Alert Collision Decals to Prevent Bird Strikes on Window Glass
Anti-Collision Window Bird Stickers Decals
All you have to do is put the decals on the inside of your windows and the area should be bird-safe!
3. Add a Window Bird Feeder
Finally, much like the window decals above, adding a window bird feeder gives birds an easy way to see that a window is a solid structure. As a bonus, you can draw in birds up close with another feeding station! You can’t beat the views presented with a window bird feeder.
Window Bird Feeder, Large Bird House Outside with 4 Extra Strong Suction Cups
I hope these tips have helped you easily bird-proof your home! For more information on preventing bird strikes, I highly recommend you check out this in-depth piece from my go-to source for all things birding, The Cornell Lab.
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