Birds are an important part of the eco-system, and in addition, they are lovely creatures that people enjoy and scientists and bird watchers study. Sanctuaries have been set aside for certain species but the urban community presents unique challenges to free ranging birds. The problem is greater than many think, but a few preventive measures can go a long way to prevent birds from flying into windows.

Are there really 100 million birds flying into windows each year? At first glance, that seems like an inflated number, but according the the Audubon.org website and others, this is a true estimate of the phenomena.

Experts are divided on why this occurs, but some believe it comes from the bird seeing its own reflection and attacking what it believes to be another bird. Others say that its due to birds seeing a clear reflection of the sky in the window instead of seeing the glass as a barrier.

Large cities have a high incidence of this phenomena. In downtown areas where there are numerous skyscrapers with shiny reflective glass, birds are very likely to fly into windows and crash. Even where low level buildings are found, large reflective office windows present the same dangers for birds.

Homeowners frequently put out bird feeders to attract birds, but if the feeders are placed near their windows, birds may over shoot the feeder and fly into their windows. Sometimes death occurs but often the bird is injured and becomes prey for other small animals.

What can you do to prevent birds from flying into window? Many of us already have screens, shades, blinds and curtains that cut down on the reflections. Offices with large sealed windows can make use of commercial decals that are invisible to the human eye, but visible to birds. Darkened glass is used in many of the newer sky scrapers, but those older buildings with hundreds of windows may elect to use darkened clear shades.

A science center at Swarthmore College uses frittered glass to eliminate reflection. Frittered glass is etched with circles and significantly cuts down on reflections. These windows limit human view to a small extent, but it is a viable solution that has prevented the loss of birds flying into windows over the years.

Homeowners can move bird feeders farther away from the house or if in a rural area, a way from the yard area itself. Most homes have screened windows that cut down or eliminate the reflective properties of glass. Whatever method is used, the goal is to cut down the reflective properties so the birds can recognize the barrier and avoid crashing into the window.

100 million birds lost in a years time is a tragic loss of wildlife, but with a little thought and action, we can cut that number down significantly.

Learn more about this author, Mona Gallagher.
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