What is this lovely bird? And how to stop it flying into windows ...

It is spring again and these birds are once again flying into our windows. We have large windows, our house is surrounded by trees, and the trees reflect off the windows. Every sunny day, a half dozen or more fly into the glass.

I've read about putting black hawk silhouettes on the windows BUT the windows look black to me already. Is black the best colour? Would white be better? What else could I try?

This morning's unlucky flyer is presently resting in a safe spot on the deck. What kind of bird is this?

I found this one sideways on the deck after the crash. Held it in my lap for a few minutes and it relaxed and rested. So I placed it in a warmer spot while I set up a chair for it.

Soon after the collision in the warm spot ...
eyes closed but standing on its own.

That is a varied thrush.

Not sure what to suggest, keep your windows dirtier?
The stickers Idea sounds pretty good too. I would think any color would do. The idea is to add contrast to the window, so that they can detect it as a solid plane.

A varied thrush! I'm glad to have that ID. It is not uncommon to have 10 or more of these in the yard scrounging through the underbrush. But they're skittish and fly away at the sight of me.

Some quick reading indicates the varied thrush doesn't often let a photographer face them head on. Mine posed a bit. I didn't want to stress it by adjusting the background though so you get to see the deck chair too.

Oh ... the good news! It flew away into a Douglas Fir about five minutes ago!

Bright stickers , it seems to work. somewhat.

You are right about them being skittish. You must live in a rural area?

Ive been trying to get close to one of these for some time now.... and you go and catch one

Yes, we live in a rural area of British Columbia surrounded by Douglas Fir.

I'd much rather these birds didn't hit the windows. Didn't realize how many did until last year, my first summer working from home. Some days 5-10 hits ... most are able to fly away. Tough little birds!

awesome set Sue

Perhaps the bird is seeing it's reflection in the glass. Try shading the window with an awning or similar to prevent the reflection.

Nice shots Speaking of birds flying into windows:

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One method i have seen in wooded areas is hanging window length ribbon from the tops of the windows in 1-2 places depending on size of window. it seemed to blow in the wind and give the birds an awareness or caution of the space. I can not say quite how effective it is but I saw this on a fish and wildlife building up in the woods. might be worth trying. i think the ribbon might even have been the green tape type stuff they use to mark trees. anyway my 2 cents

-Z