26Birder’s Guide to Gear | November 2016

B

irds hit windows. It’s such a

common phenomenon that it’s

rarely questioned. It’s just a fact—but it

doesn’t have to be. Solutions are right at

our fingertips, and some are more sur-

prising than you’d think!

Between 100 million and one billion birds die annually in the U.S. from glass strikes (Klem 2009). Most people seem to think of strikes as separate, isolated, incidental occurrences, but unfortu-nately, collisions constitute an alarming-ly widespread phenomenon that poses a hazard to some of our most at-risk and declining bird populations (Klem 2014). Birders are in a great position to address birds hitting windows. We live and work where bird strikes happen, we have diverse connections, and we have the motivation to tackle conservation challenges where we see them. Or, per-haps, see through them. We must take the initiative and fix problem windows.

If you know of a window that has been hit by a bird, it’s likely not the first time for that window and probably will not be the last. Doing something to modify the window now will save bird lives in the future. This applies at home, at work, at school, and at any structure that has glass… yes, even bus shel-ters! The gear required to make these

A CrashlessCourse in Avoiding

Bird Collisions

Top: This window has one internal and three

external decals, but they do not present

enough of a visual obstacle to deter bird

collisions. The light inside of the building

is on but does not overpower the tree

reflection. Photo © Heidi Trudell

Bottom: When perforated film dots (in this case,

CollidEscape) are applied to the external surface

of the window, there is a roughly 80% reduction

in strikes. Two-inch spacing is ideal. The film

dots create relatively low visual distraction

when feeders are viewed or photographed

from inside the building, compared to solid

film or a window screen that would create

noise in images. Photo © Heidi Trudell

27November 2016 | Birder’s Guide to Gear

Ypsi

lant

i, M

ichi

gan

heid

i@bi

gben

dnat

ure.

com

Heidi

Trudell

changes can fit any budget and almost any aesthetic preference, and it requires only a few spacing guidelines to be ef-fective. It’s just a matter of understand-ing how and why collisions happen, as well as the dynamics of your particular window(s) of interest. For example, a “lights out” (turning a building’s lights out from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. during spring and fall migration) approach will reduce 80% of the bird mortality at a skyscraper but will do nothing for yard strikes. Similarly, even densely placed window clings will not prevent territo-rial aggression when a bird sees its re-flection in glass.

The only 100% effective prevention method is to make the glass appear solid and non-reflective. Placing markings on a window is one effective way to accom-plish this, but note that it becomes less effective as the spacing between mark-ings grows wider. (The American Bird Conservancy is testing this method at their Powdermill research site; see colli-sions.abcbirds.org to find out about the fantastic research they’re doing.)

The Compounded Problem

Making windows safe for birds is more than just helping any given bird avoid an unnatural death at a pane of glass. It also reduces the likelihood of stunned birds being caught by cats, or by any of a number of other opportunists. Gulls, crows, dogs, raccoons, and even squir-rels may prey on downed birds. Many summer collision victims show physi-ological indications of breeding, such as well-developed brood patches, leav-ing one to wonder if a hungry nestling is nearby or if a second nesting attempt has been thwarted. The healthy and fit breeding population of migratory birds not only face windows as an obstacle during post-breeding dispersal but also in the fall and again in the spring… ev-ery year.

What can you do to make a tangible effort in saving birds? Look no further than your nearest windows. Supplies to handle a variety of situations are listed below. The first part is for live or dead birds requiring immediate action. The

Left: Even buildings

that have relatively

small, angled windows

that interrupt a horizon

reflection can be a hazard

to birds, though flat panes

on the same building

have a substantially

higher strike rate.

Photo © Heidi Trudell

Below: This window with

one internal and three

external decals was

reported to kill about

eight birds per year. Each

Post-it

®

note, however,

indicates a strike print.

Birds that survive hitting

a window still have a 50%

chance of dying due to

injuries sustained in the

strike. Photo © Heidi Trudell

28Birder’s Guide to Gear | November 2016

Avoiding Bird Collisions

second part outlines some of the avail-able options for prevention, with notes about their permanence, cost, and effec-tiveness. Some can even be implemented seasonally. For more information on the

how and why of collisions, and what to do with an injured bird, check out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s “Problems with Windows” webpage (tinyurl.com/cornell-windows).

Basic Emergency Kit

for Surviving Casualties

- Brown paper bag- Napkin or tissue to put in brown paper bag with the bird- Phone number for certified wildlife rehabilitator- Sense of calm urgency; contact the rehabber immediately

Note that it is illegal to keep native bird species, even if you’re trying to help them recover. Do not try to feed any in-jured bird unless you are directed to do so by the rehabber.

