Whispering Window Decals Story
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®.
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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.
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.
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 over 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.
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 over 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:
They can be purchased at many backyard birding stores or garden centers or online at www.wpines.com or by contact us at sales@wpines.com.
- Butterflies
- Holiday Birds
- Hummingbirds
- Chickadees
- More Hummingbirds
- More Chickadees
- Bird 'n' Garden Angels I and II
They can be purchased at many backyard birding stores or garden centers or online at www.wpines.com or by contact us at sales@wpines.com.