Help protect wild birds from window strike Reader submitted

Millions of wild birds are killed each year flying into windows.

WindowAlert is a static cling or low tack (depending on design) decal that may be applied to the outside of home and office windows. The decals contain a component which briliantly reflects ultraviolet sunlight. This ultraviolet light is invisible to humans, but glows like a stoplight for birds. Birds have vision that is up to 12 times better than humans. WindowAlert decals help birds see window and avoid striking glass.

There are four decals per envelope. It is recommended that you use one decal per square metre of glass.

There are mainly two types of situations where window strike occurs the most:

a) if birds perceive a line of flight through your house – if they can see right through your house with windows facing each other or corner windows
b) highly reflective windows or large trees reflected in the glass

Both these situations can be helped by the decals. The decals are placed on the outside of the windows – they are around 8cm in diameter (if the windows are highly reflective you may need more than this), from the inside looking out the decals give the appearance of a small area of frosted glass – they are however fairly unobtrusive and the more sunlight on the windows, the less you see them. The decals do degrade over time as they are exposed to the elements, but should last 12-18 months.

Project Kereru is a voluntary community-based conservation project in Dunedin. Each year we care for many sick and injured native wood pigeons – many of which have suffered impact injuries. More information can be found on our website www.projectkereru.org.nz.