By: Mary Dueren
We have all heard that sickening thud against one or more of our windows. Sometimes we find a bird stunned, injured or worse, dead.
If you find a stunned bird, just give the bird time and space. If the bird is injured, you can contact Wild Bird Rehab (#314-426-6400 or wildbirdrehab.org).
Better yet, find a way to slow or stop window collisions. The key to discourage birds from flying into windows is to break up the image, creating the appearance of an obstacle. There are some easy solutions to try first. One of the simplest is to fully or partially lower your blinds or shades. Closed curtains reduce window transparency. Non-toxic tempura paint can be applied to the surface of the window to eliminate transparency or the formation of reflections. The paint is not permanent.
The key, to putting something on your window to discourage window strikes, is a pattern that birds recognize. Studies have found that stickers, decals, especially hawk decals are not very effective. What does work is the 2 inch by 4 inch repeating pattern. Deterrents like this, have some cost associated or can be DIY or professionally installed. Feather Friendly is a do-it-yourself tape that is applied to the outside of the window. The cost is $10 for 24in X 32 in window. Another is Acopian Bird Savers (aka Zen Curtains). These are vertical cords spaced 4 inches apart. Costs are $24 for a 24 in X 32 in window. There are DIY plans if you do a Google search. There is also Collide Escape decals that can be applied to the outside of a window. Prices range from $39 to $79 depending on window size. There are also fiberglass screens that can be mounted on windows. Bird smart glass is also available.
Here is a list of helpful websites:
www.abcbirds.org/featherfriendly/
Information about reducing window strikes obtained from the Bird-window Collision Working Group (BWWG), a collaboration between The Acopian Center for Ornithology, Muhlenberg College, Lehigh Valley Audubon Society, Wyncote Audubon Society, and Audubon Pennsylvannia.
