windows and glass

Windows, glass doors, greenhouses and even decorative mirrors can be lethal for birds.  Hundreds of millions of birds die each year due to collisions with windows in North America alone, with little data available in the UK.

Double glazed windows especially can be problematic, as they provide very clear reflections, and many birds only see open sky reflected in the glass and don’t realise it is a flat surface. With our population ever expanding, and increasing urbanisation, living in proximity with our bird species is becoming commonplace. This means that these incidences may become more frequent unless something is done. Recent studies found that pied wagtails nesting very close to a brightly lit windowed building had died following a window collision, with over 19 individuals examined.

Often the first you know about window collisions is the loud bang of the bird impact. Whilst larger birds can sometimes survive the impact, most smaller birds die from their injuries or from shock.  Do anything you can to limit bird strikes.