Have you ever been quietly relaxing in your home only to be shaken up by a heavy thud on the window behind you? Most of us have experienced this at some point in our lives, which goes to show just how common it is for birds to fly into a window. Jarring for you, damaging to the window and dangerous for birds, bird accidents should be prevented at all costs. Luckily, there’s a few simple ways to prevent a bird from flying into your window, and today we’re going to explain them.
Why do birds fly into windows?
Many birds are intelligent but have poor eyesight. Unlike humans, it can be difficult for birds to discern glass, and it becomes especially difficult when they’re flying around at high speeds. Birds will often see a reflection of the sky in the window and presume they can fly through. Double glazed windows pose an even greater risk because they produce clearer reflections than single glazed glass. And as most homes are now built with double glazed windows as standard, flying through built-up areas can be a minefield for birds.
How can I prevent birds from flying into my window?
The key to preventing birds flying into your window is to reduce the reflectiveness of your windows and/or add decals that will help the birds recognise that they are approaching an object.
The latter can be achieved with any or a combination of the following:
- Coloured tape
- Tempera paint
- Sun catchers
- Wind chimes
- Or simply cut out shapes and stick them to your window. The shape of an owl or a hawk can be particularly effective.
For the best results, try reducing the reflectiveness of your window. This can be done with the following:
- Bird tape
Specifically designed to prevent birds from flying into the window, bird tape is a translucent material that makes the window visible to birds without obstructing your view of the outside. - Angled blinds
Angled blinds are a great way to dress your windows, control privacy and also prevent birds from flying into the glass. You can find angled blinds in a range of colour styles and designs, so there will always be an option to match your home’s interior. - Bird nets
Bird nets might be the best solution if birds flying into your windows is a regular occurrence. Bird nets are made of a durable, lightweight polypropylene material that sits around three inches from your window pane. Should a bird fly towards your window, the net will catch and protect it before it makes impact. - Awnings
A rarely publicised feature of an awning is that it prevents birds from flying into your windows by blocking sunlight from reflecting off the window. In addition, awnings are stylish coverings that provide your home with shade, shelter and heat protection.
What can happen when a bird flies into the window?
A collision with the window can be fatal to birds. If it’s not killed on impact, the bird may simply be stunned and fly off unharmed, but more often they suffer from internal injuries such as haemorrhaging or brain swelling.
When it comes to your property, a particularly forceful impact can crack the glass in your windows. If you don’t employ preventative measures, repetitive bird strikes can leave serious damage that will require professional attention.
At Bridgewater Glass, we can fix a cracked window or replace the glass entirely. With over 65 years of experience in the glass trade, we are a trusted supplier of all your glass needs. From glass splashbacks to glazing repairs, our team supplies domestic and commercial customers with high-quality glass for every application. We offer a free site visit and design service, plus a 24-hour emergency boarding service should your glass get damaged. All our glazing is fully guaranteed and has been loved by customers for over half a century.
For more information about our glass products and services, contact the Bridgewater Glass team.
