Bird Casualties When Flying Into Windows

Most of us have experienced seeing a bird flying into a window, and either falling to the ground, or becoming injured by this attempt. I have seen hummingbirds fly into a window, because they mis-perceive that they can fly through the reflected trees and shrubbery.

They can also dive into windows when they see a plant on the inside of your home, or through a window. Occasionally this will kill or badly injure a bird. They may lie on the ground for a while in a stunned mode, and this puts them in a vulnerable state where a cat, hawk, or some other predator can catch them.

If you see an injured hummingbird, or other beneficial bird that becomes injured because of this, the best thing to do is to pick it up and put it in a safe place, while you watch to see if they are going to be able to fly off without any assistance.

While you are observing the bird, look for indicators of injury-gasping or bleeding are probably not good signs. Birds that do not fly off within 20 minutes will need to be fed. Use sugar water in an eye dropper to feed them. You can always take them to a trained wildlife rehabilitator, with federal and state permits.