Contributors: Danny Baca, Jennifer Balsiger, David Bennett, Chris DellaPenna, Adrian Fenton, Mike Fialkovich, Patience Fisher, Tracy George-Snyder, Julie Jansen, Thomas LeBlanc, Chris Lundberg, Michael McDevitt, John Mittermeier, Richard Nugent, Jennifer Reiter, Nick Roberts, Vincent Ryan, Eric Schill, Ryan Smylie, Jim Springer, Asher Whitney, Joshua Zahniser.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 23 June 2026 through Tuesday, 30 June 2026
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
At the Imperial grasslands on 6/26 and 6/29, 1 UPLAND SANDPIPER (JB, DBe).
On 6/27 and 6/29 near Robinson, 1 BLUE GROSBEAK (MF, AF, DBa).
CLARION COUNTY:
At the Piney Tract on 6/26-6/29, CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS (RN, JB et. al.); also on 6/26, 1 DICKCISSEL (RN).
On 6/27 and 6/29 in Strattanville, 1 EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE continued (TG, ES).
In Sligo on 6/28, 2 CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS (JJ).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
At Conneaut Marsh on 6/28, 1 LEAST BITTERN (CD et. al.).
ERIE COUNTY:
At Presque Isle State Park on 6/24-6/30, 1 WILLOW PTARMIGAN (JR, VR, RS, et. al.); also this week, 1 AMERICAN PIPIT (TL), AMERICAN AVOCETS (6/27 and 6/30) (NR et. al.), 2 TRICOLORED HERONS (6/29) (CL et. al.), 1 WILLET (6/30) (JZ).
On 6/25-6/28 at Erie Bluffs State Park, 1 YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (AW et. al.); also on 6/28, 1 additional YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (JM).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
At Bear Run Nature Reserve on 6/26, 1 SWAINSON'S WARBLER (MM).
MERCER COUNTY:
In Transfer on 6/24, 1 PINE WARBLER (JS).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
At Acme Dam on 6/25-6/26, 1 ALDER FLYCATCHER (PF, MM).
On Sun, Jul 12, 2026 at 12:00 AM PABIRDS automatic digest system <
<LISTSERV...> wrote:
> There is 1 message totaling 428 lines in this issue.
>
> Topics of the day:
>
> 1. PABIRDS Digest - 6 Jul 2026 to 10 Jul 2026 (#2026-141)
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 06:33:04 -0400
> From: Ronald Fleischer <rgfphotography...>
> Subject: Re: PABIRDS Digest - 6 Jul 2026 to 10 Jul 2026 (#2026-141)
>
> Just my 2 cents - you could reach out to the Powdermill Nature Reserve (
> part of the Carnegie Museum) - they have been studying window strikes for
> many years and may be able to help.
> Ron Fleischer
> Cranberry Twp, PA
>
> > On Jul 11, 2026, at 12:00 AM, PABIRDS automatic digest system <
> <LISTSERV...> wrote:
> >
> > There are 5 messages totaling 418 lines in this issue.
> >
> > Topics of the day:
> >
> > 1. Help about window strikes (5)
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> >
> > Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:38:09 +0000
> > From: jerry Kruth <gkruth...>
> > Subject: Help about window strikes
> >
> > What to do about window strikes?
> > Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and
> we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to
> creatures flying into the panel!
> > Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
> > Decals!
> > Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most
> effective?
> > We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more accidents
> without destroying entirely the ambiance.
> > Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
> > Jerry Kruth
> > Pittsburgh
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:20:11 +0000
> > From: Anne Annibali <anneanni...>
> > Subject: Re: Help about window strikes
> >
> > Jerry,
> >
> > We've had very good results with the UV reflective cling decals on our
> sunroom windows since it was built in 2010. And it's right in the line of
> flight from our front yard to all our bird feeder stations in the back yard.
> >
> > Decals come in a variety of designs and they're not terribly expensive.
> We've experimented with a couple different brands bought through Amazon and
> the less expensive one has been just as effective as the pricier one. We
> chose the leaf-shaped ones to blend in with our wooded property and even
> though they're only semi-translucent, they don't detract from the view at
> all. And the only time any of them ever peeled off was when we needed to
> power-wash the sunroom siding.
