Bird/window collisions into highrise windows occur millions of times each year here. Here in the KC area, we see tens of thousands of these collisions. They are horrible and are also having a detrimental effect on the environment since birds play an important part of our ecosystem. They are also costly for high-rise buildings. These avian deaths can and should be stopped–and there are many ways to do so. By stopping these collisions benefits the highrise owners and birds alike. So what is the best way to stop them? Read below and find out!
US Fish and Wildlife Services Best Practices For Reducing Bird Collisions on Windows
Good: Installing Architectural Features
When architects are designing highrise buildings, calling out for features such as overhangs, shutters, louvers, mesh, and awning is one way to reduce bird collisions. These features are known to reduce glass reflections and make the windows appear as a barrier. Also, when you reduce a bird’s ability to see into transparent areas–they are less likely to mistake windows for open sky. However, this option is not great for existing buildings–as retrofitting can be expensive–it is best utilized when building new construction.
Better: Controlling Lighting to Avoid Bird Collisions
Eliminating or reducing lighting at certain times of the day is an easy way to cut down on bird/window run-ins. This approach is also beneficial because it reduces energy costs for building owners in the process. The issue with this method is–it requires large-scale compliance of nearly every office or tenant in the building to be successful. Also, it is most effective at night, so you may need to find a better solution for day time.
Best: Fritted Window Film for Stopping Bird Collision into Windows
Easily the best solution to reducing and practically eliminating bird collisions is by having fritted window films applied to your Kansas City highrise building. These types of films have small dotted patterns embedded in them in the pattern of a grid. The dots are spaced in a way that the birds will not try to fly through it. They see your highrise windows as an object rather than open sky. It is also one of the most cost-effective options and almost invisible to the human eye at normal distances. Best of all it can be retrofitted to any window and works in the day and night time.
For more information on these amazing bird decal films–contact us at Greenlight Window Films in KC today!