Best Practices for Bird Collision Prevention

Decals

Best Practices for Bird Collision Prevention

Below are detailed instructions for how to apply window decals for birds:

1. Prepare Glass: Our static cling decals are designed to work on the exterior of glass windows. Ensure that the glass is free of any film overlay or coating. Glass should be clean, dry, and free of chemicals prior to application.

2. Apply Decals: Peel decal from paper backing. The same side that was against the paper goes the against the glass.

Place decals on the outside of the window. 

More decals will increase protection. Here is a guide to decal spacing:

Good - 20" Spacing - Effective but less protective.
Better- 10" Spacing - Provides improved protection.
Best - Scientific studies advise placing decals in a 4" horizontal by 2" vertical matrix.

Hints: During winter, keep decals at room temperature prior to installation Focus on windows with a history of strikes. Start at the center and space outwards using our envelope ruler as a guide.

3. Maintenance: For best results replace decals every 4 months or after testing with the WindowAlert UV Flashlight. UV coating will fade based on exposure and local elevation

Hint: Restore static cling by rinsing in lukewarm water.

4. Position out of reach of infants and small children.

Danger Zones

  1. Bird strikes often occur when birds perceive a LINE OF FLIGHT through one window of your home and out another. This also occurs on buildings with corners made of glass. In these situations, position your decals to block a bird's perceived line of flight.
  2. Bird strikes may occur when birds see OPEN SKY reflected in your window. This may occur on certain windows or areas of a window based on the time of day or orientation to the sun. Use your decals to break up this reflection of open sky.
  3. Bird strikes are often a problem near BIRD FEEDERS. Bird feeders should be positioned closer than three feet or farther than 30 feet from your windows. Feeding birds are easily frightened and then take wild, evasive flight. If your feeder is close to the window, birds fly away from the house when frightened. Believe it or not, the safest feeders are window feeders which attach to the window itself.
  4. Bird strikes are a problem with highly reflective windows, windows near bodies of water, and windows near indoor mirrors. These situations may be difficult to remedy.