Forensic Kit for Dead Birds

- Napkin/paper towel/tissue- Sealable plastic bag - Permanent marker- Freezer- Phone number for collection/ museum/nature center (permits strongly suggested)- Paper/index card, on which to record the time, date, location (be as specific as possible: E side of X building at 1200 This Road, City, County, State), collector’s name, species if known, cause of death if known

You may be wondering why you should pick up dead birds that hit windows. Every dead bird contains data. “Teaching museum[s]...with finite resources...do not actively collect vertebrate specimens such as birds. Instead, the growth and usefulness of…collections depend on donations of salvaged specimens, the highest quality of which are window-killed specimens”, says Tonya Haff of

Top: Buildings surrounded by low-quality

habitat are still likely to be struck by birds

during migration. Poor habitat, however, may

lower the odds of summer and winter strikes

due to lower bird density. Blinds may help

prevent some collisions, but this window has

a much stronger reflection than the blinds can

overcome. Photo © Heidi Trudell

Bottom: ABC Bird Tape is an easy and

economical way to make interesting visual

patterns that are within the 2"x4" inch spacing

guidelines. Photo © Mary Gustafson

29November 2016 | Birder’s Guide to Gear

the University of California, Santa Cruz. Researchers can use tissue samples, stomach contents, and additional fac-tors to study a dizzying array of infor-mation. Specimens can be tested to help us understand the impacts of pesticides, among other things. For example, egg-shell specimens from museums were in-strumental in helping link DDT to bird declines.

Cost Estimates Based ona Large Window or Glass Door

$ = free or very inexpensive, depending on what supplies you already have

$$ = inexpensive but reasonable (depending on the scale of your project)

$$$ = your generous budget is the limit

Temporary Prevention/Concept Proofing Materials for Marking the Outside of the Window(may stain, smear, and/or fade)$ • Bar of soap, lipstick, fake frost, window paint, highlighter, dry-erase marker, string, tape (such as electrical, masking; beware of residue)$$ • UV liquid (Window Alert orcraft paint)

NOTE: Vertical stripes should be no more

than 4 inches (10cm) apart. Horizontal stripes should be no more than 2 inches (5cm) apart. Checkerboard patterns of dots should follow similar spacing con-ventions. Include a healthy dose of cre-ativity with your material of choice!

Temporary (or Long-Term) Materials for the Inside ofthe Window$ • Checkerboard of Post-it® notes$ • Hang one CD or DVD per squarefoot (30cm)$$ • Install highly contrasting curtains (closed) with a busy, bold print

Top: Mirrored glass is understandably confusing to birds, especially when sur-rounded by trees. Photo © Heidi Trudell

Middle: Bird-safe glass should beencouraged as an architecturalcomponent, as seen here at Houston’s Hobby Airport. The frosted horizontal lines meet the two-inch spacingguidelines and likely have a Low E(low emissivity). Photo © Heidi Trudell

Bottom: The “corridor effect” iswhen birds are able to see completely through two panes of glass. Elevated walkways that connect buildings are especially hazardous, though many buildings have aspects of transparency.Photo © Heidi Trudell

30Birder’s Guide to Gear | November 2016

Avoiding Bird Collisions

NOTE: These may be very visually dis-tracting. If the exterior surface of the window is mirrored or highly reflective, these solutions may not be visible from the outside at certain times of the day due to shifting light, or may not be vis-ible at all, rendering them ineffective.

Long-Term/Semi-Permanent Prevention for the OutsideSurface of the Window$$ • American Bird Conservancy (ABC) Bird Tape*, window film (CollidEscape, Feather Friendly, and similar)* ABC Bird Tape is not Bird Scare Tape, and since the writing of this article, CollidEscape has taken over manufac-turing and distribution of ABC Bird Tape. Ordering ABC Bird Tape through CollidEscape may be cumbersome.

$$ • Acopian BirdSavers (“zen wind curtains”), which can be installed sea-sonally or permanently$$ • Window clings, stickers, decals (spaced no more than a hand-width apart)$$ • Netting (not appropriate for large windows, may not be appropriate in all seasons in all climates, may entangle birds if improperly installed), may be seasonal or permanent

NOTE: These options are often available at wild bird or garden stores. They may be less visually obtrusive when applied as abstract stripes or dots rather than stamped shapes.

ALSO CONSIDER: Move your feeders!

