January 5 was National Bird Day. Good time to be aware how dangerous our windows can be for them.
Born Free USA, an animal welfare and wildlife conservation group, promotes this day to shine a spotlight on issues critical to the protection and survival of birds, including our windows.
It is estimated that up to one billion birds are killed annually in North America from colliding with windows. Some die on impact while others may fly away to later die from internal injury.
Think like a bird. You see the reflection of trees or sky and think you can fly through . . . just as you always do.
Stickers on windows do not solve the problem. Birds assume they can fly between the stickers.
Here’s what Born Free USA recommends to prevent window collisions:
- Use taut exterior window “bug” screens and leave them up year-round. Screens break up the reflection and help cushion the blow and reduce injury if a bird hits the window.
- Place vertical exterior tape strips on the glass no more than 10 centimeters apart. Or paint patterns outside of windows with soap or tempera paint.
- Keep drapes and blinds closed whenever possible.
- Position houseplants and flowers away from windows.
- Strategically place bird feeders and baths to reduce collisions. Keep birdbaths and feeders closer than three feet from windows or more than 20 feet away. If birds are very close to the window, they will not build up sufficient speed for an injury if they fly at the window, and if they are much farther away they will be more likely to avoid the window.
- Install frosted or etched windows with less reflective surface area. This can be done with new windows, while craft etching kits are available for existing windows.
- Create movement that can help birds avoid windows. For example, hang ribbons or other material in strips no more than 5 centimeters apart on the outside of windows for the full width of the glass.
- Use external sun shades or awnings to minimize reflection and transparency of windows.
- If putting in new windows, angle the glass downward so it does not reflect the sky and trees.
For much more on birds, and National Bird Day activities, events, contests and information sheets, visit www.nationalbirdday.org.
Do you have any other recommendations? If so, please share them through the Comments at the bottom of the screen.
* * *
“THE LAZY GARDENER’S GUIDE ON CD” is perfect for those new to gardening, those who loves to garden or those who have to at least maintain a front yard so the neighbors won’t hate you! Month-by-month, when-to-do-what-in Greater Houston Area Gardens — plant? prune? fertilize? With 12 garden designs for butterflies, hummingbirds, sun, shade, herbs, antique roses, tropicals . . . you name it. Based on Brenda’s 40-year Chronicle column. Mail checks ($20) payable to Brenda Beust Smith to Lazy Gardener’s Guide on CD, 14011 Greenranch Dr., Houston, TX 77039.