Sometimes, glass panels are a dangerous barrier to habitat that is reflected in windows or visible through the glass.
prevent bird collisions with windows
Help birds “see” your windows by creating a pattern on the outside of the glass.
Use window paint, tempera paint, window markers or tape to create a pattern on the outside surface of windows. You can buy these materials in office supply stores, art supply stores and even some drug stores.
The pattern will break up reflected images so birds will avoid flying into the glass.
Create a pattern that leaves gaps no more than 2” tall or 4” wide.
Patterns going across the window with gaps 2 inches tall.
Vertical pattern with gaps 4 inches wide.
These pictures show that patterns and window designs can be beautiful while protecting birds from crashing into windows.
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- You can see the streetscape reflected in the first floor windows of this store, but the upper floor windows, which have a decorative pattern, show no reflection.
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- The small pieces of glass in this beautiful old window break up reflections.
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- A mural on this window elminates reflections.
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- Ceramic rods across the facade of the New York Times building serve many functions– and they make these windows safe for birds. photo by joe mazza / brave lux
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- There are lots of beautiful ways to incorporate the 2″ x 4″ rule for bird friendly windows.
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- Creating a pattern helps birds view the glass as an obstacle.