By Jim Cubie
Hundreds of millions of birds die every year hitting the windows in our homes. We have all seen the photos of dead birds that hit urban buildings. Ten times as many die hitting our home windows.
Humans know that a dark space on the side of a building is a window. Birds do not. They see in it a reflection of the safe space they have just been flying through, and crash into the window and die – though some fly off, to die later from internal injuries or stunned, eaten by predators.
At my home a catbird decided to fly from the front of my home to the back. I heard a sickening thud. It had flown straight into my glass front door. Look at this photo (Photo 1) that I took just after the bird died hitting my front door. What do you see in it? On the ground, the dead catbird. In the window, my reflection. Likewise the catbird saw a wide open space behind him reflected in the glass front door in front of him. As this article was being written a bird hit a member’s window and left this impression (Photo 2).
Please visit the web address that follows and view and download the (25) page PDF booklet it and read the sections that most interest you.
Photo 1
Photo 2
CONTENTS
Consumer Guide to Bird Window Strike Prevention
1. Basic Science
2. Why Typical Install of Window Alert Does Not Work
3. How Many Windows Should I Do?
4. Two Basic Window Strike Prevention Strategies - UV Does Not Work
5. Threat Factor Ratings
6. Commercial Systems Described
7. DIY Options
8. Cost Comparison of Principal Systems
9. Factors to Consider In Choosing A Window Protection System
10. Effect on Vision and Photos comparing installed systems
11. Glass Doors
12. Window Washing