Top: Stores that sell seed and feeders may have collision prevention prod-

ucts for sale. This display of decals, raptor silhouettes, UV liquid, and Bird

Tape is at a Wild Birds Unlimited. Packaging and store suggestions may not

accurately convey the amount of coverage required to prevent strikes. Photo

© Heidi Trudell

Middle: Even buildings that are less than 50% glass on the exterior surface

can be prone to bird strikes, regardless of window tint. If Acopian Bird

Savers were installed, only three or four strings per window would be

required for the upper windows. The lower windows are set back enough

that items on the inside of the window would be visible, which is ideal for

student art, sticky notes, CDs, etc. Photo © Heidi Trudell

Bottom: The “corridor effect” is especially apparent in this photo of a

church room that has attempted to prevent window strikes with raptor sil-

houettes. This attempt is ineffective but would prevent most strikes if the

gaps between the silhouettes were 2–4 inches apart. Photo © Heidi Trudell

Continued on page 32

32

Birder’s Guide to Gear | November 2016

Avoiding Bird Collisions

Feeders should be placed 3 feet (or closer) from the glass. Strikes will still happen but at much slower speeds, resulting in fewer injuries and deaths. Another strategy is to place feeders well away from windows.

Structural/Permanent Prevention

$$$ • Screens, solar screens$$$ • Etched/frosted glass patterns (AviProtek and similar)$$$ • Low-risk glass (ORNILUXand similar)

NOTE: See birdsmartglass.org for a comprehensive review of glass-altering products and lower-risk glass and their relative effectiveness.

Myth Busting

- Dirty windows are ineffective.- Distress calls and noise deterrents are ineffective.- Falcon silhouette stickers are ineffec- tive unless spaced very close together.- Plastic owls are ineffective.- Plastic snakes may deter territorial strikes, but are ineffective for everything else.

Preventing strikes has a much bigger im-pact than just reducing the “thump” noises and the visible body count. It’s not a natu-ral death for the birds (Klem 1989), and those that die at windows are the healthy birds in prime condition for breeding, post-breeding dispersal, and migration. Birds that are already sick or injured are not magically drawn to windows to die. Even if a stunned bird flies away, half of the survivors will die of their injuries away from the window later (Klem 1990).

A wide variety of bird species die in

collisions with glass. While humming-birds and songbirds are among the most frequently found casualties during mi-gration, strange things happen, like the Lights Out Baltimore team finding a Yellow Rail in April 2016. Thank good-ness that bird survived and was released, but most are not so lucky.

Most residential buildings kill up to10 birds per year (Klem 1979), but campuses and office buildings average more than double that (Hager et al. 2008). Technology continues to improve the structural integ-rity of plate glass, and its increased use in commercial building design is staggering. This architectural emphasis on glass com-bined with scenic landscaping is creating a deadly combination for birds.

Groups all over the continent are seeking to make bird-safe buildings a reality. Toronto’s Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) and the American Bird Conservancy are leading the push and reaching out to architects as well. Bird-friendly design has even been incorpo-rated into the U.S. Green Building Council’s celebrated Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification (Chapter 55). Portland, Oregon, is an excellent example of a city that is not only part of the Urban Bird Treaty Cities program (organized by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) but also has bird-safe building regulations in place.

Unfortunately, we need look no fur-ther than the new Minnesota Vikings football stadium controversy to see that bird-safe measures are resisted when even moderately inconvenient. Plans for a highly reflective glass stadium were protested by local Audubon and Lights

Acopian Bird Savers are low-cost, easy to install, and simple as a DIY project. Photo © Acopian BirdSavers

Continued on page 34

Continued from page 30

Photo courtesy of Heritage Expeditions

34Birder’s Guide to Gear | November 2016

Avoiding Bird Collisions

$60 million for bird-safe glass, and in-stead of addressing collision risk, their Frequently Asked Questions page boasts consideration of local landscapers and recycled material use, which are basic expectations for a project of that scale.

Ultimately, glass poses a very prevent-able threat to bird populations, and

we can address the issue in a variety of ways, starting by implementing bird-safe window practices at our homes and in our communities. When we find dead birds, we can donate their bodies to col-lections for research. And when we find problem buildings, we can work togeth-er to make solutions a reality.

Out chapters, which pushed for bird-safe glass to be incorporated. Concerns were met with apathy and disbelief. The $500-million taxpayer contribution was fully half of the $1-billion budget, which has continuously crept upward. The Vikings’ contribution of $518 million to-wards “enhancements” did not earmark

Left: The Ypsilanti District Library has soaring windows that face (and reflect) a wooded area to the east. In early 2016, the library installed a sound system that plays distressed crow calls and hawk calls every ten minutes. While it initially drew the interest of jays and a Red-tailed Hawk, the system did not eliminate or even reduce strikes. Photo © Heidi Trudell

Right: This image shows how confusing glass is to birds: We see the ceiling of the building only if we look closely, but the dominant image is of trees and sky. The dusty print in the middle is the result of a young Mourning Dove that died as a result of the impact, most likely from brain hemorrhaging. Photo © Heidi Trudell

Continued from page 32

none

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or

Other Securities. If none, check box NoneX�����7D[�6WDWXV�(For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates) (Check one)

Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months

Has Changed During Preceding 12 Months (Publisher must submit explanation of change with this statement)

The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes:

X

d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail)

Free or Nominal Rate In-County Copies Included on PS Form 3541

Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541(1)

(2)

(4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means)

Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail)

(3)

F���7RWDO�3DLG�'LVWULEXWLRQ�[Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3), and (4)]

Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15e)f.

Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (Sum of 15d (1), (2), (3) and (4))e.

Copies not Distributed (See Instructions to Publishers #4 (page #3))g.

Total (Sum of 15f and g)h.

Percent Paid (15c divided by 15f times 100)

i.

10,081

60

0

0

984

1,044

11,125

875

12,000

91%

10,086

1,564

0

0

1,547

3,111

13,197

677

13,874

76%

Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

13. Publication Title

15.

14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below

b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail)

a. Total Number of Copies (Net press run)

Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies)

Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541 (Include paid distribution above nominal rate, advertiser’s proof copies, and exchange copies)

(1)

(2)

(4)Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS (e.g., First-Class Mail®)

Paid Distribution Outside the Mails Including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and Other Paid Distribution Outside USPS®(3)

12,000

9,540

0

541

0

13,875

9,533

0

553

0

Birder’s Guide October 2016

quarterly

Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

16. Electronic Copy Circulation

a. Paid Electronic Copies

I certify that 50% of all my distributed copies (electronic and print) are paid above a nominal price.

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

18. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner Date

If the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required. Will be printed

in the ________________________ issue of this publication.

17. Publication of Statement of Ownership

Publication not required.

b. Total Paid Print Copies (Line 15c) + Paid Electronic Copies (Line 16a)

F�� �7RWDO�3ULQW�'LVWULEXWLRQ��/LQH���I����3DLG�(OHFWURQLF�&RSLHV��/LQH���D�

d. Percent Paid (Both Print & Electronic Copies) (16b divided by 16c ¯ 100)

XNovember 2016

Production Manager 10/15/16

10. Owner (Do not leave blank. If the publication is owned by a corporation, give the name and address of the corporation immediately followed by the names and addresses of all stockholders owning or holding 1 percent or more of the total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, give the names and addresses of the individual owners. If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm, give its name and address as well as those of each individual owner. If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.)

Full Name Complete Mailing Address

American Birding Association, Inc. PO Box 744, 93 Clinton St., Suite ABA, Delaware City, DE 19706

1. Publication Title 2. Publication Number 3. Filing Date

4. Issue Frequency 5. Number of Issues Published Annually 6. Annual Subscription Price

8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer)

7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer) (Street, city, county, state, and ZIP+4®)

_

Contact Person

Telephone (Include area code)

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation(All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications)

Birder’s Guide

PO Box 744, 93 Clinton St., Suite ABA, Delaware City, DE 19706

PO Box 744, 93 Clinton St., Suite ABA, Delaware City, DE 19706

0 0 3 2 8 9 10/15/16

Liz Gordon

302-838-3660

quarterly four $12

9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave blank)

Publisher (Name and complete mailing address)

Editor (Name and complete mailing address)

Managing Editor (Name and complete mailing address)

American Birding AssociationPO Box 744, 93 Clinton St., Suite ABA, Delaware City, DE 19706

Michael L. P. RetterPO Box 744, 93 Clinton St., Suite ABA, Delaware City, DE 19706

35November 2016 | Birder’s Guide to Gear

Suggested Reading,

Links, and Products

Audubon Society of Portland. Bird-Safe Buildings. audubonportland.org/issues/hazards/buildings/birdsafe

birdsmartglass.orgcollisions.abcbirds.orgErickson, L. 2006. 101 Ways to Help Birds.

Stackpole Books.FLAP.orgHorton, J. 2013. 15 Products that Prevent

Window Strikes. birdwatchingdaily.com/featured-stories/15-products-that-prevent-windows-strikes/

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (2016). Urban Bird Treaty. fws.gov/birds/grants/urban- bird-treaty.php

References

Klem, D. Jr. 1979. Biology of Collisions Between Birds and Windows (256 pp). Ph.D. dissertation. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Klem, D. Jr. 1989. Bird-window collisions.Wilson Bulletin 101(4):606-620.

Klem, D. Jr. 1990. Bird injuries, cause of death, and recuperation from collisions with windows. Journal of Field Ornithology 61(1):115-119.

Hager, S. B., H. Trudell, K. J. McKay, S. M. Crandall, and L. Mayer. 2008. Bird densityand mortality at windows. The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 120(3):550-564.

Klem, D. Jr. 2009. Avian mortality at windows: The second largest human source of bird mortality on Earth. Proceedings of the Fourth International Partners in Flight Conference 2008, McAllen, Texas, USA. USDA, Forest Service Technical Report.

Klem, D. Jr. 2014. Landscape, legal, and biodiversity threats that windows pose to birds: A review of an important conservation issue. Land 3:351-361.