How to Help Stop Birds Flying Into Windows

redstart bird

Mr Watson design

Millions of birds fly into windows each year, but in many cases this can be prevented. Through common sense tips, bird tape and better town planning.

Also Read our post on safe havens for garden birds.

  • Turn off lights when not in use, and use curtains, blinds and desk lamps. Especially for glass buildings, which reflect foliage.
  • Don’t place indoor foliage to face outdoor gardens, as this can make birds confused.
  • If you feed birds, place them either close to windows, so birds can’t build up speed. Or over 30 feet away, so birds can see glass as a barrier. Avoid the ‘danger zone of ‘3 to 10 feet’, when most strikes are fatal.
  • Be sure to place feeders at least 5 to 6 feet above ground (out of reach of cats), sheltered from strong winds and sun, and with a 360-degree view for them to spot predators.

Use Feather Friendly Bird Tape

abc bird tape

Feather Friendly bird tape is a wonderful invention that you put on clear glass, to make the glass visible to birds.

It’s not sold widely in the UK (apart from Etsy), it’s a shame the RSPB does not sell it, as it far more effective than decals, which usually have to cover a window to be effective. 

feather friendly window tape

Start a FLAP Program in Your Community

FLAP programs are run from Canada, just get involved and set one up. You can just start by conducting a local survey (if you see feathered prints on windows or people putting up (usually ineffective) window decals, that’s a clear sign there are issues, and people want to help.

You’ll be given all the help and support you need, including a volunteer training manual.

Stop Light Pollution

Glass buildings especially (often replacing old facades) can create bird strike, as birds see reflections of foliage in their own window. Toronto’s Lights Out campaign has been highly effective, asking people to always turn lights out when not in use, and also use blinds and task lights, when lights are on.

How to Help a Bird That’s Flown into a Window

Many birds die after flying into windows, so wait a few minutes to see if the bird has recovered and flies off. It no, immediately gently pick it up and place in a ventilated box lined with a cloth (no tassels) and keep it for a couple of hours in a quiet dark warm place, to recover from shock.

  • If you don’t have a box to hand, a simple paper bag should be okay.
  • Do not give the bird food or water.
  • If the bird recovers, let it fly off (keep an eye and ear out for tapping on the box). If not, then contact your local wildlife rescue. 
  • Also if the bird shows signs of injury like blood and drooping wings, or the bird cannot stand or hold its head up, or remains unconscious for a few minutes.

Bird-Friendly Glass Buildings

For new buildings, it’s possible to use bird-friendly glass (with special UV patterns that birds can see, but we can’t). Available from: Pilkington and Guardian Glass.

Books to Help Prevent Bird Strike

  • Solid Air is a book by the world’s expert in preventing bird-window collisions. He condenses over 40 years of experience, into an ideal book for builders and councils.
  • The Bird-Friendly City is a book of proven solutions for urban birds, including case studies of how to stop birds flying into windows and buildings.

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