“I really enjoy watching the birds at the feeder,” Doris said, “so you can imagine how heartbroken I was when the mourning dove broke the kitchen window.” Bird-window impacts are surprisingly common. Several million birds hit windows each year, often, unfortunately, with fatal results for the bird. Windows often get damaged by these impacts. Here’s what to do if a bird breaks a window in your home.
Step One: Secure the Area
If the bird has broken through the window and there’s broken glass & the bird on the inside of the house, the first thing to do is to close the door to the room. The goal of this is to keep your children and any pets from getting involved with the situation. Safety first!
Step Two: Deal with the Bird
If the bird has passed away, wear gloves and safely remove the bird from your home. In MA, unless the bird is tagged, you can dispose of the bird in your household trash, or if you prefer, bury it safely. If the bird has a colored tag on its leg, contact The North American Bird Banding Program. They will have instructions for you.
If the bird is not dead, put it outside in a sheltered area and leave it alone. It will either fly away eventually or you will need to dispose of it later.
Step Three: Arrange for Window Glass Replacement
Most of the time when a bird goes through a window, it does so without damaging the window frame. This means your most cost-effective repair option is window glass replacement. Coordinate with your home insurance agent to make sure you’re following the proper processes, if you’re going to submit a claim, and then have your local commercial glass company replace the broken glass with the same type of glass that was originally in place.
