Those are spots you are seeing on the glass in front of you!
Every year up to one billion birds die due to glass collisions. Nashville Zoo is helping to address this big issue by fitting all of our glass around the Zoo with anti-bird strike spotted film. This spotted film will help the birds see the window and prevent them from running into it. You can see this film on the glass at meerkat, saddle-billed stork and even up at the windows at the Croft Center where some of our administrative offices are located.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak, a common bird to Tennessee
Now, why do birds hit glass windows in the first place? The American Bird Conservancy lists two main reasons why bird window collisions happen. First, the birds may view the glass reflections as vegetation, landscapes or the sky. Second, they are attempting to reach whatever is on the other side of the glass. This spotted film will help prevent the birds from colliding into the window.
Carolina Wren, a common bird to Tennessee
Nashville Zoo’s Birdkeeper, Sean Ployd, shared some tips on how you can prevent birds from flying into your windows at home:
- Follow the 3 or 30-foot rule for placement of bird feeders from windows. A bird feeder placed between 3 and 30 feet from a window can cause a bird to fly off the feeder to build up enough momentum to cause serious injury if it hits the window. We recommend placing a feeder closer than 3-feet for optimal bird safety. It also allows for great bird watching.
- Close blinds or curtains to help break the illusion windows create. Another deterrent is to place a window ornament - even something as easy as an old CD on a string - in your south-facing windows. You can also place fun holiday window clings on the window, it’s festive and functional!
- If you have a serious issue, think about purchasing transparent bird tape. You can find this online or at a local hardware store that sells adhesive privacy screens for windows.
- Lastly, and my favorite, don’t clean those windows. Spotless, streak-free windows are dangerous! The dirtier the better to prevent birds from flying into your windows.
Blue Jay, a common bird to Tennessee
Nashville Zoo is excited to have spots on the windows and save the birdies. Click here to learn more about bird glass collisions and how to prevent them at home.