How to Help Avoid Window Collisions
You are attracting these lovely birds, and the last thing you want to see is a
dead bird at your back door. Unfortunately this happens all too often. Ornithologists estimate that up to 100 million birds
are killed from collisions with windows.
Why does this happen? It is thought that they see a
reflection of a tree, sky, or other landscape in the window, and do not realize that it is a solid surface. Another thought
is that they are blinded by a reflection. During the spring mating season, birds often fight their reflection in the glass.
What can we do? There are several options available. Look at your doors and windows in a birds
point of view. Do you see any tree limbs, feeders in the reflection? Move feeders away from windows. Keep the shades or blinds
drawn to offer contrast. You can place pictures or texture on the windows to make them less transparent. You can place branches
up against the windows so the birds will slow down to land on the branch. You can spray "snow" or use soap to draw
texture on the windows to make them visible. There are also commercially available stickers you can place on your windows.
What if you find a stunned bird? Do not handle them too much, but try to place them in a dark,
quiet, cushioned area, such as a shoe box with a towel. Make sure they are safe from any predators or pets. The dark will
calm them. If it is very cold outside, you may need to bring them inside temporarily. They should come around within a few
minutes. Make sure they are doing OK before releasing them. If they are not recovered within two hours, take them to a veterinarian
or wildlife rehabilitator. Remember, it is technically against the law to handle a migratory bird without a permit.
What if the bird is dead? Recently, due to the West Nile and other viruses, bird health has been monitored
more closely. If you are concerned about potential health issues, call your local health department. Follow their instructions
for handeling it. Make sure to wear gloves, and thoroughly wash your hands afterwards.
Another good source of
information about wildlife health is the USGS National Wildlife Health Center.
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