Every year, especially during migration, wildlife hospitals are flooded with birds who have hurt themselves by flying into windows. Birds cannot tell the difference between real tree and sky and a reflection of tree and sky. Luckily, there are ways that humans can help prevent and treat windowstrike.
What is "Windowstrike?"
Usually, a bird who flies into a window will present specific injuries. These injuries are so pervasive, wildlife rehabilitators sometimes lump them together in the catch-all term "windowstrike." Windowstrike can be minor, serious, or fatal. The bird may suffer from concussion, spinal trauma, nerve damage, internal bleeding, or broken bones. They are often in shock.
What can be Done for a Bird That Has Hit a Window?
Sometimes, the bird is just stunned and need a minute to recover. If the bird is conscious and nothing is visibly broken, simply place the bird in a box in a quiet, dark, warm spot away from danger. There is no point in offering a bird in shock food or water. In a half hour or so, try releasing the bird. If the bird does not fly away, you will need to get the bird to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
What will the Wildlife Rehabilitator Do?
The wildlife rehabilitator may start with an X-ray to look for any breaks in the bird's spine and wings. He or she may give the bird an intramuscular shot of an anti-inflammatory steroid, often mixed with some vitamin K to aid clotting in case of internal injuries. If the bird's injuries are severe (i.e. broken back or shattered wing) the bird may be humanely euthanized. Otherwise, the bird will receive supportive care such as fluids, food, warmth, and steroid injections until it can fly away.
How can Windowstrike be Prevented?
At night, turn off the lights in your office building; it is not unheard of for an entire flock to knock themselves out of the sky when a well-lit skyscraper happens to be in the path of a night migration. At home, close your curtains or pull down your blinds. During the day, windowstrike can be prevented with decals on your window. WindowAlert decals are excellent for this purpose. The decals reflect ultraviolet sunlight, which birds can see much better than humans. The decals break up the reflections of sky or trees that are confusing the birds into trying to fly through without completely inhibiting your view of the yard or bird feeder. To the human eye, the decals appear as etched or frosted glass. They are unobtrusive and tasteful, suitable for a home or an office building. For best results, place a decal in every three to four feet of window. And of course, you should avoid doing things that would attract birds to your window, such as placing plants on windowsills, or putting birdfeeders and birdbaths just outside your window.
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