When a wild bird flies into a window, the effect on the bird can range from quite minimal, perhaps a fright or the loss of a feather or two, to instant or prolonged death. Each year, across the city and across the country, thousands of birds are badly hurt or killed upon striking against windows. Some windows are more likely to kill birds than others. There are precautions that can be taken.

Why Birds Hit Windows

• Reflections
  Birds usually hit windows because of reflections. Birds will focus on objects reflected on the glass surface, and not focus on the surface itself. Birds have excellent vision, but they cannot focus simultaneously on both the objects reflected in the glass and on the surface of the glass itself, just as we cannot simultaneously focus on the reflection of our face in a mirror and the reflection of a wall that is behind us. The discrepancy in distance between the reflected image the bird is focusing on and the window itself may be dramatic.
  
  Sometimes it is possible to eliminate the reflection by lighting the window from behind or by adjusting curtains or blinds. You may wish to experiment. Remember if you can see reflections, so can a bird, and to a bird those reflections can be deadly. By putting an object on the window the bird is given something to focus upon where the window actually is and thus is given an opportunity to see the glass itself.
  
  The most effective object to fasten to a reflective window is a black silhouette of a hawk or small falcon in flight, as seen from below (wings spread). These silhouettes can be cut from black construction paper, or are sometimes available from retailers specializing in the sale of bird feeding products and from naturalist organizations. With adhesives on the back they are fastened to the outside surface of the glass.
  
  Other objects that can be fastened to the outside of the window include paper flowers, colorful decals, stained glass ornaments, children's drawings or strips of paper. In extreme instances some people smear Bon Ami (to cut the reflective property of glass) on to their windows in the spring and fall when mirgrant birds are passing through the area. Because the reflection on a window is on the outside surface, objects fastened inside may not reduce the reflection, particularly if they are dark objects. However, you should experiment with different ideas to see what works best.
  
  Some people have had good luck by hanging attractive wind chimes in front of the windows, the closer the better (without, of course, risking damage to the windows).
  
  None of these methods is foolproof. Birds will sometimes dash into even a relatively non-reflective window if suddenly startled.
  
  "Invisible netting" is available that can be spread across windows. Typically these nets are made of white or black nylon in two inch squares and can fit a variety of window sizes. They are virtually invisible under most conditions. If taut, the bird will bounce off the net with little or no damage. Care must be taken to apply the net properly to avoid having birds become entangled.
  
  "CollideEscape" is a unique window film, presently used for commercial and retail advertising on glass. The fild adheres to the exterior surface of the window, allowing ample light to pass through and at the same time, reduces the reflective qualities of glass. For more info, click--
  http://www.flap.org.
  
  
• Fatal Attractions
  Birds also hit windows that provide a view of a natural environment. For example, a house or cottage that has extensive glass in front and back may provide what appears to be a corridor. Such situations are potentially deadly for birds. Glass in front of house plants or tropical foliage can also be fatal, if the birds try to fly into the vegetation.
  
  You can put yourself in the bird's position by standing outside and looking at your window. If the windows look like sky, vegetation or the natural surroundings, birds may hit them.
  
  There have also been instances of hawks and owls hitting windows while trying to capture a pet canary or other caged bird on the inside! Since caged birds should not be exposed to the direct sun or drafts that might be close to the window, and can be terrified by the sight of a predator outside, it's a good idea to keep their cages away from the glass.
  
  
• An Image Problem
  Frequently cardinals, robins and other species will spend hours fluttering up against windows or other reflective surfaces, such as shiny chrome hubcaps. This phenomenon occurs in the spring and summer.
  
  The birds are attacking their own images. At such times of year the male birds are very territorial. The birds instinctively seek to protect their nesting territories from intruders. The sight of their reflected image, even if it is a distorted image, will sometimes trigger an instinctive response.
  
  The only way to prevent birds from attacking their images is to reduce or eliminate the reflective quality of the object being attacked. Fortunately, it is usually only involves a small area. While the activity is probably harmless, it can be irritating to people and bad for the bird to the degree that it produces a continuing stressful situation and leaves the bird vulnerable to predation.

How To Care For Birds Who Have Struck Windows

Birds are sometimes found alive, but stunned, beneath a window. Such birds are at risk of predation or death from exposure. They are usually suffering from a concussion, which means that the brain is swollen.

Because of their vulnerability, it is a good idea to pick such birds up (if they are stunned enough to allow you to do so) and bring them inside. They should be placed in a box or unwaxed paper bag, with paper towel or a finely woven cloth on the bottom, and placed in warmth and total darkness (a closet often works well). Keep the bird in this fashion for at least an hour, to allow the swelling to go down and to prevent the bird from being active. If the bird has not recovered after a few hours, the help of a veterinarian experienced in caring for birds will be required and, even then, it may not be possible to save the bird.

If the bird shows obvious signs of injury, blood, open wounds or a fracture, please seek help immediately.

Avoid excessive handling or stress. Do not give the bird food or water, and never try to give the bird alchohol of any kind, not matter how diluted. Alcohol will not help the bird, and could prove very harmful.

Assessing Recovery

Leave the bird undisturbed for an hour ot two. If after this time the bird appears alert and unharmed, try to release it --away from windows.

You should stand a few feet away from shrubs or trees when opening the bag or box. If the bird is able to fly into the vegetation, it should be fine. If, however, it has difficulty reaching the bushes, please gently catch it and take it to a rehabilitaiton centre immediately.

Remember, not every bird that hits a window can be saved. You can take steps to minimize the probability of birds hitting the glass and can try to help those birds that are only stunned.