7 Ways to Stop Birds Flying into Windows of Your Northwoods Home

There’s nothing quite like the sight of an oriole at your feeder… until it’s followed by that awful thud against the window.

It’s a sound you don’t forget. Your stomach drops, you rush to look, and there it is – your little backyard friend, lying motionless on the ground.

And then it happens again.

That’s when Randy and I knew we needed to do something. We had to stop birds flying into windows at our Northwoods home – and fast.

Turns out, we aren’t alone. The US Geological Survey says that up to two billion birds are killed nationwide every year from window collisions. Two billion! Houston, we have a problem.

Luckily, there are simple, affordable ways to fix it.

Why Are Birds Flying Into Our Windows, Anyway?

Birds don’t see window glass the way we do. What we know is a reflection looks like the real thing to them – a tunnel they think they can fly through.

Instead of glass, they see sky, trees, feeders – and sometimes the window at the other end of your living room. To a bird, that’s just a clear shot forward.

In rural areas like ours, where the view outside is often sky, woods, or water, those reflections are even stronger.

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7 Ways to Prevent Bird Strikes

We’ve tried all kinds of things to stop birds from flying into our windows. Some worked better than others.

Here’s what we’ve learned, and what’s worth your time (and a few bucks).

1. Window Decals

These are the little clings or shapes you stick to the glass. They break up reflections and show birds there’s something there. Make sure to stick them on the outside of the glass, where the reflection is.

ALSO – and this is important – it can’t be just one cute little leaf in the corner. You’ve gotta cover the entire space. These UV window clings are popular and deter birds, if they’re closely spaced (2-4 inches).

Pros: Cheap, easy
Cons: Some fade over time, and you’ll need enough to cover your window.

2. Exterior Screens

Not just for bugs! Screens outside your window create a soft “bounce” that absorbs impact and also cuts reflection. You can DIY them with screen kits or go full-in with storm window screens.

Pros: Dual-purpose
Cons: Not always great for wide-view or picture windows

3. Hanging Rods and Disks

I’ve read great reviews for shiny rods or disks. You just hang them from the eaves or across the top of your windows so they move in the wind. The movement deters birds.

Try these bird scare reflectors – they’re weather-resistant and easy to assemble.

Pros: Inexpensive, fun to look at
Cons: Mainly effective while they’re moving, plus they block your view

4. Yellow Highlighter Lines (Our Personal Fix)

This one surprised us. I read somewhere that drawing patterns on the outside of the glass with a yellow highlighter could break up reflection. We tried it, and I’m not kidding – it works! It’s barely noticeable from the inside and holds up pretty well.

Pros: Practically free
Cons: Needs redoing after storms or a hard rain

NOTE: Since birds see ultra-violet light and people don’t, I’m checking into “invisible ink” (UV) waterproof markers for this. I’ll follow up with a post and let you know!

5. Soap or Marker Streaks

Fast, temporary fix. We’ve drawn zigzags and swirls with bar soap when the highlighter markers ran dry (see above). Works in a pinch, but it either dries like concrete or washes off quickly. Plus it’s opaque, so it blocks the view.

Pros: Immediate results, inexpensive
Cons: Leaves residue, inconsistent in weather

NOTE: If you’ve been using the “Irish Spring soap trick” to deter deer (see my article on deer resistant shade plants) you’ve already got the soap!

6. Move Feeders and Bird Baths

This one’s big. Position feeders either really close (like, within 3 feet) or far away (30+ feet). That way, birds can’t build up flight speed – or they avoid the window altogether.

We moved our oriole feeders to hangers under our house eaves, and so far, so good. Unfortunately, our main feeder is a huge, 12-foot tower that’s cemented into the ground so the bears can’t tip it.

Pros: Great results, no additional cost
Cons: Could be difficult depending on your current setup

7. Closing Blinds (Not Enough On Its Own)

Curtains, sheers, blinds: they help, but they’re not enough. They may stop birds from trying to fly through your living room (since they can’t see it). But your indoor curtains won’t stop the reflected sky and trees outside.

What To Do If a Bird Hits Your Window

Okay, so one still got through. It happens. Here’s what to do:

• Gently scoop up the bird and place it someplace safe and clean. An open cardboard box lined with an old towel works great.
• Cut out one end of the box so the bird can see and easily fly away when it’s ready. Place it off the ground. We tuck a small table against the house, out of the elements.
• Keep critters away (this includes – or maybe especially! – house cats).
• Wait. If the bird perks up and flies off – great. If it’s still struggling after an hour, either call a local wildlife rehab center or just let nature take its course.
• Don’t try to feed or water it. Just give it time and quiet.

At our house, Randy’s usually the bird rescuer. If they’re unconscious, he holds them and gives them “mouth-to-beak” resuscitation by blowing gently in their face till they come around. That actually has pretty good results!

Sadly, though, it’s not uncommon for them to still die later from internal injuries or head trauma.

The Sooner You Act, The Sooner They’re Safe

One collision is all it takes. For us, it was an oriole that hit the front window. That was our turning point. We made a checklist and tackled a few fixes that weekend. We rarely have a bird strike now.

Here’s your quick-start plan:

• Walk outside and look at your windows at bird height
• Notice any sky, trees, or feeder reflections? Note those spots
• Try decals, highlighter lines, or move the feeders this weekend

Even small changes can make a big difference.

Want to attract more birds to your yard? Check out my upcoming post How to Attract Birds to Northwoods Feeders: Top Tips for Your Backyard.

Let’s Keep Those Birds Safe

Your home can be a safe place for birds with a few simple tweaks. Decals, highlighter lines, or smart feeder placement can stop birds flying into windows and keep your yard busy with feathered friends.

Randy and I have our place dialed in now, and it’s a relief watching birds flit around without worry. Try one of these fixes—highlighters are my go-to—and let me know how it goes!

Here’s to happy birds and peaceful mornings.

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