Like many cities across the US, here in San Jose, we are seeing an increase in bird strikes on windows.  Not just on high-rise buildings either but residential spaces too. This is because the density of our population is on the rise here in San Jose. Which means the likelihood of collisions of birds with glass rises too. Sadly, this is not just an issue we are seeing in San Jose. Globally, over 2 billion birds are killed each year from window collisions–and that number is on the rise. It is important to understand why this is happening and how you can help stop.  Bird strike deaths are endangering countless species in the communities in which we live and disrupting sensitive ecosystems. An unbalanced ecosystem, as it were, has far-reaching consequences for us all. Read below to find out more about solutions to bird/window collisions.

Why Do Birds Fly Into Windows?

First, we must ask ourselves why our avian friends fly into windows.  Studies and anecdotal evidence shows that birds are unable to distinguish glass from open air.  As glass has gotten more reflective–the problem has become more pronounced. Now, in an era where glass is highly reflective, windows are nearly impossible for birds to differentiate open sky.  Which is why tactics like–putting a sticker of a large bird of prey on your home’s window–simply won’t work. Smaller birds see the bird or prey sticker but are inclined to instinctively use their best defense, their maneuverability, and attempt to fly around it.  When this happens the collision happens anyway– mostly resulting in the death of the bird.

How Can We Prevent Bird Strikes On Windows

Scientists worldwide have been trying to figure out different ways to keep birds and windows from lethal run-ins with glass.  There are several ideas out there that work reasonably well but, arguably, none of them work as well as- bird strike prevention films.  These types of films are called “fretted” films. What fretted means there is a pattern imprinted on the film that repeats regularly. Birds recognize these patterns as objects and end up avoiding the window.  The window that would otherwise appear as open sky to them–now becomes a visible threat. The pattern itself consists of horizontal lines, vertical lines, and/or dots but fretted films are customizable too. When choosing a pattern, it is critical to make sure the lines, dots or other objects are spaced no more than two inches apart and vertical lines no more than four inches.  This is because, if the pattern is outside of these parameters the birds will actually try to fly through the larger gaps in the pattern. The wonderful thing about fretted films to prevent bird strikes on your San Jose home is–they are barely visible. However, what is best about fretted films is they come with many of the same benefits of window films:

  1. Added security
  2. UV protection
  3. Increased energy efficient
  4. Glare control
  5. Easy to remove and install

For more information on these types of bird strike prevention films or any others contact us at San Jose Window Films in San Jose today!

 

Angus Faith has an extensive background and experience operating in the architectural and construction industry. For years, he worked as an architect in Scotland where he obtained his degree and assisted with numerous commercial and residential projects. Later, he moved to the United States and began a new career in the window tinting industry, a job which he has now held for over a decade. Using a combination of his architectural knowledge and insight of window tinting innovations, Angus specializes in helping his customers in San Jose find the perfect window film to meet their goals. Over the years, he has worked with a range of brands and types of window film, including energy efficient, security, and decorative options from 3M, LLumar, Vista, Solar Gard, C-Bond, and more. Angus is a product expert and is considered to be one of the top professionals in his field.