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.

Yeah that could definitely work. Maybe I could do 2.5" apart and 6 per panel instead of 3" so there would be less overlap on the outer panels. So then the next question becomes, what do I attach the nails to since we don't have window casings to play off of? The outside of the windows have cypress headers and my husband suggested mimicking those on the inside. I thought maybe I could use pallet wood stacked 3 high and distress it to make a faux header. Would that look ridiculous? Kind of like the pic above with the distressed wood and the hooks.

justgotabme, thank you for those pics! I have looked at the various roman options but I lean towards the more tailored look of the flat. The waterfall is a close second but I showed DH examples from Houzz last night and he definitely wants flat. maryinthefalls, I love our pink living room!! It is Farrow & Ball Pink Ground. There are certain times of the day it is not as glowy and wonderful as I would like, but overall a wonderful choice. So glad you like yours too! I understand your point on fully compressing to get the most light. We have to do an outside mount anyway since we don't have enough depth for an inside mount, so I am going to have them hang high to allow for as much window showing as possible. mlweaving, thank you for that mock up. I did look at Smith & Noble. My choices were coming out to a lot more $. Go figure. I am trying to say away from any pattern as we have many different fabrics in that room already. We are also going to either recover or get new couches in 3-5 years. grandma, I can't do any sheers or panels on the front window as there is no place for a rod. I generally like uniformity but I have seen some nice examples on Houzz of romans on some windows and panels on another. Just has to be done right. sparkle, that window looks great! I will take a look at that type of option. francoise, thank you!! I appreciate your input. Definitely an excellent point to consider. So, a little update. I went to a local design store yesterday and they are having a window treatment sale. In less than 10 min. I picked out a great white herringbone fabric for roman shades, if we decide to go that route. DH is picking up the book today so we can see it at home. The pricing is in line with most online stores (except for the uber-budget ones) and I do like supporting local businesses when I can. We shall see if we like it. DH says the herringbone sounds interesting and that we should go with it if we like it. So, once again, the budget isn't the end all be all of choices! You guys are going to stop believing my posts when I say I want the cheapest option...

We have a female cardinal attacking the garage windows and the mirrors on the cars parked outside for several days this week. I have a mirror standing up next to the foundation to reflect light onto some plants. Lots of shade from trees, etc. on that end of the house. Had to remove the mirror this fall because the wild turkeys passing thru the yard were fixated with it. Crazy birds.