Column: There are steps you can take to prevent birds from striking windows

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 23, 2026

Glass, primarily in the form of windows, is a big issue for birds. The problems present in a couple of forms: birds colliding with glass at high speeds, often resulting in injury or death, and birds repeatedly attacking the reflection they see in windows. The “thud” of a bird hitting a window is happening more than a billion times annually in the United States. The Maine Audubon website has a “Homeowners Guide” that includes a section of do’s and don’ts, as well as a recommended products list with options for various applications, at maineaudubon.org/birdsafe. The most important thing to remember if you are treating your windows is to apply treatments to the outside surface. ~ Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox