Window Film To Prevent Bird Strikes – Help Save Birds’ Lives!

Birds hitting windows – a bigger problem than you think

According to results from a study conducted in Chicago, a single building was monitored for 26 years and results showed more than 31,000 birds from 141 different species died from accidentally flying into it.

After habitat loss, bird collisions with man-made structures are the second major cause of death for birds in North America. Some experts say that around 100 million birds die from window strikes and other collisions each year.

This problem is alarming not only for quiet residential areas but also for downtown, where glass structures dominate. Read on to learn about measures that can be taken to save birds’ lives.

Why do birds hit windows?

The former president of the American Bird Conservancy states that aside from tall buildings and structures, regular homes can be dangerous for birds as well. Each home may kill 12 or more birds each year without the owner being aware most of the time.

Birds hit glass windows for 3 main reasons:

• The windows are reflecting the environment and birds can’t tell the difference.
• The windows are transparent, and birds don’t see them.
• The birds get confused by the bright lights in the city and collide with buildings, homes, and even each other.

How to stop birds from crashing into windows?

You can take several measures to increase the visibility of the glass and reduce collision fatalities. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Use window decals or stickers. Place decals, stickers, or even tape on the outside surface of the window. These can break up reflections and help birds identify a physical hazard.
2. Install external screens or netting. When attached outside of the window, this protection acts as a physical barrier and stops birds from hitting the glass.
3. Hang movable objects near windows. These are wind chimes, strips of fabric, or reflective materials that can create movement and noise that deter birds from approaching.
4. Close blinds or curtains. Do not forget to close blinds or curtains when windows are not in use. This reduces reflections and makes the glass less appealing to birds.
5. Install window bird prevention films. These films have special patterns or markings that are visible to birds, making the glass more noticeable and reducing collisions.

These simple strategies may reduce the risk of injury or death to hundreds of birds.

How does bird safety window film work?

Studies have shown that bird-safe window film can significantly reduce bird collisions. Here is what makes it effective:

• Visibility to birds. The patterns or textures disrupt the reflection, breaking the illusion of open space and alerting birds to the danger.
• Minimal impact on humans. These films are designed to be transparent to the human eye, allowing natural light to come through and maintain your view.
• Variety of Options. You can choose from a variety of aesthetically pleasing patterns that blend seamlessly with your exterior design and effectively deter birds.

Types of bird strike film

There are several types of bird-safe window films on the market. Each of them aims to make the glass barriers more visible to birds and reduce the likelihood of collisions. Some common types include:

1. Patterned films. These films come with patterns or designs that birds can see. They effectively break up reflections and make the window more noticeable.
2. UV reflective films. The main feature of these films is the ability to reflect ultraviolet light, which is visible to birds but not humans.
3. Fritted films. Fritted films incorporate tiny ceramic dots or lines. Such a pattern creates a textured surface that helps birds spot a barrier.

Each type of bird-safe window film offers unique benefits and may be suitable for different situations depending on factors such as window size, location, and aesthetic preferences. Regardless of the type you choose, the film should disrupt the reflection enough to be noticeable to birds. The spacing between dots, lines, or patterns should ideally be less than 2 inches for maximum effectiveness.