November 17, 2000

     Help birds avoid hitting windows

The large windows in our homes, schools and other buildings are a hazard for migrating and local birds.  Windows that reflect trees and sky cause problems for birds when they mistakenly try to fly to these reflections, much as they would to the branches of a tree.  If birds can look into one window and see out through another, it is especially tempting for them to try to fly through.

Fatalities rarely occur unless birds hit the transparent walls with great force and break their necks or receive other internal injuries.  The most violent collisions occur when birds are chased or responding to an alarm.  It is not unusual to have an American kestrel or sharp-shinned hawk swoop down on a bird feeding station in an attempt to grab a junco, goldfinch or redpoll.  When this happens, most birds at the feeder panic, scatter in everydirection, and might hit a window.

There are several ways to keep birds from flying into windows.  Hanging mobiles or colored streamers of cloth or plastic outside the glass is effective.  Anything in front of the window that glitters, flutters, or makes sounds will serve as a warning so that birds will not crash headlong into the panes.

Try closing a door or pulling a drape to help eliminate reflections or prevent birds from seeing all the way through a room or building.  The use of hawk or owl silhouettes also is effective in reducing window casualties.  The silhouette of a diving American kestrel placed high on a window or sliding glass door will produce an automatic response from smaller birds.