Preventing Bird Strikes

Living in a high-rise building means I'm eye to eye with my avian friends. The murder of crows, murmuration of starlings and trembling of finches beyond my window fill my world with life, song and flight. I live on a migratory path and witness each spring and autumn a parade of feathered travellers.

The hard truth is that in North America 1 billion birds are killed annually when they collide with glass windows. In Canada, the number is 25 million birds with 1 million in Toronto alone according to OntarioNature.org. 

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These numbers can be reduced by taking some measures whether we rent or own

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“Wherever there are birds, there is hope.” ― Mehmet Murat Ildan

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Migrating bird are attracted to lights at night so we can all close curtains, blinds and window treatments. Reduce your carbon footprint too and turn off some lights.

During the day the reflection of the sky and trees prevent birds from seeing the windows, so we need to show them.

In my apartment, glass art is the preferred

bird-saver. Hanging stained glass windows provides privacy, beauty and bird-saving features to your home. Glass sun catchers add a splash of colour and play with the light in a room. Check out the next art/craft show in your town and  buy from a local glass artist. There are many Canadian glass artists whose mosaic, stained or fused glass panels would add a richness to any home.

Vintage and antique stores carry old stained glass windows.

Eternal Dragon by KimHendersonArt.com  

Stained glass by Penny Martin

Decals and window clings are ideal for renters who care about birds. These vinyl decals are removable and re-useable, allowing you to create some fun temporary art while also protecting the birds. You can find many designs online or create your own and have it printed (eg. vistaprint.com)

WindowAlert decal is available at urbannaturestore.ca 

Decals for children https://www.tenstickers-canada.com/stickers/moon-and-stars-window-sticker-A17050

If you have safe access to the exterior window you can paint and draw with Tempera Paint, Soap or Chalk for Windows . This could be a fun family art project.

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Home owners, landlords, businesses, governments and builders can take further steps by installing:

Dot Patterns and Tape a 2"x 2" grid installed on the exterior window.

Glass manufactures produce bird-friendly windows with UV coating or etching a dot grid on panels.

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If you can afford it, donate. Song birds are in trouble and need our help. Ecojustice.ca, Flap.org, ontarionature.org or your local wildlife centre can use the money. Many non-profit organizations are doing excellent work protecting the birds and your support is valuable.

If you find an injured bird that is not a bird of prey or too large (eg, cormorant,) try to confine it. Place it in a covered box with air holes away from predators in a warm quiet place. After a few hours it may be ready to fly away. Do not give it water or feed it. If it has serious signs of injury contact your local wildlife rehabilitation centre. Ontariowildliferescue.ca is a wonderful resource.

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