Protect Birds from Window Collisions

Author: Robin Lahnemann. Originally posted in the Town of Denton newsletter, November-December 2025 edition

Have you ever been sitting at home or at work and heard a loud bang of something hitting the glass window? And then when going outside to investigate found a stunned or possibly dead bird lying under the window? Why is it that birds fly into windows like that? What can we do to prevent this from happening?

Unfortunately, birds don’t consider that glass is a solid object. They see the reflection of trees or the surrounding environment in the glass and will fly toward those reflections in an attempt to secure food or shelter from predators. The most common types of window strikes are associated with songbirds, migrating birds and juvenile birds. Songbirds tend to spend more time closer to buildings as they forage and may be drawn to the lights in buildings when they migrate. Juvenile birds are just learning how to fly and navigate on their first migration journey.

There are ways that property owners can help protect birds from glass collisions at their home and also at businesses. One of the easiest ways to help is to turn off outdoor lighting at night during the Spring (March through June) and Fall (August through November) migrations. Use blinds inside the home or motion sensing lights outside the home. Look for warmer color lights for outdoors that are aimed towards the ground or are shielded from above.

Another way to protect birds from glass collisions is to apply decals or add window art to larger glass windows. There are many choices available online for decals or dots to add to windows at home or at work. Tempera paint on windows is another inexpensive option for those who enjoy being creative! Window screens over any windows at home will also help prevent birds from severely injuring themselves.

By making little changes like these, we can make a big impact on helping the birds in our community! If you would like more information regarding how to protect birds from glass collisions, please see the Bird Collision Prevention Alliance.

Reference: Cornell University. 2025, October 13. Help Keep Birds Safe From Collisions. Bird Collision Prevention Alliance.