With the annual fall bird migration under way in Atlanta, we can take some easy steps to prevent birds from hitting home windows. Birds usually fly into windows because in a window they see the reflection of sky or trees instead of a pane of glass. They think they’re following a clear flight path. That mistake can be deadly: at least half of the birds that hit windows die from their injuries or because another animal killed them while they were stunned and couldn’t protect themselves.

To help prevent the next window collision, here are some tips from the Humane Society’s website:

Make windows visible to birds

Change things outside

• Window screen or a light net: Attach this at least 2-3” from the window. When the screen or net is taut, birds will bounce off (imagine a trampoline) without getting caught.
• CollidEscape film: Apply the film to the outside—not the inside—of your window. It’ll be transparent to you, but opaque to birds.
• Tape strips: Attach strips of chart tape on outside of window—either 1/4” vertical white strips (spaced 4” apart) or 1/8” horizontal black strips (spaced an inch apart).
• External shutters: Close them whenever windows aren’t in use.
• External sun shades or awnings: They will eliminate or minimize reflection and transparency.
• Decals and Wing Chimes: Place them closely together so that the spaces between them are no more than a 4” wide by 2” high. You can find decals at art and craft supply stores.
• Move feeders and baths: Place bird feeders and baths either within 3 feet (too close for a collision to be fatal) of windows or more than 30 feet away (birds will be more likely to recognize that windows are a part of the house).
• Use screens year-round: If you have modern dual-pane windows, you can leave screens up all year to provide cushioning if a bird hits the window.

Change things inside

• Vertical blinds: Keep these halfway (or more) closed.
• Shades and curtains: If you aren’t looking out the window or don’t need to let in daylight, keep these closed.
• Lights: At night, turn off lights or else close curtains or blinds.

Jane