The Way to Prevent Window Strikes for Your Backyard Birds May Surprise You

Keep feeders close to windows

At a conservative estimate of at least 1 billion deaths per year in the United States alone, window strikes are the main killers of wild birds. Here’s a way to prevent some of these collisions at your home. Whenever you’re placing feeders near the house, keep them no more than 3 ft. away from windows. That way a bird can’t build up enough speed to sustain a fatal injury after feeding. This also brings the birds closer for better viewing.

Our Expert: Daniel Klem is a professor of ornithology at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania.

Plus: Attract hummingbirds to your yard with these tried-and-true tips.