[Tweeters] Western Tanagers and Window strikes

[Alan Knue]

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> 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>

> 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> 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> 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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