To prevent birds from flying into your windows, try these methods:
- Keep bird feeders and birdbaths out of the danger zone. Keep these away from or below windows.
- Break up the reflections in your window(s). Try putting a removable sticker or "static cling" on the window, or even place sticky notes on the inside of the window in various places to break up the reflection from the outside.
- Try removable window film (Home Depot carries it). It looks opaque from the outside but doesn't affect the view from the inside.
How to Help an Injured Bird
Birds striking a window in full flight are often killed outright. Others may have internal injuries to which they succumb later, but some birds are only temporarily out of action.
"Many times when a bird hits a window, they are stunned and just need a little time to recover. Putting them in a dark, warm, quiet place lets them gather their wits about them, and then they can be released after 15 or 20 minutes," says an expert. Place the bird in a box with a lid, and be sure to keep cats away while you wait for it to recover.
After 20 minutes, if the bird doesn't fly away on its own, or if you noticed a bad injury at the outset, call a wildlife rehabilitator. They will advise and may ask you to bring the bird to them."
While windows bring welcome garden views and sunshine into our homes, they pose a lethal threat to wild birds. But with a few simple adjustments, you can help your winged visitors avoid that danger.