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View Window Decal Designs and Order Online Read the story behind Whispering Windows Decals   Introduction Everyone hates to hear the sound of a bird crashing into the window.  We first realized white images on windows reduce bird strikes many years ago when we used white snowflakes on the windows at Christmas.  After several years of searching for nice white images to use in the summer we decided to make them ourselves.  That is how Whispering Windows® were created in 1994.  They are the Decorative Way to Reduce Bird Collisions on Windows®   Why are Window Decals effective in reducing bird strikes? Most window strikes occur when birds see trees and surrounding scenery reflected in windows.  Most of these reflections appear dark.  The white (or mostly white) Whispering Windows® break up the reflections so the birds realize there is something there and try to avoid it. Some people ask why we don’t make Whispering Windows® in color.  They think the hummingbirds, especially, would be “prettier” in color.  The simple reason is that white works better.  They work because of the contrast between white decals and the dark reflections.  The color value of natural color hummingbirds would be close to the color value of the reflections and they wouldn’t stand out and be as easily seen.  This is also why black images do not show up as well as white.  Whispering Windows® are unobtrusive but not “invisible” because our intention is to give the birds every opportunity to “see” the glass and avoid it. Eliminating the visible spectrum – which accounts for most of bird’s sight – defeats the purpose.  The only time the white decals are not as effective is if there is snow cover and the reflections in the window are white.  In that case the chickadee decals with some black on them would work better.   How to use Whispering Windows Decals? We recommend using several images per window as shown in our photos. Observe where most of your window hits are and group the decals in that area.  On the window shown birds rarely hit the bottom third of the window so we placed the decals on the upper two-thirds.  They can be placed on the inside or outside of the window.  Some people think they show up better on the outside and that may be true certain times of day.  Other times of day it doesn’t make any difference.  But we have always had good luck using them on the inside and usually recommend trying this first for several reasons: 1) Decals show up as well on the inside as on the outside most times of day. (All of our advertising photos are un-retouched and taken with them on the inside).  But on the inside they stay clean, last longer and remain effective longer. 2)  Since most people wash the outside of the windows more often than the inside they don’t have to move the decals as often if they are on the inside. Less hassle means using them longer which, in the long run, means more birds saved.  And 3) many windows can’t be reached conveniently from the outside, but can be reached safely from the inside.  It is up to you and the location of your windows which side you use them on.  One word of caution:  Do not place any decal on the outside of a window that has a reflective coating that can cause excessive heat buildup.  To apply, simply peel the clear film from the white backing material by inserting a fingernail between the film and the backing at a corner. When the side of the decal that is against the stiff white backing material is placed against the window pane they are easily removable and reusable.   That is the clear film side.  If placed the other way it is the ink side against the window and over time the ink might stick to the window and ruin the decal.  (If this happens the ink can easily be removed from the window with a razor blade.)  The decal sticks on the window by static cling.  For a neater look the clear plastic can be trimmed around the image with a pair of scissors.  If over time they lose the ability to “cling” it can be restored by rinsing in warm water and drying.  When taken care of the decals can be used a number of years.   Other Tips Concerning Bird Collisions Sometimes people confuse spring mating behavior (when a male bird flutters against the window when he sees his reflection - thinking he is fighting a competitor) with window collisions.  This is a different matter entirely and neither Whispering Windows® nor any decal will help this situation.  The bird can still see himself past the decal. We do not claim that Whispering Windows® will prevent every bird strike – guarantees don’t apply to wildlife!  They are usually only made by someone trying to sell you something.  But we have been testing windows with and without decals for almost 20 years now and we KNOW they are highly effective in reducing bird collisions.  But a bird being pursued by a hawk, for example, really isn’t paying much attention to where it is going - it is just fleeing.  Probably nothing prevents this type accident.  Feeder placement is also important in reducing bird window collisions.  If you want to see the birds up close place the feeders on or within two feet of the window.  That way, if the birds are scared into flight they won’t be going fast enough to get hurt if they come toward the window.  The worst place for feeders is six or eight feet from the window.  If the feeders aren’t right next to the window make sure they are at least 25 feet away.  That way if they come toward the window they can see the decals and have time to react and avoid the windows. If a bird does hit the window and is stunned pick it up and put in a brown paper grocery bag and fold over the top securely.  Bring it in the house where it is warm and quiet and the bird is protected from cats and dogs.  When you hear it begin to move around in the bag it is ready to take outside and release.   Additional Information Whispering Windows® reduce bird window collisions while maintaining an attractive look to the window. Besides that they can be used to decorate mirrors or make hospital or nursing home rooms more cheerful by adding a touch of nature.  Whispering Windows® are available in a variety of designs:  Butterflies, Holiday Birds, Hummingbirds, Chickadees, More Hummingbirds, More Chickadees, Bird ‘n’ Garden Angels I and II, Cardinals ‘n’ Dogwood, and Leaves.  They can be purchased at many backyard birding stores or garden centers or online at www.wpines.com or by calling our toll free number: 888 882-8344.

© Whispering Pines Enterprises - Artwork by Betty Miller