Easy Ways To Stop Birds From Flying Into Your Windows
The soft (or, sometimes, very loud) smack of a bird crashing into your window is never fun to hear, but it’s unfortunately very common. An estimated 365-998 million birds die due to window collisions each year in the United States alone, as so many houses and other buildings are being constructed right in the middle of their natural habitats. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to make your windows safer for our avian friends without compromising your view or the look of your home.
Break Up The Reflection
Birds most often hit windows because they see reflections of trees, sky, or open space and think they can fly through, meaning one of the easiest ways to prevent this is by breaking up those reflections. You can do this by placing decals, stickers, or window film in patterns across the glass. They don’t need to be large or loud, but they do need to be spaced close enough together to interrupt what the bird sees. See if your city has a local ‘bird friendly’ chapter or other initiative that gives homeowners access to bird-safety stickers you can put up.
Hang Objects That Move
Movement catches a bird’s attention and signals potential danger ahead. Hanging objects such as wind chimes, suspended decorations, or even just strips of ribbon near your windows can discourage birds from getting too close. This is especially helpful if your object also makes noise, and it works well near patio doors or windows that face gardens or bird feeders.
Install Screens
Adding exterior screens over your windows creates a softer barrier that cushions any potential impact while also helping break up the window-reflected illusion that birds fall for. These materials can be installed so they don’t completely block your view, and they’re especially helpful if you’ve had multiple bird collisions in the same spot. This is a longer term fix that works year-round and can help your own home’s airflow if you don’t already have screens installed.
Close Curtains During the Day
Interior light contrast can reduce a window’s reflection, but if there’s too much glare from the daylight, closing the blinds or curtains helps even more. Pulling them closed or even just partially shut cuts back greatly on the glass’s mirroring effect, meaning birds are less likely to think of them as paths (but is still not a more permanent fix like the window decals). It’s best done during peak bird activity hours, like early morning and late afternoon.
Move Bird Feeders Closer
Surprisingly, placing bird feeders closer to your windows—within two or three feet—can actually reduce crashes. From this short distance, birds don’t have enough space to build up dangerous speed, and many are more likely to stop at the feeder rather than sail right past it. At the same time, placing feeders farther away, at least 30 feet, can also reduce the chances of a confused flight path toward the glass. Either pitch them close or far enough that they have ample space away from any windows.
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Once you understand what they’re reacting to when they accidentally crash into your home, it becomes easier to protect them. Whether you go for a long-term option like screening or a quicker fix like decals or hanging decor, these simple changes can protect your area’s wildlife and help keep birds safer every season.
Daniel Mitchell
