It’s estimated that up to 100 million birds are killed each year by collisions with windows. Not only is this bad for nature, it can also be upsetting and distressing to experience in your home. The good news is that there are some really easy steps you can take when it comes to bird strike prevention.
What is a bird strike?
In case you’re not familiar with what a bird strike is, it’s a situation where a bird collides with a window or other glass surfaces. This can cause injury to the bird and can affect the wildlife in your garden or outdoor space. The UK’s wild bird numbers are reducing for a variety of different reasons, so keeping them safe and protected is important.
There are a variety of reasons why bird strikes occur. Windows can often reflect the sky or surrounding trees, making birds think it’s a space that they can fly through. This is common in homes with large glass windows or ones that are surrounded by green space, trees and plants.
Bright lights at night can attract birds, while flight paths and urban areas may have replaced their natural habitats. This means they have to adapt and can cause confusion, which leads to increased bird strikes.
How to identify areas that are prone to bird strikes
One of the most direct indicators is the observation of dead or injured birds around areas where there are windows or glass doors. You might also hear or see birds hitting the windows or see marks or damage.
The location and environment of your home, and the windows in it, can help you to work out whether you need to think about bird strike prevention. Areas near parks, gardens or bodies of water are more likely to attract birds, as these environments provide food and nesting opportunities.
If you have large windows or glass doors – especially ones that reflect the sky or the garden – this will increase the likelihood of birds flying into them. As we’ve already mentioned, bright lights at night can lead to bird strikes too.
To help reduce bird strikes, many buildings now use bird-safe glass designs, window stickers or use other planning strategies to make glass surfaces more visible to birds. This can improve the wildlife in your area and make your home a more relaxing environment.
How to prevent bird strikes
Bird strikes aren’t something that anyone wants to experience frequently at home or at work. The great news is that there are effective ways to reduce the risk of bird strikes, such as:
Window film
Window film is a really effective and simple way to prevent bird strikes. By applying specially designed films to glass surfaces, you can reduce reflections that confuse birds and make windows appear transparent.
We offer a range of window stickers, including frosted window film and patterned window film that create visual barriers, making it easier for birds to see and avoid the glass. These films are not only functional but can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your windows – you can even choose custom designs. There are some great benefits to using window film in your home too.
Physical barriers
Installing physical barriers like screens or mesh can reduce the likelihood of bird strikes. These barriers create a physical space between birds and windows, preventing collisions while still allowing light and ventilation into your space.
They can be especially effective in areas where bird activity is high, such as near feeders or gardens. However, they can look more visible than other methods to prevent bird strikes.
Visual markers
Using visual markers like stickers or patterned glass is an affordable way to help birds recognise windows as obstacles. Stickers designed for this purpose can be applied to your windows and come in different shapes and colours.
Our decorative window film not only adds style to your home but also incorporates patterns that are visible to birds, helping to reduce the chances of collisions. Whether you’re looking for stained glass window film, frosted film or something in a custom design, we can work with you to get the look you want.
Altering lighting
Changing your outdoor lighting can also help prevent bird strikes. Bright lights can attract birds, especially during migration or at night. Consider using motion-activated lights or shielding outdoor lighting to minimise its impact. Reducing nighttime lighting in and around windows can help keep birds from being drawn to reflective surfaces.
Maintaining your bird strike prevention methods
As with most things around the home, you need to maintain your bird strike prevention. Over time, window films, visual markers and physical barriers can wear out, become dirty or lose their effectiveness. Dirt and grime can obscure window films and markers, reducing their visibility to birds. Regular cleaning helps maintain their effectiveness and prolongs their lifespan.
It’s also important to check physical barriers like screens and mesh for any signs of damage or wear. Any holes or tears can create opportunities for bird strikes, so you should repair them if this is the case. If window films or stickers begin to peel or fade, it’s important to replace them to ensure ongoing protection. Regularly updating them keeps your windows safe for birds.Tired of seeing birds collide with your windows? Window film not only prevents bird strikes but also adds some extra style to your home. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Order your bird strike prevention window film and enjoy peace of mind for you and your feathered friends.