How to Minimize Bird & Window Collisions

Large windows reflecting habitat. Photo courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Problem:
It's estimated that as many as 1 billion birds die each year in the United States due to collisions with windows. Daniel Klem, a biologist at Pennsylvania’s Muhlenberg College, has been studying the problem for three decades and cites window strikes as a major cause of bird fatality. The primary danger stems from reflective glass. Birds see escape routes and possible safety zones mirrored in reflective glass and fly unaware into windows. The speed and force of the impact can cause instant death. Birds that seem stunned or do not die immediately may actually be fatally injured as well - suffering from a brain hemorrhage or other internal bleeding. At the very least, stunned birds are temporarily less responsive and thus highly susceptible to predation. Transparent glass poses a similar threat as birds collide into unseen windows en route to some visible target on the other side.
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Solutions:

Feeder Placement
How can this help? Many birds strike windows after being startled off a feeder. Bird feeders placed within three feet of windows can reduce fatal collisions because birds do not have an adequate distance to reach high flight velocity. Placing the feeders more than 30 feet from a window will also reduce window collision risk because, at that distance, birds are more likely to recognize that the reflected image is part of a house and are less likely to fly toward it for safety.
Practicality — HIGH: For homes with feeders, this is an easy and surefire way to reduce deadly window strikes.
Window Shades, Drapes, etc.
How can this help? White or light-colored window shades, blinds, or drapes, when drawn, eliminate much of the mirror effect or transparency of windows.
Practicality — HIGH: Interior window treatments (such as drapery) already exist in many homes. The downside is that they block the view to the outside. Drawing curtains or blinds when leaving for work or vacation is good practice.

Before: Drapes open, window reflects habitat	After: Drapes closed, reflection greatly reduced

Window Decals or Items Hung Outside the Window
How can this help? Decals or objects placed on or in front of windows create an interference pattern that reduces the mirror effect of reflective windows and make transparent windows more visible. (For example, see "Wing Chimes" on the Fatal Light Awareness Program link below.)
Practicality — MED: Although decals are easily affixed to windows and are available in a range of styles (it is not necessary to use a hawk silhouette), they must be spaced close to each other to be effective – at most 2 inches apart horizontally, and 4 inches apart vertically. Objects, such as ribbon draped on the exterior side of a window must also be spaced strategically to create density. This density causes too much visual obstruction for many people. Covering just a portion of a window is better than no coverage at all.
Bird Netting
How can this help? Fine mesh netting stretched tightly over an entire window causes birds to "bounce" away before crashing into window glass and does not obstruct the view.
Practicality — MED: Works well but requires some do-it-yourself agility; poses entanglement risk if not properly installed. Netting must be taut and at the appropriate distance from the window. Adhere to instructions available with product or on the internet.

Window tilted - ground is reflected

Tilted Glass
How can this help? Tilting the glass in a window causes the ground to be reflected rather than possible shelter and escape routes for fleeing birds.
Practicality – MED: Not a foolproof solution but an easy way to address the problem during the construction or remodeling phase of a building. With supporting research, this practice might be commonplace in the future.
Fritted Glass
How can this help? Fritted glass has granules fused onto it to create a frost-like pattern that reduces its reflectivity and transparency.
Practicality — LOW: Currently being tested on a college campus, it holds some promise for widespread use in commercial and residential applications. May be perceived as esthetically unappealing by the general public and obstructs open view to the outside.
Window Films
How can this help? An opaque sheet of plastic attached to windows gives them a solid appearance.
Practicality — LOW: Films currently available to the general public severely limit visibility.
Bug Screen
How can this help? Bug screens or summer screens on the outside of exterior glass kept in place year-round will cut down on reflectivity and transparency while acting as barrier to birds and insect during warmer months.
Practicality – HIGH: In newer construction, double paned windows can be shielded by screens. In older homes with storm windows, screens would need to be switched with exterior glass. 


Source: http://web4.audubon.org/bird/at_home/SafeWindows.html
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Bird Strike-Threats to Aircraft

Birds represent a serious, but often misunderstood, threat to aircraft. Most bird strikes do not result in any aircraft damage, but some bird strikes have led to serious accidents involving aircraft of every size. Airsafe.com provides various links to information on bird and wildlife strike hazards, including details on the extent of the risk and insights into how these risks may be controlled.