> >
> > Two points to be aware of. They do deteriorate eventually and lose some
> of the UV coating so they'll need to be replaced. You'll know when that's
> necessary because you'll start to experience bird strikes again. And
> secondly, the decals aren't very large so you'll likely need to buy more
> than one set to have enough for full coverage.
> >
> > Good luck,
> > Anne Annibali, Mount Gretna Lebanon County
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...>
> on behalf of jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...>
> > Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 10:38 AM
> > To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
> > Subject: [PABIRDS] Help about window strikes
> >
> > What to do about window strikes?
> > Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and
> we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to
> creatures flying into the panel!
> > Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
> > Decals!
> > Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most
> effective?
> > We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more accidents
> without destroying entirely the ambiance.
> > Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
> > Jerry Kruth
> > Pittsburgh
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:21:49 -0400
> > From: SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <scottweidensaul...>
> > Subject: Re: Help about window strikes
> >
> > Another option is Feather Friendly (disclaimer, I have no ties to the
> company), which makes UV-reflective dots, about .25” square, that come in
> long tape strips that you apply either vertically or horizontally to a
> window, rub them firmly so the dots adhere, then lift away the clear tape.
> The only glass in our house that didn’t have external screens was our rear
> slider, where we had window strikes. I applied Feather Friendly in a grid
> three (I believe) years ago and have not had a single strike since then.
> >
> > https://featherfriendly.com > >
> > A second option is Collide Escape, which Hawk Mountain has used with
> great success on its large windows at the Acopian Center and the Education
> Building. It’s an external, UV-reflective film that can be custom-made with
> art or designs visible from the outside to people, while from inside the
> window looks much as it would if it had a normal screen. Same disclaimer
> applies. This approach is pricier.
> >
> > https://www.collidescape.org/ > >
> > And finally there are Acopian Bird Savers, which are simply long cords
> hanging vertically in front of a window, moving in the wind and providing a
> visual barrier to a flying bird. They are available for purchase at
> https://www.birdsavers.com but the site also provides DIY instructions
> for making your own out of parachute cord.
> >
> > https://www.birdsavers.com > >
> > So, lots of ways to cut down on window strikes.
> >
> > Scott Weidensaul
> > Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
> >
> >> On Jul 10, 2026, at 1:20 PM, Anne Annibali <anneanni...> wrote:
> >>
> >> Jerry,
> >>
> >> We've had very good results with the UV reflective cling decals on our
> sunroom windows since it was built in 2010. And it's right in the line of
> flight from our front yard to all our bird feeder stations in the back yard.
> >>
> >> Decals come in a variety of designs and they're not terribly
> expensive. We've experimented with a couple different brands bought
> through Amazon and the less expensive one has been just as effective as the
> pricier one. We chose the leaf-shaped ones to blend in with our wooded
> property and even though they're only semi-translucent, they don't detract
> from the view at all. And the only time any of them ever peeled off was
> when we needed to power-wash the sunroom siding.
> >>
> >> Two points to be aware of. They do deteriorate eventually and lose
> some of the UV coating so they'll need to be replaced. You'll know when
> that's necessary because you'll start to experience bird strikes again.
> And secondly, the decals aren't very large so you'll likely need to buy
> more than one set to have enough for full coverage.
> >>
> >> Good luck,
> >> Anne Annibali, Mount Gretna Lebanon County
> >>
> >> ________________________________
> >> From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...>
> on behalf of jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...>
> >> Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 10:38 AM
> >> To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
> >> Subject: [PABIRDS] Help about window strikes
> >>
> >> What to do about window strikes?
> >> Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and
> we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to
> creatures flying into the panel!
> >> Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
> >> Decals!
> >> Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most
> effective?
> >> We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more accidents
> without destroying entirely the ambiance.
> >> Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
> >> Jerry Kruth
> >> Pittsburgh
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:39:23 -0400
> > From: Lauren Fenstermacher <lnfenstermacher...>
> > Subject: Re: Help about window strikes
> >
> >
> > Good evening everyone,
> >
> > American Bird Conservancy has great resources here:
> https://abcbirds.org/strategies/solutions-for-homes/ > >
> > We installed both Collidescapes and Feather Friendly at the Middle Creek
> Wildlife Management Area Visitors Center in Lancaster County pre-Covid and
> both methods are still holding up well and to my knowledge (left working
> there two years ago) have prevented the numerous strikes we use to get
> (around 10-15 a year) on our windows.
