The fall migration is amazing for birdwatching, but can be deadly to many birds. Millions of avian deaths occur each year due to birds colliding with windows and other reflective surfaces during their migration.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages people to make small changes at their home or office to prevent window strikes to help ensure a safe journey.

MDC State Ornithologist Sarah Kendrick says It is always a pity to see that a window, of all things, is the sad end to millions of birds each year, whether migratory or resident. She explained that if a bird has struck a window at a home or office, it is a problem window that reflects either sky or vegetation that a bird believes is a pass-through. Breaking up that reflection can help the bird see it better and know it is an obstacle.

People can place stickers to the exterior side of windows to break up the reflection. Silhouettes placed indoors may be obstructed during certain times of day by glare or outdoor reflections, so breaking up the reflection on the outside of the window is key.

If a bird has struck a window and is disoriented or stunned, it could need a moment to recover. While the bird is especially vulnerable, bringing pets indoors while it can recover undisturbed is recommended.

There are numerous products available to prevent bird strikes. The American Bird Conservancy’s Bird-Friendly Windows page offers suggestions at https://abcbirds.org/program/glass-collisions/bird-friendly-window-solutions/.