Prevent Birds from Hitting Windows

At night, especially during April and May, and between  September 1 and November 15: turn off unnecessary indoor and outdoor lights and close your shades;

Be aware of:

• Nights when radar predicts heavy migration by checking the Local Bird Migration Alert page of BirdCast;

• When stormy weather is coming;

• On nights of heavy migration or stormy weather, be extra careful about turning off lights and ask friends, family and co-workers to do likewise;

Make glass visible to birds!

• Treat clear or reflective glass windows and railings with stickers or other solutions using the 2” x 4” or, even better, the 2” x 2” rule (see the Glass Collisions page of the American Bird Conservancy) to warn birds to avoid daytime collisions;

• Learn about other ways you can help prevent collisions at your home or work via this guide (pdf) from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service;

Keep an eye out for injured birds at the base of buildings:

• If they are alive, bring them to the Wild Bird Fund or your nearest federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator (preferably in a paper bag);

• Report injured or deceased birds on dBird.org to make an important contribution to ongoing bird mortality research;

Educate yourself and others!

• Learn more about NYC Audubon’s Project Safe Flight and consider becoming a Collision Monitor Volunteer;

Want to be more active?

• If you live or work in a building near a large body of water, a park or some other greenspace (e.g., in NYC, near the Hudson, East River, harbor, Central Park, etc.), and want to play a more active role in helping migrating birds (or if you just want more information) contact Wild Bird Fund at [email protected]; AND,

• Be an advocate for bird-friendly policies and regulations — follow Wild Bird Fund and NYC Audubon for updates on advocacy opportunities.