> >
> > Staff installed both methods ourselves with the directions provided. The
> Collidescapes was a little more difficult to install as you need to wet the
> windows. It’s a two person job but I have installed Feather Friendly easily
> with the tape on my own. The Collidescapes cuts down on solar radiation and
> as such could save on cooling cost in the summer but is obstructive to view
> out of. I wouldn’t recommend it for large windows where you like to bird
> watch out of. The other options mentioned on the American Bird Conservancy
> website and that Scott mentioned would be better for that like Feather
> Friendly and the Acopian Bird Savers.
> >
> > Lauren Ferreri
> > Auburn, PA
> >
> >> On Jul 10, 2026, at 2:22 PM, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <
> <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >> Another option is Feather Friendly (disclaimer, I have no ties to the
> company), which makes UV-reflective dots, about .25” square, that come in
> long tape strips that you apply either vertically or horizontally to a
> window, rub them firmly so the dots adhere, then lift away the clear tape.
> The only glass in our house that didn’t have external screens was our rear
> slider, where we had window strikes. I applied Feather Friendly in a grid
> three (I believe) years ago and have not had a single strike since then.
> >>
> >> https://featherfriendly.com > >>
> >> A second option is Collide Escape, which Hawk Mountain has used with
> great success on its large windows at the Acopian Center and the Education
> Building. It’s an external, UV-reflective film that can be custom-made with
> art or designs visible from the outside to people, while from inside the
> window looks much as it would if it had a normal screen. Same disclaimer
> applies. This approach is pricier.
> >>
> >> https://www.collidescape.org/ > >>
> >> And finally there are Acopian Bird Savers, which are simply long cords
> hanging vertically in front of a window, moving in the wind and providing a
> visual barrier to a flying bird. They are available for purchase at
> https://www.birdsavers.com but the site also provides DIY instructions
> for making your own out of parachute cord.
> >>
> >> https://www.birdsavers.com > >>
> >> So, lots of ways to cut down on window strikes.
> >>
> >> Scott Weidensaul
> >> Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
> >>
> >>>> On Jul 10, 2026, at 1:20 PM, Anne Annibali <anneanni...> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Jerry,
> >>>
> >>> We've had very good results with the UV reflective cling decals on our
> sunroom windows since it was built in 2010. And it's right in the line of
> flight from our front yard to all our bird feeder stations in the back yard.
> >>>
> >>> Decals come in a variety of designs and they're not terribly
> expensive. We've experimented with a couple different brands bought
> through Amazon and the less expensive one has been just as effective as the
> pricier one. We chose the leaf-shaped ones to blend in with our wooded
> property and even though they're only semi-translucent, they don't detract
> from the view at all. And the only time any of them ever peeled off was
> when we needed to power-wash the sunroom siding.
> >>>
> >>> Two points to be aware of. They do deteriorate eventually and lose
> some of the UV coating so they'll need to be replaced. You'll know when
> that's necessary because you'll start to experience bird strikes again.
> And secondly, the decals aren't very large so you'll likely need to buy
> more than one set to have enough for full coverage.
> >>>
> >>> Good luck,
> >>> Anne Annibali, Mount Gretna Lebanon County
> >>>
> >>> ________________________________
> >>> From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...>
> on behalf of jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...>
> >>> Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 10:38 AM
> >>> To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
> >>> Subject: [PABIRDS] Help about window strikes
> >>>
> >>> What to do about window strikes?
> >>> Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and
> we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to
> creatures flying into the panel!
> >>> Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
> >>> Decals!
> >>> Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most
> effective?
> >>> We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more
> accidents without destroying entirely the ambiance.
> >>> Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
> >>> Jerry Kruth
> >>> Pittsburgh
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 01:12:18 +0000
> > From: Lee Simpson <fluttering2...>
> > Subject: Re: Help about window strikes
> >
> > I can agree; we had Collidescape which we installed years ago on large
> picture windows and we finally removed it because I was tired of not being
> able to see birds as well as I wanted to. After hours of scraping, washing,
> peeling etc to remove the old Collidescape, we replaced it with Feather
> Friendly dots. The Collidescape removal was a pain, but there is no doubt
> that the product worked extremely well. With the Feather Friendly dots,
> which we installed at our place here in Pa but also on our cabin in Az, you
> can either omit a small area or easily remove a few dots to order to allow
> a photography "window"; I have numerous ones along the window at the
> correct height for me. I did hear one small bird strike the big picture
> window in Az in spite of the dots, but could not locate it afterwards.
