There exists a strange and unnerving phenomenon that one of our news producers experienced this morning, that feels like it could be an omen for… something.
He awoke to the sound of banging from downstairs, in his living room. As he cautiously approached the room, uncertain of what to expect, he discovered it was something he could not have predicted: a bird was repeatedly flying into his family’s bay window. Over and over and over again. The bird would bang into the window, fly back to a nearby tree, calculate its next attack, and then fly into it again. This happened repeatedly over the next hour.
Our producer went outside, yelled at the bird, gesticulated wildly in front of the window, held up his cat for the bird to see, and then, beaten down by the bird’s persistent attack, finally went for his cell phone.
As he recorded the bird’s fruitless assault on the window, he realized perhaps the answer was within his grasp, and so off to Google he went.
He found that in a bid to mitigate the distressing phenomenon of birds crashing into windows, experts have outlined practical measures for homeowners to safeguard avian visitors. The issue of bird-window collisions has gained attention due to its detrimental impact on bird populations and the emotional toll it takes on witnesses. Drawing insights from wildlife organizations such as the National Audubon Society and research published in scientific journals like The Condor: Ornithological Applications, solutions ranging from environmental modifications to behavioral interventions were recommended.
According to the National Audubon Society, one effective strategy involves placing decals or patterns on windows to break up the reflection that birds mistake for open space. These decals, resembling birds of prey or geometric shapes, alert birds to the presence of a barrier, significantly reducing collision rates.
And so, our intrepid producer ran down to his basement and grabbed some Halloween window decorations. He pulled a zombie and, fittingly, a group of three crows. The plan was to put them in the windows, for the bird to see, which would hopefully frighten the tiny attacker off. It didn’t work. The bird appeared to appraise the would be scare-bird decorations, and come to a decision. That decision: continue its airborne invasion.
Back to Google our producer went. Experts suggest applying window films or screens, which serve a similar purpose while maintaining visibility for human occupants. Such measures have been endorsed by studies in The Condor, which found a marked decrease in bird collisions after implementing visual deterrents on windows. Our producer didn’t have readily available window screens or films, but that is an option he is now considering.
Google suggested planting vegetation nearby or putting up blinds, which sound fine, but at 6:45 a.m. were again out of our producer’s reach.
So, our producer turned to the “why” of the situation, wondering if there was some way to help with the bird’s mental health, short of pulling out a bird-sized couch and asking the bird about its mother. Quora had some interesting answers as to why birds fly into windows: “A bird flying into your window can symbolize a new change in your life. It can be a reminder to believe that good things are coming and can also serve to remind you to listen to your gut and trust your intuition.” Okay…
Finally, the Audubon Society had some real thoughts on the topic. Their experts believe that “Birds may attack windows to claim territory. Attacking the glass on purpose is a territorial issue.” Their article also suggested a window film cover, and even linked to a site that sells them. Our producer discovered this was an advertisement that was pretending to be an article. Sheesh.
Now we come to you, the person reading this. Have you dealt with this issue before? What’s worked for you? Our producer is concerned about the bird’s health and safety, but he’d also like to sleep in past 6 a.m.
