The Baltimore Oriole on the right was injured when it saw the landscape reflected in the glass and tried to fly into it. Fortunately, the homeowner found the bird and brought it to the WHS' Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for help. But most birds aren't so lucky.

Why do birds fly into windows? The two most common causes of daytime window collisions are:

• Birds see landscapes in window reflections.
• If a bird can see through to the outside through two aligned windows in your home, they confuse them for a tunnel and will attempt to fly through to get to the other side.

Collisions like the Baltimore Oriole's can be reduced or even eliminated by any one of the following:

• To avoid a bird's ability to look through one window and see the outside through another window, simply close the blinds or curtains on one of the windows.
• Apply bright window clings. You can purchase Whispering Windows (pictured at right) from our online wildlife store, Wally's Workbench. In some cases, to be fully effective clings may have to be placed as close as 4-6" apart.
• Hang brightly colored fluttering ribbons in front of windows. Irritape holographic mylar tape is sold through Wally's Workbench or at the Wisconsin Humane Society. Alternately, tie unwanted compact disks (CDs) on string in front of the window so that they turn in the wind.
• One of the most effective ways to reduce bird window collisions is to install Bird Screens or other fine-mesh plastic netting in front of windows (especially during periods of peak migration). Leave a few inches between the glass and the netting to allow birds to collide softly with the mesh instead of hitting the glass. Bird Screens are avaiable through Wally's Workbench at the Shelter or online. View effective installations of Bird Screens by clicking here.
• Apply CollidEscape to the outside of windows. CollidEscape is an easy-to-apply film that greatly reduces the reflections on the outside of windows. CollidEscape is also available through Wally's Workbench or online. View effective installations of CollidEscape by clicking here.

• Place bird feeders very close (within three feet) or at least ten yards away from windows.
• Lower window awnings to reduce window reflections.

The Urban Ecology Center in Riverside Park, 1500 East Park Place, Milwaukee, has a display of some of these and other preventative techniques. You can contact them at 414-964-8505.