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 susceptible to hitting windows illuminated by light as they travel.
So, how do you prevent birds from flying into your windows? Here are four simple tips to make your house, townhome or apartment safer for them.
1. Hang Your Bird Feeders Properly
Where you hang your bird feeders makes a 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 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 to Stop Bird Strikes
This is an easy and cost-effective way to prevent birds from hitting your windows long term. Plus…they can be a neat decoration! These decals highlight the window more and cut down reflection for birds to register that it’s not a space to fly into.
There are several decal options available at bird stores or online. Here are a couple you can buy from Amazon.
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 outside of your windows and the area should be bird-safe.
You can also make your windows even safer by 1) Installing screen doors and windows when able and 2) Closing blinds at windows. These steps also help birds properly visualize that windows are a solid structure, according to the Audubon Society.
3. Turn Lights off at Night – Especially in the Spring
As mentioned earlier, many birds strike lighted windows at nighttime in the spring during their long migrations. So, an easy way to prevent this is to turn off external and internal lights at your home overnight. Your electric bill will also thank you.
4. Put Up 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 up-close views presented with a window bird feeder.
Window Bird Feeder, Large Bird House Outside with 4 Extra Strong Suction Cups
Wrapping Up
I hope these tips have helped you easily bird-proof your home. Little steps like these can make a significant difference with helping bird populations.
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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