Bird Stickers Should Be Placed on Exterior Windows to Deter Collision with Birds – ScienceDaily

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New research from William & Mary published in Life and the Environment PeerJ He reveals that decals intended to reduce the incidence of window bird strikes—one of the biggest causes of man-made bird deaths—are only effective if the decals are applied to the outside of the window. The researchers found that patterns on the films and stickers placed on the inside surface of the windows do not reduce collision because they may not be visible enough to birds.

Bird window strikes occur when a bird flying near a building cannot see through the window glass and flies into it. These strikes are a major concern for bird lovers and conservationists, many of whom advocate applying noticeable films, patterns, and decals to window surfaces to alert birds from the glass.

Many people sympathetic to the potential for bird strikes around their homes or offices tend to apply stickers to the interior of windows, primarily because an exterior application is often logistically difficult and economically prohibitive, especially if the windows are above the first floor of a building. However, the results of this new study show that only external application of these stickers can be associated with greater reductions in both window collisions and in bird deaths.

Dr. John B. Swadle, of the William & Mary Institute for Integrative Conservation, worked with students Blythe Brewster, Maddy Schuyler, and Angie Su, to conduct the first experimental study to compare the effectiveness of two distinct window films when applied to either the interior or the exterior. The outer surface of the double-glazed windows. The research team tested two different window film products: BirdShades and Haverkamp. These products were chosen for testing because they react to different wavelengths of light and colors visible to many songbirds.

Funding to test BirdShades shade film was provided by BirdShades Innovation GmbH. Using these films, the research team tested window collision avoidance by zebra finches through controlled flight experiments of the birds. The team used a design that isolated the effect of window treatments on avoidance-flying behaviors. A thin mist net in front of the windows prevented actual bird collisions during the tests.

The team found consistent evidence that when applied to the outside of windows, the films reduced the likelihood of collisions. However, neither product was effective when the foil was applied to the inside surface of the windows. Therefore, the results of this research demonstrate the need for installers to apply these products to the exterior surfaces of windows to increase their preventive benefits and reduce the risk of window collisions during the day.

“Many people want to reduce bird slamming of windows, because these unfortunate events kill hundreds of millions of birds each year,” says Dr. Swadel. “There are a lot of stickers and window films out there that have the potential to make glass surfaces more visible to birds, reducing collision risk. And we’ve been able to show that people should apply stickers and films to the outside of their windows to benefit birds. We want people to know this because we want it to be done.” Their time and money well spent – protecting the birds we all love.” Swaddle added, “This research was conducted with a team of undergraduate researchers at William & Mary, demonstrating the caliber of William & Mary’s students and the promise of the next generation of conservation researchers.”

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