Source: http://airsafe.com/birds.htm
Photo Credit: http://www.skybrary.aero/ 

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Natural Tricks to Get Rid of Pigeons

If you want to control pigeons at your property, then you should blocked the food and water sources by using bird netting. Use strong spices, such as cayenne, pepper or garlic, to discourage their presence. Get rids of pigeons by taking the advice of any professional gardener or bird control services provider. View the video at ehow.co.uk for more information.

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Texas wind farm pioneers radar technology to protect migrating birds

According to a Guardian.co.uk post, Wind farms in US kill about 7000 birds a year. Estimates from a single wind farm in Altamont, California showed as many as 1,300 birds of prey killed each year – or about three a day. A handful of wind power projects in the US have been shelved because of wildlife concerns. But with new bird radar technology now in use at the Peñascal wind farm is protecting migrating birds at times of peak danger.

Read full article at http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/may/01/wind-farm-bird-radar

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All about Pigeons

Pigeons are found all through the US. Grey in color with a whitish rump, two black bars on wing feathers, a wide black band on the tail; two legs with red feet, measuring about 11 inches, pigeons are considered to be filthy birds.

Pigeons feed on food grains and we end up feeding them unknowingly by spilling food everywhere. Open trash containers also provide food to pigeons.

Pigeons are commonly found in agricultural farms, in food warehouses, grain elevators, in food mills, around parks, and in steeples and voids outside buildings, bridges, and other structures.

Their droppings cause slips and falls besides causing extensive damage to the buildings and statues. What is even more serious is that pigeon droppings are the carriers of serious diseases like toxoplasmosis and salmonella, and they allow the growth of the fungus which causes histoplasmosis.

It is very important to prevent pigeons from roosting and nesting inside homes and outside buildings. Anti Bird spikes, bird gels, scare balloons, and visual acoustics are some of the bird control devices that help get rid of pigeons in a safe and humane manner without causing any harm to them.

In addition to adopting bird control methods and devices, homeowners and building owners must ensure that there is no food or water within the reach of the pigeons. Pigeon feeding must be discouraged as far as possible to keep them out of your homes and commercial buildings. By making roosting and nesting areas inhospitable for pigeons, the problem can be tackled in a much better manner.

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7 interesting things you must know about woodpeckers

How much do you actually know about woodpeckers other than the fact that they peck on the trees and poles? Here are some interesting facts that you ought to know about woodpeckers –

1. There are approximately 180 species of woodpeckers found all over the world. The most commonly available species of woodpecker in North America is the downy woodpecker.

2. Depending on the species, their tongue is as much as 4 inches long. They usually have barbed tongues that they use for extracting bugs from trees and holes.

3. Woodpeckers have very interesting feet. They have toes that face both the front and the back to help them grip trees and poles as they climb on them.

4. Woodpeckers eat fruits, nuts, seeds, sap, and bugs. The nut feeders that grow in your backyard attract them to your house.

5. Unlike other birds, they do not produce any vocal song. They drum on the resonant objects for communicating with their fellow species, for attracting their mates, and for establishing their territories.

6. Woodpeckers can peck up to 20 times in a second. In a single day, they can peck for 8000-12000 times. 
   
   
7. While it may be quite annoying to bear the pecking sound that woodpeckers make in your backyard, woodpeckers don't get any headache from their own pecking noise. Their skulls are structured to spread the force and their brains are tightly cushioned.

Worried about the damage caused by woodpeckers? Seek professional bird control solutions to get rid of woodpeckers to protect your trees and wooden objects in your garden and patio.

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Are your trees safe?

Woodpeckers are a major concern for tree. They feed primarily on the tree bark and during the course of tapping and pecking they end up spoiling the whole tree. Woodpeckers basically search for tree trunks and branches to feed on beetles, insects, and carpenter ants. They peck on the tree surface and then search for the insects with their barbed tongue. If they are unable to find any insect, they start to peck at another place. The damage usually occurs in horizontal lines on the tree trunk surface.

Woodpeckers usually feed on insects and ants but some of them feed on sap as well. Also known as sapsuckers, these woodpeckers are seen as a major threat to trees. Whereas woodpeckers only prefer dead wood to find insects for feeding, sapsuckers attack living tree to get fresh sap. Repeated pecking by sapsuckers kills branches and results in the damage of the entire tree. The oozing sap attracts squirrels, porcupines, and other insects-causing additional damage to the tree.

To protect your healthy and beautiful trees in your garden from woodpeckers and sapsuckers you must look for effective bird control methods. There are so many products and methods available in the market that help deter woodpeckers from entering backyards and farms. For successful results, you may look for a reputable bird control company to get rid off woodpeckers permanently.