> Still, the dots work far better than the parachute cord that had been on
> it. That said, the parachute cord, purchased on the internet and hung at 4"
> intervals the length of the window top to bottom, worked fairly well as
> long as there was some wind to move the cord. My understanding of decals
> per se is that they are not effective; they weren't at my house for sure.
> Whatever is applied must be on the outside of the window. Lee Simpson,
> Berks Co
> > On Friday, July 10, 2026 at 08:54:03 PM EDT, Lauren Fenstermacher <
> <lnfenstermacher...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Good evening everyone,
> >
> > American Bird Conservancy has great resources here:
> https://abcbirds.org/strategies/solutions-for-homes/ > >
> > We installed both Collidescapes and Feather Friendly at the Middle Creek
> Wildlife Management Area Visitors Center in Lancaster County pre-Covid and
> both methods are still holding up well and to my knowledge (left working
> there two years ago) have prevented the numerous strikes we use to get
> (around 10-15 a year) on our windows.
> >
> > Staff installed both methods ourselves with the directions provided. The
> Collidescapes was a little more difficult to install as you need to wet the
> windows. It’s a two person job but I have installed Feather Friendly easily
> with the tape on my own. The Collidescapes cuts down on solar radiation and
> as such could save on cooling cost in the summer but is obstructive to view
> out of. I wouldn’t recommend it for large windows where you like to bird
> watch out of. The other options mentioned on the American Bird Conservancy
> website and that Scott mentioned would be better for that like Feather
> Friendly and the Acopian Bird Savers.
> >
> > Lauren Ferreri
> > Auburn, PA
> >
> >> On Jul 10, 2026, at 2:22 PM, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <
> <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> >> Another option is Feather Friendly (disclaimer, I have no ties to the
> company), which makes UV-reflective dots, about .25” square, that come in
> long tape strips that you apply either vertically or horizontally to a
> window, rub them firmly so the dots adhere, then lift away the clear tape.
> The only glass in our house that didn’t have external screens was our rear
> slider, where we had window strikes. I applied Feather Friendly in a grid
> three (I believe) years ago and have not had a single strike since then.
> >>
> >> https://featherfriendly.com > >>
> >> A second option is Collide Escape, which Hawk Mountain has used with
> great success on its large windows at the Acopian Center and the Education
> Building. It’s an external, UV-reflective film that can be custom-made with
> art or designs visible from the outside to people, while from inside the
> window looks much as it would if it had a normal screen. Same disclaimer
> applies. This approach is pricier.
> >>
> >> https://www.collidescape.org/ > >>
> >> And finally there are Acopian Bird Savers, which are simply long cords
> hanging vertically in front of a window, moving in the wind and providing a
> visual barrier to a flying bird. They are available for purchase at
> https://www.birdsavers.com but the site also provides DIY instructions
> for making your own out of parachute cord.
> >>
> >> https://www.birdsavers.com > >>
> >> So, lots of ways to cut down on window strikes.
> >>
> >> Scott Weidensaul
> >> Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
> >>
> >>>> On Jul 10, 2026, at 1:20 PM, Anne Annibali <anneanni...> wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Jerry,
> >>>
> >>> We've had very good results with the UV reflective cling decals on our
> sunroom windows since it was built in 2010. And it's right in the line of
> flight from our front yard to all our bird feeder stations in the back yard.
> >>>
> >>> Decals come in a variety of designs and they're not terribly
> expensive. We've experimented with a couple different brands bought
> through Amazon and the less expensive one has been just as effective as the
> pricier one. We chose the leaf-shaped ones to blend in with our wooded
> property and even though they're only semi-translucent, they don't detract
> from the view at all. And the only time any of them ever peeled off was
> when we needed to power-wash the sunroom siding.
> >>>
> >>> Two points to be aware of. They do deteriorate eventually and lose
> some of the UV coating so they'll need to be replaced. You'll know when
> that's necessary because you'll start to experience bird strikes again.
> And secondly, the decals aren't very large so you'll likely need to buy
> more than one set to have enough for full coverage.
> >>>
> >>> Good luck,
> >>> Anne Annibali, Mount Gretna Lebanon County
> >>>
> >>> ________________________________
> >>> From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...>
> on behalf of jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...>
> >>> Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 10:38 AM
> >>> To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
> >>> Subject: [PABIRDS] Help about window strikes
> >>>
> >>> What to do about window strikes?
