How to Make Your Home and Yard Safe for Hummingbirds
From The Observatory
Protecting Hummingbirds: Preventing Deadly Window Collisions
Many birds face a deadly risk from window collisions, and hummingbirds, with their small size and fragility, are especially vulnerable. Unable to distinguish glass from open sky, they often crash into windows, resulting in fatal injuries. Over 1 billion birds in the U.S. die annually this way, with hummingbirds 33 times more likely than other birds to succumb to such accidents.
Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures. Known for their rapid wing beats, ability to hover, and iridescent feathers, these tiny birds have high energy needs. They feed on nectar from flowers and insects, playing a vital role in pollination. However, attracting them to backyards with feeders and native plants can unintentionally expose them to hazards, especially untreated windows.
To make a yard truly safe for hummingbirds, homeowners should adopt effective window-collision prevention measures. Simple solutions like garden netting or vertical lines on windows can save lives. Lines can be made with string, soap, or store-bought products, spaced no more than 2 inches apart. Commercial options, detailed in the Consumer Guide to Window Collision Prevention, offer tested alternatives that preserve window views while protecting birds.
Popular but ineffective methods, such as scattered decals or turning off lights, fail to address the problem. Even feeders placed close to windows don’t guarantee safety. True protection requires a comprehensive approach, including excluding predators like cats, maintaining clean feeders, and ensuring bird-safe window treatments. By taking these steps, we can prevent unnecessary deaths and support hummingbirds’ survival. These delicate, vibrant creatures enrich our lives and ecosystems. It’s our responsibility to provide a safe environment, ensuring they thrive for future generations. Protecting them is simple, affordable, and crucial for their conservation.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
