How to Support a Window Collision Victim

Handle with Care: Approach the bird slowly from behind, gently cupping it in your hands. Hold it securely but without pressure, as their bones and bodies are extremely delicate. Reduce handling as much as possible to minimize stress.

Provide a Safe Recovery Spot: Place the bird in a small cardboard box or paper bag lined with a paper towel. This provides a dark, quiet environment where the bird can rest.

Avoid Feeding or Hydration: Do not attempt to feed the bird or give it water. These well-meaning actions can actually cause harm if done incorrectly.

Contact a Licensed Wildlife Rehabber: For the best chance of recovery, reach out to a professional rehabilitator who can provide expert care and advice. Find a rehabber near you.

Maintain Hygiene and Protection: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before and after handling any bird. If possible, wear disposable gloves and a mask to further reduce the risk of transmitting or contracting diseases.

Next Steps:

Supporting an injured bird can be an emotionally difficult experience and leave us shaken. Once the immediate care steps are taken, the next priority is identifying what caused the collision. Start by looking for the likely point of impact on the window—unfortunately, birds sometimes leave a mark, which can help pinpoint the problem area. If you can’t find a clear mark, consider where the bird was lying or perched after the collision as a clue to the collision spot. After locating the suspected impact zone, examine the surrounding environment.

 

 

Adjust Decal Placement: Consider increasing the density of window decals near the impact area. Placing them closer together can help reduce reflections and make the glass more visible to birds.  

Reevaluate Feeder and Bath Placement: If bird feeders or baths are near the window, try moving them either within 3 feet (to prevent birds from building up speed) or more than 30 feet away. This will help minimize the risk of future collisions.

Address Reflections: If nearby plants, shiny objects, or bright indoor lighting are creating reflections on the window, try closing curtains, adding external screens, or even planting shrubs farther away to break up the glass’s appearance.

Check for Obstructions or Paths: Birds often follow certain flight paths in your yard. Look for any obstructions that might be redirecting them toward your window. If you can reroute those paths with strategic landscaping, it may help prevent collisions.

Regular Maintenance: Ensure that decals or other treatments are kept clean and replaced periodically, especially if they have UV coatings that fade over time.

By thoroughly investigating the collision area and making thoughtful adjustments, you can significantly reduce the chances of another accident and help protect the birds that visit your home.