Hundreds of birds die each year due to collisions with glass windows. These collisions can be prevented by making the windows less transparent and less reflective.
This is happening right here in the Keys every fall and spring. Many of our beautiful migratory Warblers and other species of birds are hitting our exposed windows and dying.
Exposed windows can be covered in a decorative fashion that is also practical. There are many simple ways reduce the transparency and reflectiveness of the windows.
Not all the glass needs to be covered completely to achieve this goal. Researchers have determined though experimental evidence that complete or partial covering of windows will eliminate bird strikes. Patterns placed on or near the window should be no more than 2 – 4 inches apart and uniformly cover the window surface.
To learn more about preventing bird window strikes there are many useful online resources.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/why-birds-hit-windows-and-how-you-can-help-prevent-it
How to help birds that have struck a window.
- Place it in a dark container such as a shoebox or paper bag and leave it somewhere quiet.
- Do not try to give it food or water, and resist handling it.
- The darkness will calm the bird while it revives, which should occur within 30 minutes unless it is seriously injured.
- Do not open the box indoors or the bird might escape!
- Take the box outside in about 30 minutes. Open it and hopefully the bird will fly off.
- If the bird does not take flight contact the Wildlife Rehabilitator in your area.