There are more birds at feeders right now, fledglings out of the nest joining adults. Window collisions can be more frequent when bird numbers are up. Perhaps the inexperience of the juveniles plays a part in that. In any case, if a bird flies into a window and appears injured, follow these instructions from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:
Place the bird in a dark container with a lid such as a shoebox, and leave it somewhere warm and quiet, out of reach of pets and other predators. If the weather is extremely cold, you may need to take it inside. Do not try to give it food and water. Handle it as little as possible. The darkness will calm the bird while it revives, which should occur within a few minutes, unless it is seriously injured. Release it outside as soon as it appears awake and alert. If the bird doesn't recover in a couple of hours, you should take it to a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator. Remember that, technically, it is illegal to handle a migratory bird without a permit.
Photo: A dark box would not have made any difference for this Ruby-throated Hummingbird. It died on impact with a window, from brain trauma or a broken neck.
