Subject: [Tweeters] Preventing window strikes
Date: Mon Aug 30 12:51:57 PDT 2021
From: Tucker, Trileigh - TRI at seattleu.edu

Hi Tweets,

I use this liquid UV marker<https://www.theaudubonshop.com/product/windowalert-uv-liquid/>, and it has cut my window strikes to pretty much zero. It's in a roll-on container, and I paint (for example) 4 thin vertical stripes on my picture window. When it dries, it's almost invisible to the human eye, but birds apparently see the UV. (I put a little piece of tape at the bottom of each stripe so I don't inadvertently take a photo through it.) It lasts for months in summer, probably somewhat less in the rainy season.

I really prefer this approach to having things hanging in front of the main window I use for bird photos. But whatever works is great-;the main point being to protect the birds!

Good birding to all,
Trileigh

* * * * *
Trileigh Tucker
Professor Emerita of Environmental Studies, Seattle University
Pelly Valley, West Seattle
NaturalPresenceArts.com<https://naturalpresencearts.com/>
Writing: https://naturalpresencearts.com/publications/
Fine art: naturalpresencearts.com/photography/portfolio<https://naturalpresencearts.com/photography/portfolio/>

From: Alan Knue <temnurus at gmail.com<mailto:temnurus at gmail.com>>
Date: Monday, August 30, 2021 at 10:27 AM
To: TWEETERS tweeters <tweeters at u.washington.edu<mailto:tweeters at u.washington.edu>>
Subject: Re: [Tweeters] Western Tanagers and Window strikes

Hello Tweeters,

I can second Vicki's recommendation for using paracord as an option. When we put up our feeders, we were having nearly daily strikes including a few casualties, especially during the siskin incursion over last winter. We also reviewed the various options and this one of the few that was also reversible (not permanent). Once we put up the paracords, we haven't had a strike and have actually seen birds head toward the windows only to veer away when they see the cords. We've hung them not only in front of windows but also in front of large sliding glass doors. Also, if you have an outside mounted window screen or a screen door, we have found that these also act well as something birds can see as they reduce the reflection on the glass and birds more readily bounce off of.

Instructions can be found here: https://www.birdsavers.com/using-paracord/ and are very straightforward. Watch the video under step 4 as this was in particular useful. I hung these using small white hooks that were screwed into the top window trim/ moulding and this allows for the paracord curtains to be removed and reinstalled easily.

Best, Alan

Alan Knue
Edmonds, WA

On Mon, Aug 30, 2021 at 10:11 AM Vicki King <vkbirder at gmail.com<mailto:vkbirder at gmail.com>> wrote:
We have a crabapple tree in our front yard about 20 feet from a picture window. Years ago we installed the decals on the outside of the window but still had two Cedar Waxwings crash into the window and die. It was appalling.

That led me to search online for a different option and I found something that has since worked well for us. We installed strings of parachute cord, 4" apart, that dangle from the top of the window to the bottom, across its width. Although I can imagine that not everyone would like these strings, we don't even notice them anymore and we no longer have birds crashing into that window. We've installed them on smaller windows that face into our backyard where we have feeders.

I have a photo of how the strings look that I will be happy to share if anyone wants to see it.

I'll be interested to read about other effective options out there. The birds clearly need our help.

Vicki King
Seattle



On Mon, Aug 30, 2021 at 9:27 AM Steve Hampton <stevechampton at gmail.com<mailto:stevechampton at gmail.com>> wrote:
In my experience, decals have not worked, but something moving, such as a thin mylar ribbon that moves with the slightest breeze, was effective. Here's a pic and little video clip of what I'm talking about:

https://thecottonwoodpost.net/2018/10/13/how-to-stop-birds-from-flying-into-your-windows/





On Mon, Aug 30, 2021 at 8:27 AM Zora Monster <zoramon at mac.com<mailto:zoramon at mac.com>> wrote:
Wild birds unlimited sells decals for windows. The instructions tell the user to apply to the outside of the window. The decals reflect UV light, if memory serves me correctly. That reflective surface is on the outside of the decal, so mounting them inside renders them useless.

Zora

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 30, 2021, at 8:14 AM, Vanderhoof, Jennifer <Jennifer.Vanderhoof at kingcounty.gov<mailto:Jennifer.Vanderhoof at kingcounty.gov>> wrote:


Joan and others,

Something I learned from the Portland Audubon window strike study that is not widely publicized, unfortunately, is that anti-bird strike window treatments are best applied on the outside of the window. I know Seattle Audubon sells stuff. But if you apply it on the inside of the window, the outside still has the shiny reflective surface that can reflect the trees and make it appear the birds are flying through forest when they hit your window.

Jen

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--
Steve Hampton


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