How to Bird-Proof Your Windows to Protect Our Feathered Friends
Dear friends,
It is a very common occurrence for birds to fly into windows. Most of our windows are clear and transparent, and birds will fly straight into the window thinking that they are heading towards an open space.
Most birds do not survive this type of collision so it is very important for us to take precautionary measures to stop this from happening. Buddhism teaches us to always be kind to animals and this extends to taking proactive measures and not just reactive.
I hope that more people who live in areas where bird collisions are common will take the extra effort to bird-proof their windows using these simple techniques.
Tsem Rinpoche
How to Bird-Proof Your Windows to Protect Our Feathered Friends
It is estimated that between one hundred million and one billion birds in the U.S. die each year from colliding with windows. Confused by reflections of trees and sky and the transparency of clean glass (or by the false beacons of indoor lighting at night), birds of all feathers will try to fly through what they perceive to be an open space only to wind up either stunned or dead. Migratory birds are particularly vulnerable, since they are less used to the presence of windows and glass than their urban-dwelling brethren, and many victims are songbirds whose populations are already dwindling. The real kicker? Roughly half of these deaths occur at residential homes.
Happily, there are a number of easy ways you can bird-proof your own home to prevent future window-strikes.
Improve Visibility
One of the easiest methods is to apply something directly to the windows. Decorate them with creative decals, or go for a simpler look by applying small bird markers (small dots or squares) in a pattern on your windows. FLAP (Fatal Light Awareness) Canada recommends that markers be spaced no more than two inches apart. Another option would be to buy a window film with either a patterned or frosted look. Window films come in all shapes and sizes; choose between full window covers and patterns of stripes, squares or circles to create an effect that is both stylish and bird-friendly.
You can also make your own patterns with decorative tape or glass paint. Try applying UV liquid, which purportedly dries clear on glass and reflects the UV rays which birds can see but humans cannot. If you happen to be remodeling or replacing your windows, spring for UV-reflective, angled or fritted glass.
If you’re not keen on paint or stick-ons, focus on what hangs next to your windows instead. Leave unused windows covered, and be sure to close shutters, shades or curtains before you turn on your indoor lights at night. Try leaving shutters or blinds half-closed during the day, or consider investing in (or making) a simple wind curtain – a set of long strings which hang about five inches apart outside windows and doors. The strings move with the wind, catching birds’ attention and deterring them while creating only a minimal visual barrier for human window-gazers.
Reduce Risk of Injury
Screens or netting are perhaps the most effective bird-proofing tools of all. Aside from keeping insects and other unwanted visitors off a porch or balcony, they are highly visible to birds. Best of all, they provide a flexible cushion to help protect even the most wayward fliers from severe injury. Note that it is best to keep about two inches between the netting or screen and the window; otherwise, the “cushioning” effect of the screen won’t work as well. Small-mesh netting is preferable, as it is less likely a bird will become trapped in it.
In addition to screens and netting, the placement of objects like bird feeders and bird baths is also an important consideration. It’s best to place these objects either within three feet or over 30 feet away from windows. Why? Placing them nearby prevents birds from building up enough momentum to hurt themselves if they should try to fly to the window from the bath or feeder, while placing them far away reduces the incentive to do so.
If you have indoor planters, do not place them directly inside a window; birds may see these as potential safe havens and will try to fly towards them. The same goes for fish tanks or cages containing small animals that would normally be food for predators like hawks or owls. Placing them next to a clear window may trick these birds into thinking they have a clear shot at some easy prey. Considering the speed at which many of these birds can attack (a peregrine falcon can reach up to 240 mph), such a temptation is nothing short of deadly.
Call a Professional
Finally, if you find a bird that has been stunned or injured by a window-strike, do not try to handle it with your bare hands. Wear gloves, and wrap the bird in a small, soft cloth. Place it in a cardboard box or paper bag with air holes and keep it in a warm, quiet place away from loud noises and activity. Check on the bird every 15 to 30 minutes, periodically taking it outside and opening the container to allow it to fly away when it is ready. If the bird is obviously hurt or does not fly away (or proves unable to) within a couple of hours, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator.
Source: http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/how-to-bird-proof-your-windows-to-protect-our-feathered-friends/
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Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this caring article to prevent danger to birds flying into windows. I didn’t know there is so much to learn until I read this article. I personally has learnt a lot of how to handle an injured bird from the last paragraph of this article as not many people is aware of the right method to prevent an injured bird from further deterioration.