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Pigeon droppings: Good or bad?

We all know that pigeon droppings are bad. They have a foul smell and they are the carriers of innumerable diseases. In addition, the acidic nature of the pigeon droppings corrodes natural stones like marble and granite and mars their beauty. Pigeon bird dropping is seen as a potent threat to both private and public buildings. 

But do you know that pigeon droppings were considered to be quite useful during 16^th and 18^th centuries in Europe? These were used as a natural fertilizer due to the good nourishing values. Pigeon poop was found to be an excellent source of fertilizer for melon crops in Iran. In Italy and in France, pigeon bird droppings were used to fertilize vineyards and hemp crops.

Moreover, in England around the 16^th century, pigeon droppings were used for making gunpowder. Pigeon droppings contain saltpetre that is believed to be a valuable ingredient for making gunpowder. Guards were made to stand outside pigeon houses to prevent thieves from stealing the pigeon droppings. Strange isn’t it??

What was considered so valuable then has become a cause of worry for most of us now. Pigeon droppings spread several infections and viruses that can be very harmful for humans and pets. Further, they cause loss of over hundreds and thousands of dollars every year by spoiling the expensive buildings and structures across the world.

If you are having a tough time due to the menace caused by the pigeons, look for a reputable bird control company and make your home and building safe and free from pigeons.

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Bird Control Guide for Residential Home Owners

Controlling birds is easier when your property is clean, well pruned and there is nothing there for the birds to eat. Sometimes they will congregate if they are eating something in your garden, or you have recently dug up some dirt (birds like this because it’s easier to go through the loose dirt to look for worms).

If you keep your property clean and patch up any holes and spaces where the birds can get in, this should solve 90% of your problems.

Read full article at http://www.scarecrowvsbirds.com/bird-control-measures/ to get more information about bird control at residential properties.

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How Bird Spike works?

The bird spikes keep pests from landing and sitting. All you do is glue them to where you want to keep pests away from and attach the spikes there. They will keep away pesky birds hanging out on the ledge above doors, on balconies, rafters, tree branches, and anywhere that birds generally sit. They will also keep other animals away from the area keeping it clean and free from noise and mess, which is not a good look.

Read full article at: http://www.scarecrowvsbirds.com/bird-scarer-reviews/bird-x-bird-spikes-kit/

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How to Keep Pigeons away from your Houses

Pigeons are among urban pest birds and their droppings deface many roofs, monuments, and public spaces. Pigeon droppings contain uric acid, which can damage the finish on buildings, automobiles paints etc. They can cause diseases like Histoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis, Psittacosis, and St. Louis Encephalitis. This article at wikihow.com provides different pigeon control methods and tips to get rid of pigeons.

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Bird Netting: Protect your Growing Plants and crops from Birds

If you are in agriculture sector and worried about your plants and crops protection from Birds, then use Bird Netting which protects your fruit, plants and crops from Birds. It is a kind of mesh that can be laid directly over your crops that prevents birds from attacking and damaging them. Not only has it been proven as the most effective deterrent, most of the birds that are associated with horticulture and agriculture have thrived on intensified growing over the years. The use of anti bird netting is a safe and inexpensive way to protect whether food or bloom, the results from its use are undeniable, it works.

Source: http://www.ahs-ltd.co.uk/blog/product-news/are-you-growing-plants-and-crops-and-need-protection-from-birds-anti-bird-netting-from-ahs-will-solve-your-problem/

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Everything You Want to Know About Pigeons

No bird is more familiar to people or more at home in the modern world than the common pigeon. It is widely reviled for nesting on buildings, defacing public monuments, clogging park paths, and transmitting disease. But it is also cherished by many people because it is the most accessible form of urban wildlife.

Read Full article at massaudubon.org to know more about Pigeon's Natural history, Identification, Behaviour, Nesting and diseases caused by pigeons and their solutions like pigeon netting, pigeon spikes etc.

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Danger of Birds and their Droppings

Pigeons and other bird pests perch in rafters, under bridges, around rail lines, in parking garages, airport hangars, loading docks and warehouses. They also find their way to lube shops; auto detail, wash and repair facilities; dealership buildings and more.

Their droppings can carry diseases, erode steel and instantly devalue vehicles, rooftops and capital assets. Not to worry. If your place of business seems like a neighborhood pub for the local pigeon population, there are many bird control systems available for fighting back. The key is to find a sustainable, humane and permanent solution to keep birds away and your facility clean.

