Make your Windows Safer for Hummingbirds

Every year one billion birds, including hummingbirds, die after flying into windows. Although window strikes can happen at any time, they are more frequent during migration as birds visit unfamiliar settings and mistake window reflections of trees, plants or sky for open space. You can take steps to prevent this.

• Consider the placement of your hummingbird feeders: make sure they are either more than 25 feet from your window or right next to it.

• Add barriers or markings to your windows to make them visible to birds. Lines or shapes should be at least 1/4 inch wide in light or high-contrast colors. Space them no more than 2 inches apart horizontally or 4 inches apart vertically.

Some product options are:

SCREENS: External insect screens eliminate problem reflections. Best practice is to mount the screen at least one inch away from the exterior surface of the glass.

TAPE PATTERNS: Use opaque tape or specialized translucent “bird” tape to create patterns on your windows. Specialized bird-safe tape is available at featherfriendly.com or collidescape.org.

DECALS: For decals to work, spacing is key. Follow the 2” x 4” rule (2 inches apart horizontally or 4 inches vertically).

TEMPERA PAINT: Use tempera paint (available at most craft stores) to paint freehand patterns or use stencils. It’s nontoxic, rain-resistant, and easy to remove with a damp cloth.

BIRD-SAFE WINDOW FILM: Solyx Bird Safety Film is see-through from inside, opaque outside (decorativefilm.com/ specialty-bird-safety). CollidEscape offers film with dots or narrow horizontal or vertical stripes. (collidescape.org) .

BIRD SAVER CURTAINS (ZEN WIND CURTAINS): If you don’t want to alter your glass, Acopian BirdSavers are effective, low-profile, and can even be made at home. More information at birdsavers.com.

A more extensive list of product options is available from the American Bird Conservancy at abcbirds.org/products/.

Photo: Costa's Hummingbird