Sometimes we don’t realize how in our quest for more light and sunshine, in a modern home setting it can bring harm to animals, who are not completely aware about such obstacles. I thought the UV paint is kind of cool, hope it last long and gets replaced before it fades off.
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this important article to educate us on how to prevent the birds from flying towards the transparent windows and killing them directly after colliding against the windows. There are different methods to implement these preventive measures according to one’s own interest and approach in order to save the birds from collision against the window.
By applying the methods according to the recommendations as provided in the article, we can save hundreds or thousands of birds from being killed directly through the collision in 24/7. Since we were given the precious opportunity to live as humans, we should use our capability and skill to save more animals as the animals are suffering in their own physical body and mind. Their intelligence level is not as high as compared to normal human beings. Hence, animals are too, our indirect gurus as they give us the opportunities to help them and cultivate compassion, kindness and love from our inner self.
I personally has learnt a lot of how to handle an injured bird from the last paragraph of this article as not many people is aware of the right method to prevent an injured bird from further deterioration.
May all animals and living beings be free from sufferings and pain.
Thank you Rinpoche with folded hands,
kin hoe
Just imagine between one hundred million to one billion birds in the U.S. alone die each year from colliding with windows. Birds mistake the reflection of trees and the sky for real trees or sky, or indoor lighting at night for beacons of light. They thus fly straight into the windows, collide and are stunned or die.Migratory birds which are not used to the presence of so many glass windows, are the most vulnerable.
Hence, to prevent these accidents, often fatal ones, from happening, certain measures can be taken.An easy way is to apply something directly to the windows -some creative patterns (decals) to transfer to the glass of the window. Or apply small bird markers in a close pattern on the window. Or use window films, decorative tapes or paint designs on the glass.Or apply UV liquid that dries quickly on glass. Or use shutters, shades or curtains to cover the windows.
Screens or netting are perhaps the most effective bird-proofing tools of all. Aside from keeping insects and other unwanted visitors off a porch or balcony, they are highly visible to birds. Best of all, they provide a flexible cushion to help protect even the most wayward fliers from severe injury. The ‘cushion’ can be effected by keeping a space between the netting and the glass.
Also keep objects like bird feeders and bird baths at a safe distance of either within three feet or over 30 feet away from the windows. At the same time keep fish tanks as well as cages for smaller animals, which the predator birds might make a beeline for at a safe distance away from the windows.
Lastly but not least, should a bird be stunned, handle it with care and if necessary, call a wildlife rehabilitator. A great deal depends on whether you truly care for these feathered friends or not.
Thank you Rinpoche for this informative article. I didn’t know there is so much to learn until I read this article. It is something that in our busy lives we tend to not have thought about it and the consequences that it brings to the poor birds.
With folded palms,
Vivian
Thank you Rinpche for sharing this caring article to prevent danger to birds flying into windows. The impact must cause tremendous pain and most times death. As Buddhist we should practice mindfulness to take the first steps to prevent these unfortunate incidents from happening. In caring, we could just take the extra steps to implement the suggestions in the article so that birds are able to enjoy being around our houses without danger.
We just heard a heart-warming report of a pair of falcons that came to settle at our Belgian plant site. After several days of looking for the best location, they settled down in the exit of an old ventilation pipe.
A few weeks later, the cry of three young falcons was heard. The young ones began their first flight but unfortunately kept crashing into the office windows perhaps because they saw their own reflection and thought they were prey. So I guess this crashing into windows is very true indeed. Luckily we don’t hear of any untoward outcome so far and hopefully they learn from their mistake and survive and thrive.
According to Wikipedia, the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a bird of prey species belonging to the kestrel group of the falcon family Falconidae. It prefers open habitats such as fields, heaths, shrubland and marshland. The common kestrel readily adapts to human settlement, as long as sufficient amounts of vegetation are available. Globally, this species is not considered threatened and migrates south in winter.
When hunting, the common kestrel characteristically hovers about 10–20 m (33–66 ft) above the ground, searching for prey. The birds have keen eyesight, enabling them to spot small prey from a distance. Once prey is sighted, the bird makes a short, steep dive toward the target. It can often be found hunting along the sides of roads and motorways. When the birds spot prey animals moving nearby, they will pounce on them.
