Birds can’t see glass: this can lead to problems. Birds can and will go first into windows because they can’t see the glass proceeding them. Designers decided to fix this by adding cracks or dots to windows, making it easier for birds to see. The origin of bird-safe glass started in 1974 by Dr. Daniel Klem Jr. In an interview, Dr. Klem said that in his chemistry building numerous birds had died on impact due to being unable to see what was in front of them. This turned his curiosity into dedication and commitment.
Dr. Klem made multiple experiments and concluded that putting multiple white stripes with varying spaces in between would cause birds to weave out of the way before impact. Tinted windows can be an example of a bird-safe window when used correctly and can also reduce heating/cooling load as an added bonus. Tinted glass is not best when it’s by itself due to how tinted glass is even more reflective than regular glass. Giving the tinted glass the effect of the outdoors on the indoors, giving birds the assumption that it’s safe to pass.
Nearly 1 billion birds die in the U.S. every year, If stripes or dots are placed at most 2 inches apart is the best way of warning birds. It’s been said birds have the ability to reduce stress and are an important piece to a healthy ecosystem. The reason for the spacing is due to birds’ abilities to fly through small spaces, if the spaces are any larger birds may attempt to fly through. Agustin Sanchez made a hotel with vertical white stripes 2 inches apart to reduce bird deaths, he then reported that he had zero bird deaths after implementing them.
Bird safe glass drastically reduces bird deaths and adding any pattern of circles, stripes or squares helps birds know what is safe and what isn’t. If you can feel even a little sympathy for birds, please add these designs to your home and keep the birds safe.
Related Stories:
https://www.walkerglass.com/blog/the-origins-of-bird-friendly-glass/
https://www.walkerglass.com/blog/tinted-glass-in-bird-safe-applications/
https://www.walkerglass.com/blog/bird-friendly-acid-etched-glass-at-usask/
https://glassforum.org/bird-safe-glass-comprehensive-guide/
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/bird-safe-glass.htm
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