If we invite nature to our yard, let it visit uninjured.

Migrations are a particularly dangerous time for birds, which pass through Evanston in large numbers, risking collisions with windows.  Between 500 million and 1 billion birds annually die in the United States from flying into windows, according to ornithologists. Window collisions are a leading cause of bird mortality and of population declines for once-common species.

Evanston is a stopover point for around 280 species – and millions of birds – that migrate through Evanston and Chicago, and stop at our lakefront every spring and fall. Tens of thousands of dead and injured birds have been found over the past 10 years in Evanston, at lakefront buildings, high-rise buildings downtown and at residences.

Here are ways to think through which of your windows might be dangerous and which solution work best for you.

Which window is a threat to birds and should be prioritized to be fixed?

Maybe you know a window where birds have hit.  If you have heard a bird hit, other birds might have hit as well.  Many times raccoons, gulls and other animals remove or eat dead birds so there is no evidence of a bird casualty.

If you do not know which windows are a particular threat, walk outside your house and look at your windows. Pay special attention to the first three floors.  Here are some likely trouble spots:

• ‍Greenery, bird feeder or birdbath reflected? Look at your windows from the outside to see which windows reflect foliage, trees, bird feeders or birdbaths. Birds typically land on foliage or feeders and die against windows after takeoff.‍
• Fly-through areas. Are there corners, walkways, sun porches or other areas that look as if birds could fly straight through?‍
• Greenery INSIDE a window. Are there houseplants are inside your windows?  Birds might try to land on it.

Solutions are EASY and cheap. Which is best for you?

 General requirements:

• To be effective, solutions – window films, markings – must be applied to the OUTSIDE of the problem window.  Upper stories may be difficult to reach, unless windows can swing open. 
• Leave no gaps bigger than 4” x 2”. Birds will try to fit between spaces.  This is why decals generally don’t work –birds try to fly between decals and die - unless decals are applied very close.
• For do-it-yourself (DIY), windows have to be reachable. For unreachable windows, consider hiring window-washers or a handy-person to do it.
• Sticking or drawing on windows often requires moderate temperatures, ideally 50 degrees or warmer.
• No matter what solution, monitor for bird strikes afterwards to see if it is working.

Existing buildings.

Solutions are easy and inexpensive. If birds hit your windows, consider:

Long-term solutions

• Ceramic pen (white) and a ruler: mark lines or make your own design.
• Paint pen: your child can make their own design.
• Hanging cords.
• Window films with dots, stripes or other designs.
• Shutters, screens or external shades. For Screens: not covering glass or else taut and far enough from the window that the bird doesn't hit glass.

Temporary solutions

From things on-hand.

• Masking tape.
• Soap designs.

What helps or doesn't?

• Dirty windows can help
• Decals don't help unless they are very close to avoid gaps.

New Building Designs.

• Follow the Evanston Bird-Friendly Building Ordinance.
• LEED Credit 55 (bird-friendly).
• Avoid reflective glass.
• When Using glass, make it visible to birds, such as fritted or with etched designs.
• Use external shades, grilles or shutters.
• Avoid positioning foliage reflected in glass, or behind glass (e.g., on glass balconies or in atria).
• Use treated glass around green roofs or terraces.

Lighting

... Remember to turn down or off the lights! Lights off at 11pm, especially during migration. Use light IF, WHEN, and WHERE you need it, and keep it orange-red and minimized. Brighter isn’t safer. See our Lighting page.

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