Birds Hitting Clean Windows?
Are Your Windows Are So Clean the Birds Can’t See Them? What To Do About That.
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As a St. George, UT window cleaner, I’m usually pretty happy when a client tells me their windows are practically invisible.
That means I did my job well.
Unfortunately, that puts birds at a disadvantage.
A freshly cleaned window usually reflects the sky, trees, bushes, and everything else around your home. To us, it looks like a beautiful clean window. To a bird flying through the yard, it may look like the flight path continues straight ahead.
Unfortunately, every once in a while, we’ll hear a bird crash against the window. We usually cringe. It’s not a sound we like hearing because we immediately wonder if the bird is okay.
How To Make the Glass Easier for Birds To See
One solution is adding something visible to the outside of the glass.
Window decals can help.
For large picture windows, one sticker is not enough. It’s best to create a pattern that makes the entire glass area look like an obstacle rather than an opening.
There are window films, dots, stripes, tape patterns, and other products made specifically for this purpose. You can decide how noticeable you want them. Some really stand out. Others are less noticeable to us but still help birds see the window.
My experience with window decals: I have had birds hitting the sliding glass door near my desk fairly often (at least once a month). (Only the sliding door because the other one had the screen in front of it).
I bought and placed decals on that windows several months ago and I think that there has only been one bird collision since then. Certainly not more than one.
The decals are a bit pricey (5 for $12) but worth it.
Window Screens Can Help Too
Window screens can make windows more visible. If a bird does hit the screen, it may also soften the impact.
Using window screens may be one of the simplest solutions.
Pay attention to where collisions are happening. Usually one or two windows cause most of the problems.
Let’s Take A Look At What’s Reflected
At different times of the day, look at your windows from the outside, especially those that get hit the most. Check the problem windows from different angles.Look at what you see reflected in the windows.
If you’re seeing a perfect reflection of a tree or other scenery, that might be what the birds see.
You can also try adjusting your blinds or curtains. Moving indoor plants in front of certain windows may also help.
Clean Windows Shouldn’t Become Bird Traps
I want my customers to notice how clean their windows are. But I certainly don’t want clean windows hurting birds.
What to Do When a Bird Hits a Window – TheBirdingInsights.com
A bird hit your window and you want to help. Here is what to do, from watching and waiting to boxing a stunned bird, releasing it, and when to call a rehabilitator.
