Western Tanager- Photo: Mick Thompson/Eastside Audubon

BirdSafe Buildings

Individually, we have the opportunity to make a difference in our home and businesses.

Researchers estimate that up to 1 billion birds die every year in the United States alone from colliding with a window—this makes window collisions one of the top three threats to wild bird populations, third only to habitat destruction and cats. Collisions can occur at any window, any time of day and year. Problems peak during spring and fall migration. Research shows that 54-76 percent of window collisions are fatal.

During the daytime, birds collide with windows because they see reflections of the landscape in the glass (e.g., clouds, sky, vegetation, or the ground); or they see through glass to perceived habitat (including potted plants) or to the sky on the other side.

Birds do not recognize glass as a solid object. Glass is a problem because it is confusing for birds as an invisible obstacle and as a reflective surface. It is an indiscriminate killer, culling the healthiest members of a population as well as the weakest. To make matters worse, many of the victims are songbirds whose populations are already in decline.

What to do if a bird Hits Your Window

If a bird hits your window, observe it before handling. Some strike victims recover after initially being stunned. If a stunned bird …

Bird Collision Solutions for Your Home

People ‘see’ glass because we understand buildings. Birds need strong clues on or around glass to warn them that it’s there.

Bird Collision Assistance for Your Business

Buildings that have both extensive glass and attractive habitat are the most dangerous for birds. Other features …