Photo byRoman Budnyi from Canva Pro & Peshkova from Getty Images / Photo edit by Camilo Diaz

(MASSACHUSETTS) At least once in your life, there is a good chance you experienced the true horror of a bird randomly smashing into your house or car window. Not only is it always terrifying, but the aftermath can sometimes be very sad. Often times when a bird crashes into glass, they can simply shake it off and fly away within a few minutes. However, other times they can be seriously hurt, or even dead upon impact.

The sad truth is that hundreds of millions of birds die each year from striking windows, with some estimates placing the number closer to one billion. More shockingly, is the fact that most of these deaths do not come from the tallest buildings in cities, but actually from suburban homes.

Luckily, Wild Care Cape Cod, a local non-profit wildlife rescue, has posted a series of tips on simple actions you can take to help protect your local birds from crashing into windows. Not only will the birds thank you, but so will your terror-hating heart.

Simple Steps To Protect Birds From Windows

According to Wild Care Cape Cod of Eastham, MA, the following actions can be taken to greatly reduce the chances that a bird will crash into your window:

• Reduce window reflection by placing UV decals or opaque decals in your windows. Must cover the window and be placed within 4 inches apart. Decals sold by WindowAlert and at the Bird Watcher's General Store in Orleans.

• Eliminate outdoor lighting which can disorient migratory birds.

• Turn off unnecessary indoor/outdoor lighting between the hours of 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM nightly.

• Draw vertical lines on your windows with a glass-writing pen. Must be less than 4 inches apart. Stripes/irregular patterns should be 1/8th wide and visible.

• Spray soapy water, or place UV liquid on your windows to break the reflection. (UV Liquid sold at WindowAlert.)

• You can also use tape, ribbons, or tempera paint on the outside of your windows (>4 inches apart), or keep your shades down to reduce reflection.

• Place bird feeding stations within 15 feet of your home or dwelling to reduce strike impact.

Wild Care Cape Cod also offers additional resources through the "Save Birds From Windows" page of its official website.

Photo byJordon Sharp from Getty Images

What Should You Do If You See A Bird Strike A Window?

Even if you have taken all the necessary precautions, it does not hurt to know what you should do if you do encounter a bird that has hit a window. According to Wild Care Cape Cod, birds that crash into a window can somteims have injuries that are not easily seen, such as eye ulcers. This may be the case even if it seems that the bird is just stunned but otherwise okay.

The best thing you can do for a bird that has struck a window, is safely contain it, and then contact Wild Care or your local Wildlife Rescue for further instructions. Wild Care Cape Cod offers the following tips:

• Try to handle the bird as little as possible
• Place the bird into a shoebox with a towel
• Place in a warm, quiet, dark place indoors
• away from pets (no direct contact)
• Do NOT give food or water
• Call Wild Care Cape Cod's Wildlife Helpline: 508-240-2255
• Other Wildlife Rehabilitators in MA can be found here.

"Studies have shown that birds often suffer from injuries related to window strikes and symptoms may be delayed, or not seen by the naked eye. For this reason, we recommend that all window strike birds are brought to a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator for assessment, instead of releasing the bird as soon as it becomes alert." - Wild Care Cape Cod

Photo bymetespalt from Getty Images Pro

A Little About Wild Care Cape Cod

Wild Care is a non-profit wildlife rescue 501 (c)(3) corporation based in Eastham, Massachusetts. Their mission is to treat orphaned, injured, and sick native wildlife so they can be safely released back into the wild. Toward this goal, they seek to educate the public, offer live counseling, and encourage community conservation through volunteerism. They have cared for over 30,000 animals since their creation.

Where are they located: 10 Smith Lane, Eastham, MA

When are they open: Every Day, 9 AM - 5 PM

Phone Number: 508-240-2255

What Can You Do To Help Wild Care Cape Cod?

As a non-profit rescue, Wild Care Cape Cod relies heavily on the support of its local community through donations and volunteers.

If you would like to assist Wild Care Cape Cod in its noble goal of helping in-need wildlife, you can find information about volunteering here.

You can also provide support by donating. More information on donating can be found here.

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