anti bird stirke

Millions of birds die each year from colliding with glass on commercial buildings, and residential homes. Scientist estimate that the number of deaths is somewhere between 300 million and 1 billion annually. This is a staggering number for species that are already on the edge of extension due to habitat loss and predation by outdoor domestic cats. Even more alarming is that fact that many bird deaths go uncounted, or their carcasses are consumed by other wild animals after falling to the ground. Because glass is equally dangerous for healthy birds, this has a serious impact on breeding bird populations. Glass does not discriminate whether a bird is a strong breeding adult, or a weakened or diseased individual.

Kenneth Herdy

Birds can not tell that the reflection of exterior habitat on glass is not real and simply try to fly through. In most cases, the impact is fatal but sometimes the bird will fly away disoriented only to die later or get eaten by a predator. Mortality rates increase during Fall and Spring migration, and song birds are most at risk although 300 species have been reported as collision victims. Some of these include, hummingbirds, warblers, woodpeckers, and birds of prey.

The case below contains bird carcasses that the Pascagoula River Audubon Center has obtained from local residents and volunteers. Most of these birds have been the victim of a window strike. Unfortunately this display case will continue to fill up, but there is something you can do about it! Observe the windows to your right. Do you will notice the vertical lines that segment the window panes? The lines on the exterior of the glass help breakup the reflection, and allow birds to see that the glass is a physical structure. This process was achieved by using a special polyester window film designed for this purpose. Research and experimentation has shown that birds will not fly through horizontal spaces less than 2" high or vertical spaces 4" wide or less. (2x4 rule). There are many other things one can do at home to deter window collisions by adhering to the 2x4 rule using tape or decals. Contrary to belief, bird silhouettes randomly placed on windows are not that effective unless the space between them adheres to the 2x4 rule. Please see an Audubon Staff member or visit audubon.org or abc.org for more information.

Warblers

Common Birds

Waterbirds

Birds of Prey