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This is exactly where to hang your bird feeder to prevent window collisions

This expert tip might just preserve a bird's life – here's what you need to know

Bird feeding mistakes, bird drinking water on a feeding table
(Image credit: Photo by John Borrelli on Unsplash)

It's easy to admire birds for their warming tunes and chirpy personalities, but alongside their charm, they are a vital part of the ecosystem. However, these creatures are under threat. 

While the placement of a bird feeder may not be at the peak of your garden ideas, its position could prevent a window collision – an increasingly common threat for birds worldwide. 

In the US alone, 600 million birds a year die after a collision (253 million of these collisions occur at residential properties). However, you can combat this statistic by adjusting the placement of your bird feeder. Marc Parnell, author of the book series, The Birding Pro's Field Guides, explains what you need to know. 

Where to hang your bird feeder – to prevent window collisions

Expert bird feeding mistakes, brown bird in a garden

(Image credit: Photo by Rotem Vazan on Unsplash)

Marc recommends keeping your bird feeder at a distance of 25 feet or more from your window.

'The primary concern with feeders situated in the danger zone (about three to 25 feet away from windows) is that birds can generate enough momentum to make a window strike fatal,' he explains. This distance will give the bird more room to flee from a predator or seek shelter if needed. 

How can you collision-proof your garden? 

Birds on a feeder by the window

(Image credit: GettyImages / Rebecca Allchurch / EyeEm)

If you're wondering how to plan your garden, so it is an (extra) safe haven for birds, Marc says there is a further way to keep the creatures safe. He recommends purchasing a 

UV-reflective decals for your window – to alert birds to the presence of a potential hazard ahead. 

'Unlike humans, birds can observe both visible and ultraviolet light; by fastening an ultraviolet-reflecting decal to a window, humans can alert birds to the presence of this potential hazard without making any serious or time-consuming investment,' Marc says. 'These decals are often available in garden-friendly silhouettes, such as butterflies, flowers, leaves, or even birds.' 

Glass Alert Distraction Markers| $23.95 on Amazon

Glass Alert Distraction Markers| $23.95 on Amazon

While the Marc-approved silhouettes will add a sense of character to your space, we recommend picking up a minimalist alternative. These Glass Alert Distraction Markers will encourage birds to stay clear of your windows – but you'll hardly notice they're there. 

We're reinventing our cottage garden ideas to make our spaces safer for the seasons ahead. 

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.