By: Dr. Kevin Guilfoyle, Sustainability and Behavior Change Coordinator
Happy Migratory Bird Day!
Each year, billions of birds take to the skies, migrating across the country during spring and fall. Tragically, hundreds of millions perish in the U.S. alone after colliding with buildings. One of the main culprits? Glass.
To birds, glass windows and doors often reflect the surrounding environment — trees, sky, or open space — making it nearly impossible for them to recognize as a barrier. At night, artificial lights can further confuse and attract birds, pulling them off course, leaving them disoriented, and increasing the risk of deadly collisions.
The good news? There are simple, effective steps you can take to help reduce these dangers and keep our feathered friends safe.
Bird-Friendly Tips for Your Home or Apartment:
- Install exterior window screens. These create a visual barrier and can soften impacts if birds do strike.
- Use temporary soap markings during migration seasons. Lightly apply soap to the outside of your windows from March 1 to June 15 (spring) and August 15 to November 30 (fall) to help birds see the glass.
- Apply window decals or anti-collision film. Choose high-contrast patterns with no more than 2 inches between elements and be sure to place them on the outside of the glass—reflections can make interior decals ineffective. Vertical paracord lines are another great DIY option.
- Consider bird-safe glass for renovations or new builds. Options like patterned, frosted, fritted, or stained glass not only help prevent bird strikes but also boost energy efficiency.
-Did you know? TLD’s new Bighorn Cafe uses bird-safe glass that’s embedded with ultraviolet reflective patterns. While the windows appear transparent to the human eye, birds can detect the patterns in them and fly safer. - Move indoor plants away from windows. Birds may mistake them for safe landing spots or habitat.
- Minimize nighttime lighting. Turn off outdoor lights and close curtains or blinds—especially between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., when most migratory birds are on the move.
With just a few changes, you can help prevent fatal bird collisions and make your home a safer place for wildlife. Every effort counts!