> >>> Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and
> we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to
> creatures flying into the panel!
> >>> Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
> >>> Decals!
> >>> Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most
> effective?
> >>> We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more
> accidents without destroying entirely the ambiance.
> >>> Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
> >>> Jerry Kruth
> >>> Pittsburgh
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > End of PABIRDS Digest - 6 Jul 2026 to 10 Jul 2026 (#2026-141)
> > *************************************************************
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of PABIRDS Digest - 10 Jul 2026 to 11 Jul 2026 (#2026-142)
> **************************************************************
>
--
Barbara Malt
Professor Emerita of Psychology and Cognitive Science
Lehigh University
<bcm0...>
Date: 7/11/26 3:33 am From: Ronald Fleischer <rgfphotography...> Subject: Re: PABIRDS Digest - 6 Jul 2026 to 10 Jul 2026 (#2026-141)
Just my 2 cents - you could reach out to the Powdermill Nature Reserve ( part of the Carnegie Museum) - they have been studying window strikes for many years and may be able to help.
Ron Fleischer
Cranberry Twp, PA
> On Jul 11, 2026, at 12:00 AM, PABIRDS automatic digest system <LISTSERV...> wrote:
>
> There are 5 messages totaling 418 lines in this issue.
>
> Topics of the day:
>
> 1. Help about window strikes (5)
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:38:09 +0000
> From: jerry Kruth <gkruth...>
> Subject: Help about window strikes
>
> What to do about window strikes?
> Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to creatures flying into the panel!
> Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
> Decals!
> Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most effective?
> We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more accidents without destroying entirely the ambiance.
> Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
> Jerry Kruth
> Pittsburgh
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 17:20:11 +0000
> From: Anne Annibali <anneanni...>
> Subject: Re: Help about window strikes
>
> Jerry,
>
> We've had very good results with the UV reflective cling decals on our sunroom windows since it was built in 2010. And it's right in the line of flight from our front yard to all our bird feeder stations in the back yard.
>
> Decals come in a variety of designs and they're not terribly expensive. We've experimented with a couple different brands bought through Amazon and the less expensive one has been just as effective as the pricier one. We chose the leaf-shaped ones to blend in with our wooded property and even though they're only semi-translucent, they don't detract from the view at all. And the only time any of them ever peeled off was when we needed to power-wash the sunroom siding.
>
> Two points to be aware of. They do deteriorate eventually and lose some of the UV coating so they'll need to be replaced. You'll know when that's necessary because you'll start to experience bird strikes again. And secondly, the decals aren't very large so you'll likely need to buy more than one set to have enough for full coverage.
>
> Good luck,
> Anne Annibali, Mount Gretna Lebanon County
>
> ________________________________
> From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...>
> Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 10:38 AM
> To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
> Subject: [PABIRDS] Help about window strikes
>
> What to do about window strikes?
> Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to creatures flying into the panel!
> Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
> Decals!
> Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most effective?
> We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more accidents without destroying entirely the ambiance.
> Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
> Jerry Kruth
> Pittsburgh
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:21:49 -0400
> From: SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <scottweidensaul...>
> Subject: Re: Help about window strikes
>
> Another option is Feather Friendly (disclaimer, I have no ties to the company), which makes UV-reflective dots, about .25” square, that come in long tape strips that you apply either vertically or horizontally to a window, rub them firmly so the dots adhere, then lift away the clear tape. The only glass in our house that didn’t have external screens was our rear slider, where we had window strikes. I applied Feather Friendly in a grid three (I believe) years ago and have not had a single strike since then.
>
> https://featherfriendly.com >
> A second option is Collide Escape, which Hawk Mountain has used with great success on its large windows at the Acopian Center and the Education Building. It’s an external, UV-reflective film that can be custom-made with art or designs visible from the outside to people, while from inside the window looks much as it would if it had a normal screen. Same disclaimer applies. This approach is pricier.
>
> https://www.collidescape.org/ >
> And finally there are Acopian Bird Savers, which are simply long cords hanging vertically in front of a window, moving in the wind and providing a visual barrier to a flying bird. They are available for purchase at https://www.birdsavers.com but the site also provides DIY instructions for making your own out of parachute cord.
>
> https://www.birdsavers.com >
> So, lots of ways to cut down on window strikes.
