Preventing birds from hitting windows?

Question

I live in a very forested area, and as a result, have many, many birds frequent our property. Unfortunately, we have double-paned, solar-reflective windows in which the birds fly in to.

I've left them dirty this year (my neighbours must love me!) and trimmed the tree branches that are anywhere near the windows. The bird feeders have always been away from the windows, as well.

I've replaced my curtains with light-weight cotton ones because I just couldn't stand the darkness having them closed. Now they can still be closed, but light comes through nicely. But there is still that reflection on the window outside, no matter what.

Last spring I put up these reflective strips; it has cut down the amount of birds flying into the window, but not completely.

What can I do? What can I put on the window? Has anyone had this problem, even with precautions? If so, what have you done?

I walk on eggshells waiting to hear that hollow 'thunk'... it's sooo disturbing.

Help??

Answer 1

Can you use drop screens during the time that the windows are the most reflective and then keep the drapes closed during the other times.

Answer 2

i cut pictures of leaves, birds, & nature things out of construction paper.... it works for me!

Answer 3

you could put up wooden panels. I have big windows in my house and on the inside we line them with small strips of wood into boxes that look like windows.

Answer 4

Had this problem before. Get some stickers (the kind that you wet) Put them on the inside of the windows.

Answer 5

They are flying into the window because there is no barrier there, hang something like hanging plants on either side of the window if there is something there they will not fly into it.

It will look nice too.

Answer 6

Sticking outlines of predatory birds (hawks, etc. on the inside of the window can keep birds from flying into the window. You should be able to get them in a feed store like Agway.

Answer 7

1)get or cut out of black paper bird silhouettes and stick on windows you can buy these from pet stores or bird seed suppliers

2)we hang the long plastic 'whirly things'from the eaves they twirl in the wind got them from the dollar store ever since have not had bird hit window have 3 along a 20 ft bay window

Answer 8

Anyone that love birds and animals has dealt with this problem. I find that if I keep the blinds down but open it reduces the problem but I still get the light (I have mini type blinds).  But I found a web site that suggests turning on the lights in the area that you are having the problem.  It is a great little article and I pasted the web site below.  Good Luck!

Answer 9

We have the same problem and it helps to hang feeders from the eaves in front of the windows.  It doesn't stop completely but, it does cut down on the thunks!  I usually go out and check the bird and if it's alive put it up high and hope in a few minutes that it flies away.  This is life in the forest....some make it and others do not....those that don't give life to other animals like the coyotes, cats, eagles and long horned owls.  It's nature and it's OK.

Answer 10

Write a note: caution    Dead slow window ahead

Ha…..ha……..ha………joking

I think putting some hanging pants will help.  Same was the problem with me too, and I put a grape wine above my window and it worked.