• To be effective, glass markers should be spaced 5 cm by 5 cm apart (about the width of two loonies) (FLAP Canada, 2022).

Some birds are adapted to fitting through tight spaces. Photo: Keith Ringland.

• Markers should be placed on the outside of window surfaces (FLAP Canada, 2022).
• A 2022 BC-based study found Feather Friendly treatments to reduce collision risk by 95% at one building (De Groot, et. al., 2022).

Effective window treatment examples. Source: FLAP Canada.

There are plenty of do-it-yourself options available to treat your home windows and other glass surfaces. Choose the right one for your desired longevity and price range.

• Tempera or poster paint is available at most craft stores and can be painted onto windows, lasting up to 5 years, although may come off with snow or rain. It can also be safely washed off. Acrylic or paint pens are similar options.

DIY window treatment using tempera paint. Note the design appears to roughly follow the 5 cm by 5 cm rule. Source: American Bird Conservancy.

• Acopian Bird Savers are rows of vertically hanging of weather-enduring string or paracord attached to the outside of a window. You can buy them or make your own.

DIY Acopian bird savers. Photo: Tanya Luszcz.

• Window screens can be installed on the outside area of windows to limit reflections while reducing the collision impact of a bird who may still hit the window (American Bird Conservancy, 2022).

• Some glass surfaces are more lethal to birds than others, depending on surrounding vegetation, and the placement and reflectivity of glass.
• Prioritize these glass surfaces for treatment and consider alternatives to glass railings when building or replacing these structures.
• Assess individual windows with Birdsafe® DIY Building Risk Assessment App

Window decal art created by Derek Tan, installed to reduce window collisions at the UBC Botanical Garden. Photo: Krista De Groot.

Sometimes you can’t apply window treatments right away. In the meantime, there are some steps you can take right now to somewhat reduce collisions.

• Pull curtains or blinds over windows when you are not home or at dawn when birds are most active.
• Let the outside of your window get dirty and less reflective.
• Consider bird-friendly design for new home constructions.

• If you’ve found a bird that was injured or died from flying into glass, you can report it on the Global Bird Collision Mapper App. Submit your report here.