Make a difference.
Every year, more than 1 billion birds are killed in window collisions in North America alone.
Birds don’t “see” glass like people. Instead, they see reflections of vegetation and sky – and hurtle headfirst into what they perceive as safe passage. Most collisions are fatal; even birds that seem to be only temporarily stunned are likely to die later from injuries or predation.
You can help! Unlike most problems, window collisions are easily solved. Here at Jenkins, we’ve applied Feather Friendly® deterrent markers and Acopian BirdSavers to our Education Center windows, disrupting reflections and significantly reducing bird-window collisions.
Bird-Safe Windows At jenkins
Feather Friendly® Markers
These white or black adhesive markers are installed in strips or film, depending on the size of the project. Markers are spaced 2″ apart and applied to the exterior surface of reflective glass. Windows can be washed like normal after 30 days. Though subtle, these markers are demonstrated to reduce bird-window collisions by over 95%.
Acopian BirdSavers
These three-dimensional hanging cords are installed to the outside of the window, above the glass. Vertical cords, spaced between 3.5″ to 4.25″ apart, alert birds to the barrier. Dark-colored cords (black or olive green) are best. Budget-friendly and long-lasting, these are a great option for homeowners looking to make an immediate impact.
“As gardeners, we put so much care into creating spaces where wildlife can thrive—but it’s just as important to make sure those spaces are truly safe. Join me in making our homes safer for birds!”
– Bonnie Witmer, lifelong birder and Visitor Services Associate at Jenkins
Further Reading
A variety of DIY and off-the-shelf options make retrofitting untreated windows easy and economical. Explore the American Bird Conservancy’s Guide to Preventing Bird Collisions at Home to find the solution that’s right for you.
- Solid Air: Invisible Killer (Dr. Daniel Klem, Jr.)
- Why Birds Hit Windows – And How You Can Help Prevent It (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
- Protecting Birds from Striking Glass Windows (Audubon Pennsylvania)
- Bird Collisions (Bird Safe Philly)
- Why Birds Collide with Windows and How We Can Prevent It (Feather Friendly)
- Testing Raptor Decals: Scientific Evidence on Bird–Window Collisions (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
Other ways to get involved, right now
Engage in Citizen Science
Collaborate with birders worldwide through eBird. Log bird sightings to contribute useful biodiversity data and have a direct impact on the conservation of birds and their habitats.
Cultivate Habitat
Transform your yard into a bird haven! Explore our calendar of programs to learn how you can transform your backyard into a wildlife oasis.
Join Lights Out Philly
Protect migrating birds by turning off non-essential lights from midnight to 6 AM during spring and fall migration. A simple switch can help reduce deadly nighttime collisions.
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