How to prevent bird window strikes

Bird collisions with man-made structures is a leading cause of bird death in North America. (Credit: Andria Lavine va Flickr)

Windows are deadly for birds.



More birds die each year from crashing into homes and buildings than are killed by wind turbines and vehicles combined. In Canada it's the third leading cause of wild bird death, after cats (domestic and feral) and power lines, collisions and electrocutions. Window strikes kill about 100 million birds in North America each year.



Birds can't see glass. And they fly so fast, any collision is usually fatal.



Here are some simple, affordable changes you can make at home or work to prevent these deaths:

Close blinds and curtains
Move indoor plants away from windows
Hang old CDs, aluminum pie plates or chimes to break up the expanse of exposed glass
Plant a shade tree to cut down on reflection
Dim or turn off lights, especially during spring and fall migration
Install special screens to cushion impact

Check out the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) homeowner brochure (PDF) to learn what to do if a bird strikes your window and how to report it.



Do you feed birds in winter?



Your bird feeder can be an important source of calories for wild birds. Just don't place it right in front of windows! Be sure any feeders and bird baths are at least half a metre away from glass surfaces.



What steps have you taken to prevent bird window collisions at home or work?



Sincerely,

Lindsay Coulter, a fellow Queen of Green

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