Poor birds. In Buddhism, we learn that we should view all sentient beings as equal. Yes, even the birds. Saving a bird is no less than saving a man.
Even if one has never walked towards a glass door (often distracted by mobile phone etc), one can imagine the shock and pain that it entails. Imagine how much more magnified and intense such pain and shock for the fragile birds when it results in their death. The fact that this issue doesn’t garner much attention/awareness despite the statistics of fatality in US alone are quite high goes to show how desensitised we have become in our pursuit of modernisation and development. We really need to be mindful of all other beings sharing the environment with us especially those whose causes have not been actively championed by anyone. Thank you for reminding us of an aspect most have definitely taken for granted and for bringing to attention what we can do to minimize the risks.
Thank you for sharing this information with us Rinpoche, I had no idea that so many birds die every year just because of windows. The numbers you mentioned seemed unreal at first. I think that is because I personally have never experienced a bird hitting against one of my windows.
Out of the three things we could do to Bird-Proof our windows I think the most effective thing we could do is increase the visibility of the windows for the birds. The reason I say this is the most effective is because it is probably the cheapest and most simple way to protect the birds. I am sure that a lot of people would find installing netting very difficult and expensive. That is why I think increasing the visibility is best.
Good reminder and advice for us .To remind us of loving and caring all sentient beings and always be mindful.Very common for birds to fly straight into our windows that will cause them injuries to their feathers.Hence we must protect them in away ,by severals methods by adjusting our windows as suggested by Rinpoche .
At least it could reduce the risk and injury .
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this article.
In Buddhism, all people are encouraged to love all living beings including the animals. The Buddha teachings told us that is not right for us to take away the life of others. We cannot deny that animals also have fear and pain as do human beings. Therefore, it is wrong to take away their lives. Besides, we should more proactive to protect the animals whenever we can.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this interesting topic which showed one way of protecting the birds to get hurt from the transparent windows.
Birds is our feathery friends who co-exist in our environment that we pay so little attention to them. We often forget they have feelings like us and definitely suffer from pain, cold and hunger just like us. As we pay so little attention to them as our neighbors, our actions inevitably create causes for them to suffer. Even though birds spread their wings and fly high, our concrete jungle is a trap for them and they get suffer the hurt that we created. Hence, it is our responsibility to be more mindful and since we can reverse the harm done, we should at least find remedy to lessen the possibility for them to get hurt. Thank you very much Rinpoche for this article as a reminder for us to be mindful towards animals living in our environment.
Thanks Rinpoche for sharing these practical way to save the birds from the unwanted accidents.
I rescued one bird before where it hit the transparent glass and fell down, it was struggling when I caught it. I place it in a cage, let the bird out in a place safe from dogs two to three days once, the bird couldn’t fly high even it flapped very hard.
I placed the bird in one of our recovery aviary where it’s safe from any potential attacks and be able to practise to fly. One week later, the bird could fly a little higher and longer distance; after 2 weeks, it’s healed completely and I have release the bird back to the wild. Lucky for the bird who manage to recover back.
Birds are part of our living environment. Although human has taken the nature to build residence, it’s important to prevent the birds from hitting windows or glass doors as the place used to be their.
Thank you.
Good job,Jace!
Personally,I have saw few birds died near some clear windows, but I’ve never get to save one’s life. However,talking about saving bird, I do have an experience of it, I walking on the street in Kuala Lumpur City and I saw there was a sticky mouse trap outside of a food store, there were died insects, died lizard and 1 living sparrow trapped on the sticky mouse trap. It was struggling and trying so hard to escape, but the more it try the more its feathers stick on the trap.I couldn’t care less and I decided to save it from sufferings. No matter how careful I’m to remove it from the trap, it still suffered so much due the wounds and tears. After successfully removed it from the trap, immediately I started to look for vet to give proper treatment for the sparrow. However, most of them are closed due to public holiday and there was 1 which was still operating, but they only give treatment to cats and dogs. I could not delay further and I’ve decided to treat it by myself after did basic research on removing gums on a bird.
Fortunately, the method worked and the sparrow was almost cleaned from gums. Hence, I kept it inside a cardboard box and let it try to fly back to the nature but it cannot make it. I kept it in the box and the next day, the bird was no longer there. Hope it was not eaten by any predator.
Being conscious is extremely important as we are living with all sentient beings. There is never too much love & care but there is always too much selfishness.