A bird strike happens when a bird hits a window full force. They almost always fly off, but the internal damage is so extensive, like a deer hit by a car, they leave the scene and pass away at another location shortly after. The issue is that the window usually has a reflection in it of trees and open space to fly, which is why they slam into it with such conviction.

When it started happening, I was absolutely flummoxed. I had never experienced this before and had to take to the internet to figure out how to remedy it. We tried closing the shades first, to cut down on the reflection, but that had minimal effect. I needed to think bigger.

I found a website that offered vinyl decals in a grid pattern that went over the windows. This made it clear to the birds that it was not open space. Unfortunately, covering the problematic four windows in our living room would have been over $1,000. Thank you, capitialism.

A few days ago there was another strike. I knew I had to do something. Something that hopefully wouldn’t bankrupt us in the process. I started by getting blue painter’s tape and taping the window in a diagonal grid pattern from the inside. Alas, it didn’t look much different when I observed it outside and the reflection was clearly visible.

I racked my brain for something inexpensive that could obscure the reflection. Then I realized I bought two cans of spray snow last year for Christmas decorating and never ended up using either of them. This was crazy enough to work!

The snow went over the windows easily and the reflection of the trees and open space behind our house quickly disappeared. Thankfully, there is a small porch in front of the windows, so the rain wouldn’t directly hit them. Unless it’s really raining sideways. In that case, we have bigger problems. I figured I could occasionally check to ensure the snow is still sticking and respray when needed.

So far, so good. Unfortunately, it might be a while until we can say if it really worked or not as we weren’t having bird strikes frequently. Hopefully, this works. Otherwise I will have to come up with a different solution.

Or get a second job to fund the vinyl decals.