>
> Scott Weidensaul
> Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
>
>> On Jul 10, 2026, at 1:20 PM, Anne Annibali <anneanni...> wrote:
>>
>> Jerry,
>>
>> We've had very good results with the UV reflective cling decals on our sunroom windows since it was built in 2010. And it's right in the line of flight from our front yard to all our bird feeder stations in the back yard.
>>
>> Decals come in a variety of designs and they're not terribly expensive. We've experimented with a couple different brands bought through Amazon and the less expensive one has been just as effective as the pricier one. We chose the leaf-shaped ones to blend in with our wooded property and even though they're only semi-translucent, they don't detract from the view at all. And the only time any of them ever peeled off was when we needed to power-wash the sunroom siding.
>>
>> Two points to be aware of. They do deteriorate eventually and lose some of the UV coating so they'll need to be replaced. You'll know when that's necessary because you'll start to experience bird strikes again. And secondly, the decals aren't very large so you'll likely need to buy more than one set to have enough for full coverage.
>>
>> Good luck,
>> Anne Annibali, Mount Gretna Lebanon County
>>
>> ________________________________
>> From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...>
>> Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 10:38 AM
>> To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
>> Subject: [PABIRDS] Help about window strikes
>>
>> What to do about window strikes?
>> Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to creatures flying into the panel!
>> Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
>> Decals!
>> Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most effective?
>> We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more accidents without destroying entirely the ambiance.
>> Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
>> Jerry Kruth
>> Pittsburgh
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2026 20:39:23 -0400
> From: Lauren Fenstermacher <lnfenstermacher...>
> Subject: Re: Help about window strikes
>
>
> Good evening everyone,
>
> American Bird Conservancy has great resources here: https://abcbirds.org/strategies/solutions-for-homes/ >
> We installed both Collidescapes and Feather Friendly at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area Visitors Center in Lancaster County pre-Covid and both methods are still holding up well and to my knowledge (left working there two years ago) have prevented the numerous strikes we use to get (around 10-15 a year) on our windows.
>
> Staff installed both methods ourselves with the directions provided. The Collidescapes was a little more difficult to install as you need to wet the windows. It’s a two person job but I have installed Feather Friendly easily with the tape on my own. The Collidescapes cuts down on solar radiation and as such could save on cooling cost in the summer but is obstructive to view out of. I wouldn’t recommend it for large windows where you like to bird watch out of. The other options mentioned on the American Bird Conservancy website and that Scott mentioned would be better for that like Feather Friendly and the Acopian Bird Savers.
>
> Lauren Ferreri
> Auburn, PA
>
>> On Jul 10, 2026, at 2:22 PM, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>> Another option is Feather Friendly (disclaimer, I have no ties to the company), which makes UV-reflective dots, about .25” square, that come in long tape strips that you apply either vertically or horizontally to a window, rub them firmly so the dots adhere, then lift away the clear tape. The only glass in our house that didn’t have external screens was our rear slider, where we had window strikes. I applied Feather Friendly in a grid three (I believe) years ago and have not had a single strike since then.
>>
>> https://featherfriendly.com >>
>> A second option is Collide Escape, which Hawk Mountain has used with great success on its large windows at the Acopian Center and the Education Building. It’s an external, UV-reflective film that can be custom-made with art or designs visible from the outside to people, while from inside the window looks much as it would if it had a normal screen. Same disclaimer applies. This approach is pricier.
>>
>> https://www.collidescape.org/ >>
>> And finally there are Acopian Bird Savers, which are simply long cords hanging vertically in front of a window, moving in the wind and providing a visual barrier to a flying bird. They are available for purchase at https://www.birdsavers.com but the site also provides DIY instructions for making your own out of parachute cord.
>>
>> https://www.birdsavers.com >>
>> So, lots of ways to cut down on window strikes.
>>
>> Scott Weidensaul
>> Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
>>
>>>> On Jul 10, 2026, at 1:20 PM, Anne Annibali <anneanni...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Jerry,
>>>
>>> We've had very good results with the UV reflective cling decals on our sunroom windows since it was built in 2010. And it's right in the line of flight from our front yard to all our bird feeder stations in the back yard.
>>>
>>> Decals come in a variety of designs and they're not terribly expensive. We've experimented with a couple different brands bought through Amazon and the less expensive one has been just as effective as the pricier one. We chose the leaf-shaped ones to blend in with our wooded property and even though they're only semi-translucent, they don't detract from the view at all. And the only time any of them ever peeled off was when we needed to power-wash the sunroom siding.
