DATE:   9/11/97
WRITER: Bob Polomski, (864) 656-2604  
        Candace Cummings, (864) 656-7146 

Preventing Bird Window Collisions
  
     Q:  I've had a problem with birds that will fly against a
big plate glass window in my house. This doesn't break the glass,
but the collision could eventually hurt the birds. What can I do?
     A:  Birds fly into windows for two reasons. First, they see
the reflection of the sky and think it is safe. Second, a male
sees his own reflection and thinks the bird he sees is a new
male trying to enter his territory, so he tries to fight it.
     Bird window collisions are traumatic for birds and people
alike. There's no easy solution to the problem. Bird scare
devices do not work.
     Bird window collisions can be stopped by breaking up the
reflection from outside the window. The easiest and least
expensive first remedy to try is taping ordinary white 
paper plates to the outside of glass windows and doors. If the
glass is not tinted, attach the plates to the inside of the
glass. Plates should be put up in spring and left through summer
or used as problems arise, for instance, during breeding season. 
     Other possible ways to break up reflections are screens,
bird netting that is sold to keep birds out of ripening fruit 
crops, or window covers of some sort.
     The most effective solution would be to install
nonreflective glass or windows angled downward to reflect the
ground rather than the sky or trees.
     Also, if you have bird feeders near the house, put them no
further than three feet from the window. This way, if birds
become startled, they won't be able to gather enough flying speed
to cause themselves injury if they collide with the window.
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     If you have gardening questions or comments, write to
Agricultural News & Publications, A-101 Poole Agricultural
Center, Box 340311, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. 29634-0311.
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