How to Prevent Birds from Hitting Your Windows
As many as a billion birds die each year from window strikes in the United States, according to a research study reported in PLOS ONE. Buildings under four stories, such as residential homes, are a major contributor to the issue since their height is often optimal for reflecting both trees and sky, and the sheer volume of homes makes them hard to avoid.
Why Do Birds Fly into Window Glass
Window glass can be worse than invisible to birds. Not only are windows difficult for birds to see, but during the day, birds may fly towards reflections in the glass that look like trees, plants, or the sky. The Sacramento area lies within the Pacific Flyway, a major migration route for a vast number of birds. A higher volume of birds means a greater chance that a bird will hit a northern California window.
Window strikes can happen at any time, day or night, in any season, but most frequently occur at dawn and dusk during the spring and fall migration. A window strike from a larger bird, like a hawk, can even break the window, and sadly, most birds that collide with window glass die.
The good news is that by incorporating bird-friendly measures that make your windows more visible to birds, you can prevent birds from hitting your windows.
Things You Can Do to Keep Birds from Hitting Your Windows
Identify problematic windows – These may include large picture windows, coupled windows at right angles to each other, or windows that overlook outdoor feeders. If your window is reflecting a perfect image of the sky and trees in your yard, they may be a hazard for birds.
Apply Window Clings – Decals, paper birds, stickers, sun catchers, mylar strips, or other objects placed on the outside surface of the window can help deter small birds. Objects should be spaced uniformly at no more than 2 inches apart across the surface of the glass.
Use Paint or Soap – Draw a 2” by 2” grid pattern on the outside of your window with soap or tempera paint. Or if you’re artistic, draw something that covers the same amount of area in an appealing way.
Add Tape or Dot Patterns – Special long-lasting adhesive products applied to the exterior of the window can work well, preventing collisions and offering an easier way to achieve the correct spacing.
Hang Vertical Blinds – install interior vertical blinds and keep the slats half open.
Add Screens – Mosquito screens that cover the outside area of your window are an effective deterrent.
Apply Film – Professionally applied window film stuck to the exterior of your window can reduce the reflection and save birds from hitting them. One-way transparent window film products appear opaque from the outside but allow people inside to see out.
Install Cords – Ascopian Birdsavers, or “Zen curtains,” are closely spaced cords or strings that run vertically down the outside of your window.
Lights Out For Birds
In addition to things you can do to your windows to keep birds from hitting them, you may also want to consider turning your lights off. Artificial light can disorient birds that migrate at night, often causing them to collide with buildings or windows.
The Sacramento Audubon Society Lights Out Program encourages building owners to turn off excess lighting during the months when migrating birds are flying overhead. By turning off unnecessary lights, we can save energy and help provide safe passage for birds migrating between their nesting and wintering grounds.
Did a bird strike break your window? Call Dick’s Rancho Glass to talk about your broken window problem. Need your window repaired? We can help! Considering replacement windows? We can help! At Dick’s Rancho Glass, we have years of experience in window repair and window installation, and we are happy to serve homeowners throughout the Sacramento Area. To keep your home beautiful and energy-efficient, we are proud to offer a large selection of replacement windows, including high-quality Milgard® windows. To begin exploring your replacement window options, check out our gallery, give us a call, click Dick’s Rancho Glass to contact us, or visit one of our two glass showrooms in the Sacramento region:
Dick’s Rancho Glass Sacramento at 2900 ROUTIER ROAD
Or call us at (916)363-6554
Dick’s Rancho Glass Fair Oaks at 5349 SAN JUAN AVE.
Or call us at (916)863-2500