Simple Solutions for Protecting Birds from Windows

One billion birds die on windows every year in North America. 

Half of those are on our residential homes.  

These strikes are preventable.
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Simple, affordable, view-saving, and nice looking solutions exist!

Studies show most bird collisions are never seen or heard. Most birds that hit windows are able to fly some distance away.

But these birds will not survive. 

Window strike prevention is one of the easiest, most attainable, and convenient actions we can all take to make a huge conservation impact.
Treating reflection is the KEY to solving bird collisions. 

Solutions that interrupt the reflection or prevent a bird from hitting the window work. 
Never place feeders in front of windows if the window has no impact prevention on it.  

The benefit of our feeders does not at all make up for the billions of birds dying on windows. Many bird strikes are not feeder birds at all. 

Placement tips for no window solutions:
  • Placing very close (w/in 3 feet) is not always effective, still need a window solution
  • American Bird Conservancy states there is no safe area in front of a window, regardless of how far out. 
  • BEST: Place at feeders at an angle to house, not in front of windows
  • Further away is better, at least 30-50 feet away
  • Nature-scape between feeders and windows 

Placement tips for windows with solutions:

  • The more effective the solution (ex: netting, screen set 4" from window), the closer your feeder can safely be. 
  • The less effective the solution (films, on window screen, stickers), the further from the window the feeder should be. 
native_bird_care_window_solutions_v4__2_.pdf
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Download the handy pdf above or email Native Bird Care
Simple Solutions Abound!: Scroll down for several popular options.
Window Screens:
  • Reduces reflection
  • Stops impacts if hung 4" out from window
  • DIY: use longer hooks or plant hangars 
  • Professional option: www.birdscreen.com 
  • Keep original window screens on windows​ 
  • Staple insect screen to framing, dowels, or wrap around conduit.
  • Screens also reduce solar uptake of the window in summer. 
In the photos: professional product called Bird Screen. Can do this yourself with some creativity. 
Wildlife Netting - 100% effective if hung away from window
  • ​Keeps the view best - so you can see the birds
  • Prevents impact completely
  • 100% effective when hung taught
  • Garden (or wildlife) netting (1 inch holes or less)  
  • Hang tight so bird ‘bounces’ off - at least 4-6” from window 
  • Decorative plant hangars or eaves, or outdoor curtain rods
  • Place hangars at corners of windows. Cut to fit & hang
  • You can improve look by stapling to nice trim, or even framing
  • Secure bottom with plant hangars or cup hooks, or be creative.​​
  • Photo: note reflection is disrupted. 
  • Your eyes will adjust to the net in just a day or two. 
  • Cameras can adjust to the net as well for photos. 
  • Netting allows large expanses to be done with little cost. 
  • Birds do not get caught when it is hung taut. 
Parachute chords or hanging strings, decorations
  • Simple, easy, little view loss
  • Professional solution: www.birdsavers.com
  • Bird Savers has free instructions for DIY
  • Patio doors - this is one of the best options here
  • Attach bottom of chords to keep from swinging in the wind
  • Place 4" out from window for best safety
  • Product is better spaced at every 2" to prevent small birds like hummingbirds from hitting (for those who make this yourself). 
Window Decals/Tapes/Decorations: 
  • Interrupts/reduces reflection when placed close together
  • Place every 2” top to bottom &/or x 4” side to side 
  • More expensive than other options
  • ​Lose view out of window
  • Window Alert UV stickers Wild Birds Unlimited
  • Bird Tape by American Bird Conservancy comes in 50’ roles or squares www.abcbirdtape.org
  • ​Holographic, or shiny string or tapes, decorations or holographic windsocks: Wild Birds Unlimited​
  • ​*** Unless spaced close together, stickers DO NOT WORK!
Films - wide assortment of options at below links
Some solar window films increase reflection
& can cause more strikes

Never use films of landscapes, nature, or trees 
it defeats the purpose
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Picture


Commercial Solutions:
For large-scale solutions, larger windows, or nesting ​