Read here for more information. http://www.moderncarcare.com/articles/2008/01/fowl-play-the-dangers-of-birds-and-their-dropping.aspx

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What Airports have done to Prevent Bird Strikes?

Every year thousands of airplane bird strikes occurs. Airport Authorities have many safety and conservation measures to minimize these potentially damaging and dangerous situations. Birds like airports due to undeveloped land, drainage pond near the airfields which is suitable for birds to create their habitat there. Here you will read that how airport authorities are modifying bird habitat, Bird & Airplane takeoff & landing behavior to prevent Bird Strikes.

Source: http://birding.about.com/od/birdconservation/a/birdstrikes.htm

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Bird Proofing of your Property

Watching Birds can be pleasant for many but it may turn into nightmare when they start to take a hold of your life. Certain bird species are capable of transmitting diseases, contaminate food and damage beauty of our property structure. Pest birds can create health-related problems. So Bird Proofing of your apartment, office or any other property becomes necessary. Here you will read about what to do before starting of pest birds elimination process & type of bird repellents.

Source: http://www.commonfloor.com/guide/bird-proofing-your-apartment-2288.html

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USA Airports applies Creative Strategies to Reduce Bird Strikes

Number of reported Bird Strikes between aircraft and wildlife is on the rise in the U.S. The number of reported collisions hit 11,590 last year, almost double the 6,769 in 2002 and four times the 2,892 of a decade earlier, according to Federal Aviation Administration. To combat the potential danger, ever more creative strategies are being deployed at airports around the USA: explosives, traps and even other animals, from falcons to pigs. Read more about this at USAToday.com

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3 effective ways to deal with pest birds

Every year pest birds cause thousands in terms of damage and clean up costs to building owners, both private and public and to the government agencies. Plus, pest bird droppings cause serious diseases and allergies.

The key to combat the financial loss, as well as risk of disease from pest birds is to prevent them from entering the affected areas.

1. You must remove all the food sources as they attract pest birds. Make sure that the trash bins and garbage areas are thoroughly and regularly cleaned. Left over food or trash must not be left in the outdoor areas as pigeons and other birds visit eating areas regularly. Discourage your kids, family members and employees in your office from feeding birds.

2. Find out the roosting areas in your building and deter birds from landing there by using some sort of physical deterrent out there. You can use bird spikes, bird gels, bird netting, or sound deterrents or visual deterrents to keep birds out of your garden.

3. Approach a good pest bird control company to get effective bird control solution. Bird control company would access the problem and would suggest you the best bird control method to make your residential or commercial building pest bird free.

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7 Tips for cleaning pest bird droppings

Pest bird droppings are known to carry more than 60 transmittable diseases. The acidic bird droppings cause serious damage to the patio and garden furniture, driveways made out of marble, granite, and natural stones and to other structures in buildings. Besides, bird droppings look very unsightly. If your home or office is infested by pest birds, you may follow the tips given below to clean the harmful bird droppings.

1. Soak the bird droppings with water and then try to shovel it. Do not try to clean dry the droppings as dust might be inhaled and can transmit the disease.

2. You may make use of a high powered water hose. It is very effective in removing dried droppings. Wet the area before using the water hose to prevent dust from spreading.

3. Collect the wet waste in heavy duty plastic bags and dispose it off carefully with regular trash.

4. Always wear protective clothing, gloves, boots, and face masks when removing bird droppings for protection.

5. If you have cancer or HIV/AIDS you must avoid carrying the task of bird droppings removal as these diseases make the immune system weak-making you vulnerable to diseases and infections caused by bird droppings.

6. After removing the bird droppings, wash your hands and any exposed sin thoroughly with a good hand wash with anti-bacterial properties.

7. Bird droppings produce obnoxious odour. To get rid off that, use a mixture of water and ammonia or bleach for disinfecting the area.

To save your efforts, time, and money in cleaning up bird droppings, you must adopt effective bird control measures. Pest control methods would help keep your property free of pest birds and their dangerous droppings.

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Birds damages and their Control solutions [Infographic]

Birds plays an important role in environment monitoring. Every species has its own significance. But on the contrary side there are some damages also exist from birds to human health & building. Bird dropping are acidic in nature & harmful for both (human health & buildings). In this infographic, we are showing damages by birds & their solutions for bird control.

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