Birds fly high in the sky around skyscrapers that can be protected with bird strike film.

Bird strike film can help deter birds from being a victim of your glass windows by adding a layer of protection that makes the glass visible to them.

Not many people are aware that millions of birds die each year after flying full speed into the window glass of homes and commercial buildings. Bird strike film can prevent this from happening though. Here is a look at how.

Why Birds are Flying into Windows Without Bird Strike Film

In some cases, birds who fly full speed into glass windows without bird strike film can be temporarily stunned, but, in most cases, the impact is fatal.

Sunday Morning logo imposed over sky full of birds.

The American Bird Conservancy estimates between 365 million and 1 billion birds die annually in the United States from flying full speed into windows because they don’t see the window or understand the glass is a barrier.

The higher the building, the more likely windows will cause bird deaths. High-rise buildings that are 11 stories or higher kill an estimated 508,000 total birds annually. However, height doesn’t always matter – as 44% of all bird fatalities occur on the glass of buildings ranging from one to three stories high.

The reason the birds are flying into windows is because they simply can’t see the glass. Transparent glass is invisible to them. They may see a reflection and believe they are literal objects – so what might be a reflection of trees, shelter or a food source can trigger a collision.

How can Bird Strike Film Help Prevent Bird Deaths

Bird strike film adds a layer of window tint with a pattern that birds will see and recognize as a barrier.

The pattern can be very thin and minimal to not block or interrupt the view, but adds style and protection. Some products even offer a nearly-invisible look that can’t easily be seen by the naked eye but birds will see a series of dots.

The idea is to add a layer of film to your existing windows that birds can see as a barrier. The solution has become so successful, some cities and counties require bird strike film in the construction of new buildings. This was the case in New York City in 2020.

Bird Strike Film Adds Style, Privacy

While some options of bird strike film are nearly invisible, 3M offers a series of decorative films that can add style and privacy to your windows.

3M™ FASARA™ Films & Finishes allow natural light while providing a custom look to your home or commercial space. Choose from more than 90 styles, including the look of etched, sandblasted or textured glass. These finishes are durable, easy to clean and can be replaced when you are ready for a design change. The films can also be installed with little to no disruption.

Speak to a Bird Strike Film Expert

IES Window Films, a 3M™ Authorized Window Film dealer, has been installing window film on commercial buildings and homes since 1985. The company has professional installers on staff who can speak to you about the best solution for your space.

IES Window Films can also assist property owners and homeowners with reducing heat, lowering high energy costs, decreasing glare, blocking UV rays, adding privacy and improving security with 3M™ Window Film solutions.

Speak to an expert today. Call 352-245-0833

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