Everyone loves a shiny window. It makes the home or space look lovely. It lets you see what’s going on outside. If it’s a business space, it’s a welcome sign for customers because it portrays the company’s organization. However, one issue that often goes unnoticed is birds colliding with windows—a common problem that can harm wildlife and create unexpected messes.
Let’s say you just got your best windows cleaners, you sit back and gaze lovingly at how clear and shiny it looks. You feel fulfilled and then thump! That tragic sound that could only be a bird colliding with your glass. You may feel sad instantly, the whole joy that comes with a shiny glass is gone. You feel terrible, the bird is traumatized and your windows suffer too. How do you prevent this from happening? Why does it even happen?
Why do birds fly into your windows
When a glass is clean, it is very reflective. This reflectiveness causes an optical illusion and this totally conceals the windows presence. Think about this, there are vegetations right outside your home, they reflect on you windows, a bird in flight sees this reflection, thinks it real vegetation and makes a beeline for a flower to pollinate and thump!
A bird may even see its reflection on the glass and attack it. It does this thinking it’s a rival or a threat. It could even be the plants behind the windows. Because the window are very clear, the birds can see the house plants clearly as if it weren’t behind a glass, totally oblivious to the presence of the window.
Bird-to-window collision can be prevented by taking one of these three steps:
1. Use of string curtains
This is a very effective way to prevent bird to window collision. You can purchase a string curtain that is decorative and works well to make the windows less reflective. All you need to do is get the best fit that will repel birds effectively.
2. Use of one way transparent films
You may be worried about not being able to see the view outside your windows if you use string curtains. One way transparent films solve that problem for you. It let’s you view outside your windows while still providing a beautiful view for people outside. Most importantly, it reduces the reflectivity of the window thereby reduces collision.
3. Use of Decals
You can take advantage of the holiday seasons to use decals. They are decorative and fun. There are different options to choose from. There is the perforated window decal, the opaque window decal, and the clear window decal. Your choice of decal depends on your preference.
The perforated window decal provides you with a one way view. This means you will be able to see outside the windows, but people outside are not able to see inside. When placing decals, you can try placing them a foot apart, this allows light in and also reduces reflection.
You have three options to choose from. Get the best fit for your windows. Remember you’re saving the lives of these innocent birds. You can play around with the decorations, you could even use decals to advertise your business logos and store hours for customers. You do not have to put off washing your windows to prevent bird to window collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are birds colliding with windows so often?
Birds are colliding with windows because clean or reflective glass creates an illusion of open space, vegetation, or sky. Birds mistake these reflections for real environments and try to fly through them, resulting in collisions.
What makes birds think they can fly through windows?
The main reason for birds colliding with windows is the glass’s reflectiveness. When windows reflect outdoor vegetation or sky, birds perceive them as real and attempt to fly through, not recognizing the barrier.
How do I prevent birds colliding with windows?
To prevent birds colliding with windows, you can install string curtains, apply one-way transparent films, or use window decals. These options reduce reflections and make the glass visible to birds.
Are string curtains effective in stopping birds colliding with windows?
Yes, string curtains are effective. They break up the glass reflection and alert birds that there is a barrier. This simple solution helps reduce the risk of birds colliding with windows.
Can I still enjoy my view while preventing birds colliding with windows?
Absolutely. One-way transparent films allow you to see outside while reducing reflections that cause birds to collide with windows. They offer both visibility and protection for wildlife.
Do window decals really help with birds colliding with windows?
Yes, when placed correctly, decals are an excellent way to prevent birds from colliding with windows. They disrupt the clear view and reflective surface, making it easier for birds to see the window as a solid object
