I don't have many problems but I follow the standard audubon guidelines regarding bug screen, drapes, and feeder placement which is probably why I don't have many issues. From audubon.com How can this help? Many birds strike windows after being startled off a feeder. Bird feeders placed within three feet of windows can reduce fatal collisions because birds do not have an adequate distance to reach high flight velocity. Placing the feeders more than 30 feet from a window will also reduce window collision risk because, at that distance, birds are more likely to recognize that the reflected image is part of a house and are less likely to fly toward it for safety. Practicality HIGH: For homes with feeders, this is an easy and surefire way to reduce deadly window strikes. Window Shades, Drapes, etc. How can this help? White or light-colored window shades, blinds, or drapes, when drawn, eliminate much of the mirror effect or transparency of windows. Practicality  HIGH: Interior window treatments (such as drapery) already exist in many homes. The downside is that they block the view to the outside. Drawing curtains or blinds when leaving for work or vacation is good practice. Before: Drapes open, window reflects habitat After: Drapes closed, reflection greatly reduced Window Decals or Items Hung Outside the Window How can this help? Decals or objects placed on or in front of windows create an interference pattern that reduces the mirror effect of reflective windows and make transparent windows more visible. (For example, see "Wing Chimes" on the Fatal Light Awareness Program link below.) Practicality  MED: Although decals are easily affixed to windows and are available in a range of styles (it is not necessary to use a hawk silhouette), they must be spaced close to each other to be effective  at most 2 inches apart horizontally, and 4 inches apart vertically. Objects, such as ribbon draped on the exterior side of a window must also be spaced strategically to create density. This density causes too much visual obstruction for many people. Covering just a portion of a window is better than no coverage at all. Bird Netting How can this help? Fine mesh netting stretched tightly over an entire window causes birds to "bounce" away before crashing into window glass and does not obstruct the view. Practicality  MED: Works well but requires some do-it-yourself agility; poses entanglement risk if not properly installed. Netting must be taut and at the appropriate distance from the window. Adhere to instructions available with product or on the internet. Window tilted - ground is reflected Tilted Glass How can this help? Tilting the glass in a window causes the ground to be reflected rather than possible shelter and escape routes for fleeing birds. Practicality  MED: Not a foolproof solution but an easy way to address the problem during the construction or remodeling phase of a building. With supporting research, this practice might be commonplace in the future. Fritted Glass How can this help? Fritted glass has granules fused onto it to create a frost-like pattern that reduces its reflectivity and transparency. Practicality  LOW: Currently being tested on a college campus, it holds some promise for widespread use in commercial and residential applications. May be perceived as esthetically unappealing by the general public and obstructs open view to the outside. Window Films How can this help? An opaque sheet of plastic attached to windows gives them a solid appearance. Practicality  LOW: Films currently available to the general public severely limit visibility. Bug Screen How can this help? Bug screens or summer screens on the outside of exterior glass kept in place year-round will cut down on reflectivity and transparency while acting as barrier to birds and insect during warmer months. Practicality  HIGH: In newer construction, double paned windows can be shielded by screens. In older homes with storm windows, screens would need to be switched with exterior glass.

Guess what?!! I hadn't even changed the position of my round whole peanut feeder yet and....this morning I was awoken by a bird call and I thought '....wait a minute...that bird sounds very close by!'....so I get up and peer out to my balcony....and there he was in all his glory! ...a blue jay!....I didn't actually see him with a peanut...he flew away after 30 seconds or so....but I think at this point it's just a matter of time now before they start coming on a more regular basis. It so happens that about a week ago, for my first time ever, I saw three other birds (finches) perched on my balcony for just a second or so, and then they flew off. I suspect the additional plants I've ordered (barberry, forsythia and a japanese maple), plus some hanging hooks and a few tube and suet feeders I ordered, plus the heated bird bath that's also on the way, will bring about my desired goal. ;-)

Thanks for showing these decals, claire! I bought a hawk decal then realized it only works in sunlight. My bay windows that birds hit are on the north side - never any sun. I think that spider web might work for me!

I am installing screening around my roofed deck. This stuff is virtually invisible. My deck is well-shaded among dense trees, so that makes it even harder to see the screening. Birds visit my yard all the time, partly because of the foliage, and partly because I have a pond with waterfall that they visit. I am pretty sure I'm going to have birds flying into my screens all the time. These sillouettes - they are designed to keep birds from flying into plate glass windows. Will they work here? With all the tree and plant growth, it's not like there's a clear line of sight from a distance. My concern is that, if they DO work to prevent birds from flying into my screens, will they ALSO keep birds out of my yard? I don't want to scare them away, I just want to save their little necks.