U.S. FILM CREW: BLOG

Bird Migration Season and How to Prevent Bird Strikes

May 4, 2026

Now that peak migration season is here, birds are returning to the Northeast in large numbers. While this is a natural and important seasonal movement, it also increases the risk of collisions with glass buildings, commonly known as bird strikes. Up to one billion birds in North America die each year from collisions with buildings, with spring migration, especially May, representing one of the peak periods.

The Problem

Bird strikes occur because birds often cannot distinguish glass from open sky or surrounding landscape. Reflections of trees, sky, and nearby structures can make windows appear like a clear flight path, leading to accidental collisions. This is especially common in buildings with large glass surfaces, curtain walls, and highly reflective windows.

For homeowners, property managers, and building owners, bird strikes can quickly become a recurring and distressing issue. It may involve repeated collisions, cleanup, and concern for local wildlife, as well as negative impacts on the experience of occupants and visitors. For facility managers, it can also become a maintenance and environmental concern, especially in buildings located along migration routes.

The Solution

Thankfully, a simple solution exists. Bird strike window film is designed to reduce these collisions and has been proven to reduce strikes by 90-95% when installed to proper specification. The film uses a pattern of adhesive markers placed on the surface, typically spaced a few inches apart, which helps break up reflections and creates visual cues that birds can recognize as a barrier. At the same time, it can maintain natural daylight and preserve the overall appearance of the building.

One of the key advantages of bird-friendly window film is that it is applied directly to existing glass. This makes it a practical retrofit solution for both commercial and residential buildings, avoiding the need for full glass replacement while still improving safety for local bird populations.

We Can Help!

At US Film Crew, we have extensive experience installing bird safety window film across the nation for clients who have seen significant reductions in bird strikes. We guide you through the entire process, from selecting the right film to professional installation. For projects seeking a custom look, we can also incorporate printed designs or logos into the film instead of standard marker patterns, helping maintain branding while improving bird safety.

As migration continues through the spring, installing bird strike window film is an easy step toward reducing collisions, improving peace of mind for building owners, and supporting healthier local ecosystems. Let’s talk about it!

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