The large windows in our homes, schools and other buildings are a hazard for migrating and local birds. Windows that reflect trees and sky cause problems when birds try to fly to these reflections much as they would to the branches of a tree. If birds can look into one window and see out through another, it is especially tempting for them to try to fly through.

Death is rare unless birds hit the transparent walls with great force and break their necks or suffer other internal injuries. The most violent strikes occur when birds are chased or when they are responding to an alarm.

There are several ways to keep birds from flying into windows. Hanging mobiles or even colored streamers of cloth or plastic on the outside of the glass is effective. Anything in front of the window that glitters, flutters or makes sounds will serve as a warning. Try closing a door or pulling a drape to help eliminate reflections or prevent birds from seeing all the way through a room or building. The use of hawk and owl silhouettes is effective in reducing window casualties.

Birds may become stunned or injured when they strike glass. A high percentage of those that hit our windows merely fly to the nearest tree, perch there for a few seconds to clear their heads, and then fly off. Of those that do fall to the ground, most are only stunned. Probably only one out of 50 birds that hit a window dies, and only one out of 10 that falls to the ground dies. If a birds falls to the ground, but does not die immediately, its chances for a complete recovery are good.

Get a bird off the ground, so as not to attract a cat or dog. Also, if the weather is cool or wet, the bird could die because the feathers aren't puffed out for insulation against the cold. Pick the bird up gently and put it into a darkened container. A paper grocery bag is best. Twist the top and bring the bag indoors and leave in a safe place. Darkness will keep the bird quiet should it awaken, thus preventing fluttering and further injury. It usually takes from 15 minutes to an hour or so for the stunned bird to recover.

When the bird begins to chirp or move around it is ready to be released.

Jim Gilbert's Nature Notes are heard on WCCO Radio at 7:15 a.m. Sundays. His observations have been part of the Minnesota Weatherguide Environment Calendars since 1977. He taught and worked as a naturalist for 50 years.