Migrating birds die hitting windows, but you can help stop it, Missouri officials say

Fall migration is underway and the Missouri Department of Conservation is asking for the public’s help in preventing birds from colliding with windows.

Millions of migrating birds die each year from hitting windows and other reflective surfaces, but there are simple ways you can help protect our avian friends, MDC said Monday.

“Birds are a marvel. Each year, some migrate thousands of miles to warmer climes and back again in the spring,” Sarah Kendrick, MDC state ornithologist, said in a news release. “It is always a pity to see that a window, of all things, is the sad end to millions of birds each year, whether migratory or resident.”

When a bird hits a window, it’s because the surface reflects either the sky or vegetation, leading the bird to believe it’s a safe area to fly through, MDC said. Breaking up the reflection can help a bird detect the window as an obstacle.

To do this, officials recommend putting stickers on the window’s exterior side. Placing a silhouette inside won’t be as effective — they can be easily obstructed by glare or reflection at certain times of day, according to agency.

“Many believe that to make their windows bird-safe, they have to completely obstruct their view, but that’s just not the case anymore,” Kendrick said. “There are many solutions out there today that break up the reflection for our birds in a muted way that still allows for a great view.”

The American Bird Conservancy recommends using decals or bird tape to create designs on windows such as vertical stripes or using tempera paint to create patterned artwork.

Cords and netting placed in front of windows can also help, along with external shades and screens, according to the conservancy. It also recommends moving bird feeders away from windows.

If you find a bird that is disoriented or stunned after colliding with a window, bring your pets inside to give the bird a chance to recover, officials said.

“Many of our birds are in steep decline across North America,” Kendrick said. “Preventing window strikes is just one small change that we can make in our daily lives right now — cheaply — that will collectively make a huge impact for birds over the long-term.”