Many homeowners don’t realize just how common it is for birds to hit windows, but they do know that the impact can lead to cracked windows in need of repair. They also know that the force of an impact like that can seriously injure birds even if it doesn’t result in their immediate death. As such, you want to do what you can to prevent birds from hitting windows.
Here is what you need to know about why birds hit windows and what you can do into order to prevent birds from hitting windows.
Why Do Birds Hit Windows?
It’s not just that glass is invisible to birds as you likely already know. Birds also fly into windows because they reflect the foliage or sky outside, so they think they’re flying into an inviting place. They may also see house plants on the other side or through to the other side of your home and think that they can just fly right through.
At night, birds can fly into windows with light shining inside. Light diverts birds from their path with often fatal consequences, as migrating birds are typically flying at top speed. The Fatal Light Awareness Program works to raise awareness about this issue.
Birds may also hit windows because they are trying to attack their reflection. This happens most often during mating season, when birds are very territorial. This is less likely to hurt the bird or your windows than a full-on collision, but you still want to prevent it.
How Common Is It For Birds To Hit Windows?
Unfortunately, it’s a lot more common than you may assume. If you have huge picture windows, you may have something of an awareness of this issue, as such big windows present a bigger danger to birds. However, since many people are away from home most of the day, they may assume that since they don’t hear any thuds, they don’t have to worry about how to prevent birds from hitting windows.
Since there are so many windows throughout the United States, up to 1 billion birds die from hitting windows each year. Researchers estimate that windows that are not monitored miss about 25% of window collisions.
What If The Bird Just Flies Away?
Some birds hit windows and fly right away. Others are stunned and fall to the ground. Sadly, most birds that hit windows do not make it. They can have internal blooding and suffer injuries that allow them to fly a short way away before they either succumb to the injuries or a predator gets them.
If a bird has fallen to the ground after hitting your window, you can gather the bird and place it in a dry box. You will then want to call your local wildlife rehabber. They will be able to provide you with advice on what to do.
How To Prevent Birds From Hitting Windows
Fortunately, you can do your part to help our avian friends (and your windows). There are many ways to prevent birds from hitting windows. Depending on what you like, you may prefer one method over the other, as some are more obstructive to your view out the windows than others.
#1. Place Bird Feeder Close To Your Windows
Most people place them at a distance away from their house. However, this gives birds the space to build up speed and crash into your windows. When you have your bird feeder close to your window, birds don’t have the space to build up speed, which makes a collision less dire.
#2. Note Which Windows Are Worst
You likely don’t have to worry about all of your windows. It’s usually just a handful of windows that are the issue. Pay attention to where you hear the most thumps coming from (or where you see marks in the glass). Focus on those windows. Plus, this is more budget-friendly than trying to treat every single window in the house.
#3. Make The Glass Visible
Some of these options may be more appealing to you than others.
- Make patterns on the glass with tempera paint, soap, or highlighter. This is excellent if you have children or are a creative soul.
- Place decals on the glass. Many people assume sticking one falcon or hawk decal on the window is enough. However, birds would just fly around this. If you apply decals, you want them in a 2” by 2” grid to deter birds. Dot decals are the most aesthetically pleasing option for this, as the human eye quickly adjusts to looking past them.
- Bird tape. This is a translucent tape that you apply right to the glass.
- Window films. Specifically on the exterior of the windows. These allow you to both enjoy an unobstructed view through your windows and prevent birds from hitting windows.
Some parts of your home may already help with this, as can some home improvement ideas. Awnings reduce reflectiveness and blinds can give lines that show birds they can’t fly through.
#4. Install A Barrier
Your windows may already have these! Insect screens installed on the exterior of your windows reduce the reflectiveness of glass and work like a bit of cushioning should a bird fly into them. You can also have specifically designed bird screens installed.
You can also do shades and shutters.
For the most effectiveness, ensure that the measures you take are on the outside of the window. This is because even if you draw your curtains, your windows can still reflect the plants outside, so it wouldn’t do much to prevent birds from hitting windows.
#5. Close Window Shades And Turn Off Your Lights At Night
This will protect birds that are migrating, plus it preserves your privacy.
What To Do If Birds Hit Windows And Damaged Them
If you need replacement windows or window repair after birds hit windows in your home, Peak Windows provides professional window services. We do everything from new construction windows to broken glass repair to interior and exterior doors. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you improve your home!