Karla News

How to Prevent Birds from Hitting Windows

Many people love feeding the birds, and they want to place the feeders close to their homes where they can see the many varieties that stop by for meals. Unfortunately, houses for humans can be a danger to flying creatures. They sometimes try to quickly leave feeding areas, or they simply do not see glass windows and make tragic and sometimes fatal mistakes. They end up hitting the panes and become injured.

Sometimes they are temporarily stunned and just slightly injured, while other times they end up with broken necks or beaks that are permanently damaged. A broken beak results in a slow and painful death. The bird will eventually succumb to starvation, and this is not what bird lovers want, especially when they feed their feathered friends. Use these easy ways to prevent birds from hitting windows, and protect them from harm while providing sustenance for survival.

A Poor Little Sparrow

Windows of all sizes are a danger to small birds, but picture windows are especially dangerous since they are panes of solid glass. As I sat typing my first article this morning, I heard the unmistakable thump of a bird hitting the glass of my big picture window. I recently added two more feeders out front, and I felt somewhat responsible for this bird’s untimely demise. I did not immediately go out to check on the bird. I figured it had recovered and flown away, but it had not.

About thirty minutes after the bird ended up hitting the window, I stepped outside to move a couple of potted plants. I had forgotten about the bird at first, and I just happened to see it on the porch. Although the small sparrow was standing upright, it was clearly in distress. I gently picked it up while trying to decide what to do.

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I could feel the warmth of its soft little body, and I thought of the life I could still feel inside of my hand. I wondered if it would end up dying as a result of hitting the glass. Upon closer inspection I noticed blood around the base of its beak. Everything else looked okay, but it was not attempting to fly away. The outcome could go either way.

I placed the poor little sparrow inside a shaded potted plant hanging near the porch, and I gently stroked its little head. I spoke softly to the bird and said a prayer for its recovery. I asked God to either heal the creature or let it escape from the suffering through death. I placed a few drops of cool water on its bloody beak, and I left it alone. At least it was off the ground where it would not be stepped on or eaten by a stray cat.

I checked on the bird about every five minutes. It slept for about a half hour, and as time went by, it slowly began to recover. Its eyes opened wider, and it began turning its head. It was watching the other birds on the nearby feeders, and I knew it would be okay. It finally stepped out onto the edge of the basket and eventually flew away. I knew that I had to immediately find a way to prevent other birds from hitting the windows on the front of the house.

Place Reflective Film Over the Windows to Prevent Collisions

When looking for effective ways to prevent birds from hitting windows, consider using reflective film. It can be purchased online, and it will make the windows highly reflective and easy to see. This alone can help stop birds from hitting windows, but it is not exactly cheap. Other options exist, and they can work just as well.

Hang Stained Glass or Other Decor Over Problem Windows

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Birds end up hitting windows they cannot see, and they can be made more visible with the addition of stained glass or other eye-catching decor. Hang faux or real stained glass decorations on problem windows, or choose some other item that has an eye hook for hanging. It might take a few different pieces to make the window safer for the birds, but the options are many.

Move Birdfeeders Away from Windows

When birds are hitting the windows on a house, consider the placement of feeders and birdbaths. If they are close to the structure, move them up about ten or fifteen feet. Birds sometimes fight over the food, and when they quickly fly away in an attempt to escape, they can end up hitting the glass.