ASHEVILLE-JAN22-WEB

What You Can Do to Keep
Birds Safe and Happy
Up to 1 billion birds may be killed annually in North
America from colliding with windows. Some birds die on
impact while others are stunned and may fly away.
However, even those who fly away may die later from
internal hemorrhaging and brain swelling or because their
injury and disorientation made them more susceptible to
predation.
Birds fly into a window because they don't know it's a
window. When they see the average window they see the
reflection of trees or sky and think
they can fly through. Sticking a few
stickers or hawk silhouettes on the
glass won't solve the problem;
birds are agile fliers and they'll
perceive that they can fly between
the stickers. But there are things
that you can do reduce the risks.
1. Use taut exterior window
"bug" screens and leave them up
year-round. Screens break up the
reflection and help cushion the
blow and reduce injury if a bird
does hit the window.
2. Apply CollidEscape
(collidescape.org) to the outside of
your windows — an easy-to-apply
vinyl window film that reduces
reflections on the outside of the
window while allowing viewers from inside to see out.
3. Place vertical exterior tape strips on the glass. Strips
must not be set more than 10 centimeters (3.9 inches)
apart. You can also paint patterns on the outsides of
windows with soap or tempera paint (which can be wiped
off with a sponge but will not be washed away by rain).
You can find stencils and tempera paint at art and craft
supply stores.
4. Install frosted or etched windows with less reflective
surface area. This can be done with new windows, while
craft etching kits are available for existing windows.
5. Create movement that can help birds avoid windows.
For example, hang ribbons or other material in strips no
more than 5 centimeters apart on the outside of windows
for the full width of the glass. If you like hawk silhouettes,
make them from aluminum or wood and hang them by a
chain or rope from an overhang.
6. Use external sun shades or awnings to minimize
reflection and transparency of windows.
7. Keep drapes and blinds closed whenever possible to
reduce the illusion that birds can fly through the window.
8. Position houseplants and flowers away from windows
where they cannot be seen from outside to reduce the
likelihood that birds will see them as sources of shelter or
food.
9. Strategically place bird feeders and baths to reduce
collisions. Keep birdbaths and feeders closer than 3 feet
from the window or farther than 20 feet away. If the birds
are very close to the window, they will not build up
sufficient speed for an injury if they fly at the window, and
if they are much farther away they will be more likely to
avoid the window or recognize it as part of the house.
10. If putting in new windows, angle the glass downward
so it does not reflect the sky and trees.
Habitat loss is the single greatest threat to birds,
outweighing building collisions, domestic cat predation,
hunting and capturing for the pet trade.
You can help offset some of these threats and
contribute to wildlife conservation by creating habitats in
your backyard and community, and getting the whole
family involved. It won't take much effort — the following
tips for creating habitats for birds are relatively simple and
immediately impactful.
• Provide nesting sites.
Planting a variety of native trees
and shrubs provides optimal
protection and nesting sites for
birds.
• Diversity is key. One of the
most important features for birds is
structural diversity, with shrubs and
herbaceous plants that grow under
trees and plants at different heights
and groupings.
• Dead trees have a purpose.
Birds love dead trees and limbs. As
long as dead trees and limbs do
not pose a human safety concern,
leave them. They provide habitat
for birds such as woodpeckers and
bluebirds who utilize tree holes for
nests. Dead limbs also provide
optimal "lookout" posts for birds.
• Cats vs. birds. Keep cats indoors, especially during
the bird breeding season (generally spring and summer)
when young birds are most at risk as they are learning
to fly.
• Stop mowing. Or at least set aside some "no-mow"
areas of your yard. Many songbirds nest close to the
ground in grass and "weeds." Leaving tall grass areas will
help birds such as goldfinches, quail and towhees. You
also will save on mowing time, expense and pollution.
• Create a water source. Wild birds need a continuous
supply of fresh, clean water all year long. Look for a basin
that can be cleaned easily and has a gentle slope so birds
can wade into the water. The bowl should be no more
than 1 to 3 inches deep. Keep birdbaths at least 15 feet
from other feeding areas. Place them near shrubs or trees
for quick escape from predators. Having perching space
nearby helps birds to sit and preen after bathing. Keep
water clear of algae, mud or droppings by replacing it
every two to three days.
• Consider the birds and the bees. Help out bees and
provide these pollinators with a variety of flowering plants
that have overlapping flowering periods. Planting clumps
of native flowers will attract more pollinators. But avoid
using insecticides and herbicides, especially when flowers
are in bloom. (If you are successful in attracting a diverse
collection of birds to your garden, you will no longer need
insecticides and herbicides.) Different birds specialize in
eating different insects, while others set their sights on
weed seeds. For example, goldfinches devour thistle
seeds, and black phoebes are experts at catching flying
insects.
CRITTER MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2022 • PAGE 11