New Tape Reduces Bird Window Collisions

From the American Bird Conservancy -
A new, translucent adhesive tape that tests show can significantly reduce bird collisions with glass windows and doors is now available to the public. The product is being sold by American Bird Conservancy (ABC), the nation’s leading bird
conservation organization.

“ABC has tested a number of different materials and patterns for their
ability to deter birds from colliding with glass. The results prompted
ABC to produce and make available under its own name, a new consumer
product to help concerned people prevent this significant source of
bird mortality,” said ABC President George Fenwick. “There are many products on the market, and most work to some degree, but this one is the best intersect of being easy to use, effective and inexpensive,” Fenwick added.

Birds can't see glass and don't understand the architectural cues,
such as window frames, mullions, and handles, that alert people to the
hazard. Experts estimate that up to one billion birds may die each
year from resulting collisions. Unlike some sources of bird mortality
that predominantly kill weaker individuals, there is no distinction
among victims of glass. Because glass is equally dangerous for strong,
healthy, breeding adults, it can have a particularly serious impact on
populations. Studies have shown that even small windows can be
dangerous to birds that are accustomed to flying through gaps between
trees and shrubs.

“Chances are that wherever you live, birds have hit the glass on your
house and you just don't know it. Injured birds may have flown away
only to die elsewhere, or been eaten by a cat, raccoon, fox, or dog
before you found them. A home may kill a dozen or more birds each year without the
owner realizing. Much of this mortality takes place during spring and
fall when songbirds are migrating,” Fenwick said.

Bird Tape is available in 3-inch and three-quarter-inch width rolls.
The 3-inch tape is applied in blocks in a variety of patterns, while
the thinner tape is applied in parallel strips, normally vertically
over the full height of the window. Because it is translucent, the
tape lets birds see the glass, yet unlike silhouettes that people
sometimes use as deterrents, allows light to pass through into the
room. It is easily applied and easily removed and lasts up to four
years. Each roll covers up to 15, 24" x 32" windows (depending on
application). The cost for a single roll of ¾-inch Bird Tape is $10.95
and the cost of a roll of the 3-inch tape is $12.95 or $14.95 for a
pre-cut roll.

One or blocks of tape on a small window may help reduce collisions,
but more tape is needed as window size increases because birds will
simply attempt to fly around the visual barrier the tape represents.
Research has shown that birds generally avoid flying through vertical
spaces of 4" or less, and horizontal spaces 2" or less.

To learn more about ABC Bird Tape, go to: abcbirdtape.org. ABC has
produced a video that demonstrates how to install the bird tape.
Lastly, the BBC has produced a video that illustrates how birds are
capable of flying through spaces that many might feel would be too
small for them to fit through.

Production of ABC BirdTape is made possible through the generous
support of the Rusinow Family Foundation.