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Glass Window

Bird Window Collision

Window and building collision is a leading cause of songbird injury and death year-round, with higher numbers seen during spring and fall migrations. While taller buildings pose significant risk, homeowners also experience birds colliding with their windows. Windows reflect their surroundings, so a bird may see more sky or trees and will not recognize the window as glass. 

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If you have found a bird you believe has struck a window, try to look for signs of obvious injury, such as a dangling wing or leg or any signs of blood. If you discover injuries please text us at 678-386-9116 with a photo and a brief description of the situation.  If there are no visible injuries and the bird remains grounded, it may be stunned. Please follow these steps:

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1. Place the bird in a ventilated container lined with a towel or paper towels and place the container in a dark, quiet location for an hour. Some birds become stunned and given a little time, may regain their senses.

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2. Check on the bird in an hour. Take the container outside so that the bird does not get loose in your home when you open the box. He/she may have recovered and may fly out of the container once opened.

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3. If the bird still will not fly after the hour of rest, text us at 678-386-9116 with a photo and brief explanation so we can begin the intake process. Place the box with the bird back into a quiet location to reduce stress until arrangements can be made. 

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Birds that collide with windows or buildings may suffer something similar to a concussion and may need medical care to help reduce brain swelling and treat traumatic injuries. 

How to Reduce the Risks of
Window/Building Collisions

Tips for reducing the risk of bird window collisions can include things as simple as window film and window screens, but can also include appropriate lighting so that migrating birds are not disoriented from light pollution. Please be aware that window decals and window film will help ONLY if applied to the outside of the glass. These are designed to break up the reflection the birds see so they will recognize that there is an obstacle. Please visit Georgia Audubon's page for more information and tips and consider signing their homeowner's Lights Out Georgia pledge. Project Safe Flight

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While window collisions happen year-round, they increase dramatically during spring and fall migrations when, on any given evening, millions of birds fly through the skies over Atlanta.

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View the collision forecasts for our area

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