AVOIDING WINDOW COLLISIONS
Annually, just in the United States, between 1.28 and 3.6 billion birds die from window collisions, about half of which occur at homes. Birds simply do not see glass, either due to interior lights at night, or daytime reflection, or proximity to flight paths. Fortunately, remedies are usually easy and low-cost.
1) Create barriers to break your window's reflection: outdoor screens, shutters, microdot film, etc., can make the windows visible to birds.
2) Move feeders at least 30 feet away from windows, or conversely, you may place feeders next to windows. This disrupts flight patterns that typically lead to collisions.
3) Especially at night, close your blinds or drapes.
4) Avoid placing indoor plants near your window.
In one morning or afternoon, you can ensure that your windows are not fatal bird hazards.
If constructing a new dwelling, you can proactively build bird-friendly by installing bird-friendly design and glass, e.g., patterned, fritted, UV patterned, opaque, and translucent. Decorative screens, awnings and overhangs, grilles, shutters, or exterior sunshades are also effective solutions.
More resources on collision prevention:
This Tennessee Warbler died in a collision with mirrored glass in downtown Fort Myers.
Injured Bird & Window Collision
If you recover an injured bird from a window collision, please follow our recommendations on our orphaned/injured bird page.
More information about tending injured birds and window collisions is also available on this page from the National Audubon Society.
The Florida Green Building Coalition has recently modified its standards to include certification points for bird-friendly design features in all five project categories. The modifications were at the request of Audubon of Southwest Florida.
Good News for Birds at FGCU
Our friends at the American Bird Conservancy have taken the lead in facilitating research and community action to remedy this very serious threat to birds. They have tested windows and window products that reduce the occurrence of window collisions, and they provide valuable information about how to make your homes truly bird-friendly.
We recommend you explore their web site for the latest information on window collisions.