Soluciones para el hogar

For a bird-friendly home, start by identifying problem windows. Not all windows pose equal dangers to birds. In fact, the majority of collisions are often caused by a small number of problem windows. Identifying and fixing the most dangerous locations is a good way to prevent future collisions. To get started, treat the following windows:

• Windows that have already caused collisions.
• Large windows and glass doors, especially those that reflect habitat (including sky) or through which you can see sky or greenery.
• Windows across from bird feeders, bird baths, and fruit-bearing plants.

In many cases, fixing only these windows will stop almost all of your collisions. But remain vigilant: If collisions occur at other windows, you can apply similar solutions to continue making your home bird-friendly.

It may be tempting to place bird-friendly window products on the inside of windows, but this should be avoided whenever possible. Applied internally, the treatment is invisible to birds when window reflections outside are strong.

While ABC recommends applying all bird-friendly products on the outside of your windows, you might have windows that are hard to reach from the outside. A quick test can tell you if a solution on the inside of the window might work.

Begin by applying the proposed “inside” solution to your window. Then, observe the window from an outside location every two to three hours, starting in the early morning, to determine its visibility. If you can clearly see your test solution, birds might too. Your test solution should be something large and bright, like Post-It Notes, so that it has a chance to be visible through the reflections on the outside of the glass.

Research shows that most collisions can be prevented by applying patterns that are correctly sized and spaced on the outside of glass surfaces. Following these rules will make your treatment as effective as possible:

• Choose the right size pattern: If your pattern consists of stripes, they should be at least one-eighth of an inch wide. If you use dots or similar shapes, they should be at least one-quarter of an inch in diameter. It is not necessary to use simple dots or stripes — any pattern that follows these rules will save birds.
• You should be able to see the pattern clearly from 10 feet away. This is important: Birds need to detect patterns from far enough away that they have time to change course and avoid a collision.
• Bigger is better: The larger the lines and dots are, the more effective they are as they become easier for birds to see. White patterns tend to perform best because they reflect the most light and provide greater contrast against a range of background colors and reflections.
• Space patterns correctly: Ideal spacing follows the two-inch-by-two-inch rule. Patterns that have vertical, horizontal, or diagonal spaces of two inches or less — and that follow the pattern size rules above — will prevent most collisions. Larger spacing poses a risk to small songbirds, including hummingbirds, that can easily fly through four-inch-wide gaps. Looking for an alternative? You can also apply a uniform solid pattern, including screens or solid-color window films, that covers the entire window.

People often report large increases in collisions after replacing home windows. These are typically attributed to several causes, including:

• Increased reflectivity: New windows often have energy-efficient coatings and multiple panes of glass, both of which can make them more reflective than older windows.
• Reduced screen visibility: Window screens reduce reflections and prevent collisions; however, on newer windows, they are often sandwiched between panes of glass or may cover only the lower half of the window.
• Larger glass surfaces: New windows often lack the muntins and mullions — the “dividers” — needed to hold smaller pieces of glass, which also provide birds with visual cues that help prevent collisions.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many widely available bird-friendly options for new or replacement home windows on the market. However, there are several things you can do to make sure your new windows (and glass doors) are safe for birds:

• Install full external screens, even if the windows do not open.
• Apply one of the solutions discussed above to a new window.

You may be able to place a special order for one of the types of bird-friendly glass in ABC’s Solutions Database.