Outdoor Animal Control - Stoopid birds!

I've got an enclosed patio with a lot of big windows - pretty much all of the wall area is glass. It's great and a nice way to get some free heat this time of year.

Only problem is the birds can't figure it out and keep slamming into the window glass. Some need a little time to "walk it off" - others are out of time.

Any ideas of what I can do to 'warn' these little fellas, without losing my sunroom effect, that they've made an error in judgement before they break their necks? This last one just went "SPLAT!" all over the glass.

There is not a perfect solution. The key is to reduce the reflectivity of the window and/or put something up to deter them from flying into it. Many try decals in windows and hang things that twirl like sun ornaments or crystals from the soffit in front of the window. Others hang a net over the window or apply window tint or keep curtains or blinds closed. If you have a lovely view, blocking it is likely not desirable. Window screens will reduce reflection.

It has been pondered that birds see their reflection and think it is another bird in their territory and they go after it. During mating season birds are particularly territorial. Some query that if there are large houseplants in front of windows that they are seeking shelter there and bump into the glass.

Many recommend shade cloths available from home centers that allow you to see out and birds not to see their reflections. If you have blinds, tilt them so they are slightly closed to reduce the ability of birds to see their reflection. Hanging white sheer curtains also will reduce reflection. Others recommend to simply not wash your windows. Dirt will indeed reduce reflection.

There is no guarantee that hanging or placing artificial predator birds in the area will help. Some report after following the advice to stick silouettes of predator birds in windows that birds became even more aggressive upon seeing them.

Others think it's because they see the trees and bushes in the landscape in the reflection and want to fly into them for cover. Birds are likely seeing the reflection of the sky, clouds, trees, birdfeeders, and other things outside. They think they can fly to those things, not realizing there is only a window.

Thanks for the ideas. The view is something is don't want to lose but I'll have to try something. I've also thought that perhaps they think it's just open fly-space, with no concern with what's reflected, as well as possible reflections.

It's crazy and it's a shame to find these guys laid out on the ground because of it.

I have a stupid cardnal that keeps deficating on my rearveiw mirriors on my vehicles, he thinks it's another bird so he pecks and poops all over the mirriors - very annoying

Although, I'm not exactly sure what they're called, I've heard of people having success using these sun reflecting wind chime looking gadgets. They look like traditional wind chimes, but make minimal or no noise and they have 5-7 strands hanging down. Each strand contains tiny mirrors reflecting the sun in different directions. The birds would obviously steer clear of this item, and the reflections would also bounce off your windows, hopefully deterring the birds away.