What to Do When a Bird Collides with a Window

Bird collisions with windows are a common occurrence, especially in urban areas where buildings with large glass surfaces are prevalent. These accidents can be distressing, as they often result in injury or even death for the bird. However, there are important steps you can take to handle the situation compassionately and help the bird recover.

1. Assess the Situation Calmly

If you witness a bird flying into a window, the first step is to remain calm. Avoid rushing to the scene, as sudden movements might startle the bird, potentially making it more difficult for you to assist. Check to see if the bird is moving at all. If the bird is lying still, it may be injured or temporarily stunned. Birds that collide with windows can suffer from broken wings, head injuries, or internal damage.

2. Contain the Bird

Carefully place the bird in secure well-ventilated box or container. Use a hand towel on the bottom of the box to allow for traction, this can help the bird remain upright and decrease stress. Place the box in a dark, quiet space.

5. Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance. Most window strike birds need supportive care and medical intervention even if they seem relatively stable. Many wildlife experts are trained in dealing with birds that have sustained injuries from collisions. They will have the necessary resources and knowledge to provide the bird with the care it needs.

6. Prevent Future Collisions

While accidents will happen, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of bird collisions with windows in the future. Many birds fly into windows because they cannot see the glass, or they are startled by their own reflections. Here are a few measures to prevent bird collisions:

• Apply decals or window film: Place visible decals, stickers, or patterns on your windows to make the glass more noticeable to birds.

• Use netting or screens: Install netting or screens on the outside of your windows to create a physical barrier.

• Move plants and feeders: Avoid placing bird feeders or plants too close to windows, as this can encourage birds to fly toward them.

• Use sheer curtains: If your windows face areas where birds frequent, you may also want to use sheer curtains that reduce the reflection and make the glass more visible.

7. Education and Awareness

Encourage your neighbors, friends, and family to be mindful of bird-window collisions. Raising awareness about the issue and educating others on prevention strategies can have a broader impact on bird safety.

Bird collisions with windows are an unfortunate reality, but with careful attention and compassion, we can help minimize harm and provide support to the birds affected. By following the steps above, we can ensure the best possible outcome for the bird, and work toward reducing these incidents through thoughtful precautions and education. Taking action to protect birds not only helps wildlife but also contributes to creating a safer environment for all living creatures.

You can also visit https://www.birdsafephilly.org/ to learn more!

Keep your trash cans in the garage or an enclosed area. Put your trash out in the morning rather than the night before. Make sure your trash can has a lid and that it fits securely. Keep your trash cans upright by attaching them to a sturdy pole.

If you find an animal trapped in a dumpster or other container, place a tree branch or piece of lumber diagonally from the dumpster floor to the top. The animal will climb out when he deems it safe to exit. Often a raccoon, opossum or skunk will wait until dark to exit

The best way to prevent wildlife from entering your garden is to install a fence. The fence should extend a few inches below the surface and three feet above. That should deter rabbits, other burrowers and most deer. Organic commercial repellents can also be useful to protect flowers and shrubs and are available at most garden centers.

If Animals are chewing and gnawing at the base of your trees, wrap the bottom three feet of the tree with hardware cloth, chicken wire or install a plastic tree protector. Several layers of aluminum foil will work on smaller tree trunks.

The best way to keep wildlife from digging in your yard is to install a perimeter fence that extends 12 inches into the ground and 4 feet above. If this is not an option, try using an organic insect control product to eliminate bugs as a food source. You can also try placing noise making devices, such as pinwheels, around your yard.

Humane eviction is one of the most effective methods when it comes to human wildlife conflicts. By placing a radio with loud inconsistent sounds or voices, adding bright lights, and strong scents such as predatory (coyote) urine, it helps make the space less appealing to wildlife and they will often move out. It is important during baby season to give mother animals time to move their young.

Monitor the space and if you suspect the animal has moved out, place crumpled newspaper in the “den” hole. If this goes undisturbed for 48+ hours, seal the holes appropriately to stop future wildlife issues from arising.

Trapping and relocating a wild animal often results in death, due to them being placed in an unfamiliarly territory that is already established by others. It also does not solve the root of the problem and another animal will take up residence.

Hang a heavy rope from the top of the chimney into your fireplace in case the animal cannot get out the same way it got in. Place scented dryer sheets in the fireplace to encourage the animal to vacate. Once the creature has vacated, properly cap the chimney.

Wildlife in your house

If an animal should make its way into your home, do not attempt to catch it yourself. This could be dangerous for you, your belongings and the animal. Close off access to as much of your house as possible and open as many windows and doors to the outside as possible. Give the animal time to calm down and find its own way out.