>>>
>>> Two points to be aware of. They do deteriorate eventually and lose some of the UV coating so they'll need to be replaced. You'll know when that's necessary because you'll start to experience bird strikes again. And secondly, the decals aren't very large so you'll likely need to buy more than one set to have enough for full coverage.
>>>
>>> Good luck,
>>> Anne Annibali, Mount Gretna Lebanon County
>>>
>>> ________________________________
>>> From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...>
>>> Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 10:38 AM
>>> To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
>>> Subject: [PABIRDS] Help about window strikes
>>>
>>> What to do about window strikes?
>>> Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to creatures flying into the panel!
>>> Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
>>> Decals!
>>> Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most effective?
>>> We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more accidents without destroying entirely the ambiance.
>>> Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
>>> Jerry Kruth
>>> Pittsburgh
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sat, 11 Jul 2026 01:12:18 +0000
> From: Lee Simpson <fluttering2...>
> Subject: Re: Help about window strikes
>
> I can agree; we had Collidescape which we installed years ago on large picture windows and we finally removed it because I was tired of not being able to see birds as well as I wanted to. After hours of scraping, washing, peeling etc to remove the old Collidescape, we replaced it with Feather Friendly dots. The Collidescape removal was a pain, but there is no doubt that the product worked extremely well. With the Feather Friendly dots, which we installed at our place here in Pa but also on our cabin in Az, you can either omit a small area or easily remove a few dots to order to allow a photography "window"; I have numerous ones along the window at the correct height for me. I did hear one small bird strike the big picture window in Az in spite of the dots, but could not locate it afterwards. Still, the dots work far better than the parachute cord that had been on it. That said, the parachute cord, purchased on the internet and hung at 4" intervals the length of the window top to bottom, worked fairly well as long as there was some wind to move the cord. My understanding of decals per se is that they are not effective; they weren't at my house for sure. Whatever is applied must be on the outside of the window. Lee Simpson, Berks Co
> On Friday, July 10, 2026 at 08:54:03 PM EDT, Lauren Fenstermacher <lnfenstermacher...> wrote:
>
>
> Good evening everyone,
>
> American Bird Conservancy has great resources here: https://abcbirds.org/strategies/solutions-for-homes/ >
> We installed both Collidescapes and Feather Friendly at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area Visitors Center in Lancaster County pre-Covid and both methods are still holding up well and to my knowledge (left working there two years ago) have prevented the numerous strikes we use to get (around 10-15 a year) on our windows.
>
> Staff installed both methods ourselves with the directions provided. The Collidescapes was a little more difficult to install as you need to wet the windows. It’s a two person job but I have installed Feather Friendly easily with the tape on my own. The Collidescapes cuts down on solar radiation and as such could save on cooling cost in the summer but is obstructive to view out of. I wouldn’t recommend it for large windows where you like to bird watch out of. The other options mentioned on the American Bird Conservancy website and that Scott mentioned would be better for that like Feather Friendly and the Acopian Bird Savers.
>
> Lauren Ferreri
> Auburn, PA
>
>> On Jul 10, 2026, at 2:22 PM, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
>> Another option is Feather Friendly (disclaimer, I have no ties to the company), which makes UV-reflective dots, about .25” square, that come in long tape strips that you apply either vertically or horizontally to a window, rub them firmly so the dots adhere, then lift away the clear tape. The only glass in our house that didn’t have external screens was our rear slider, where we had window strikes. I applied Feather Friendly in a grid three (I believe) years ago and have not had a single strike since then.
>>
>> https://featherfriendly.com >>
>> A second option is Collide Escape, which Hawk Mountain has used with great success on its large windows at the Acopian Center and the Education Building. It’s an external, UV-reflective film that can be custom-made with art or designs visible from the outside to people, while from inside the window looks much as it would if it had a normal screen. Same disclaimer applies. This approach is pricier.
>>
>> https://www.collidescape.org/ >>
>> And finally there are Acopian Bird Savers, which are simply long cords hanging vertically in front of a window, moving in the wind and providing a visual barrier to a flying bird. They are available for purchase at https://www.birdsavers.com but the site also provides DIY instructions for making your own out of parachute cord.
>>
>> https://www.birdsavers.com >>
>> So, lots of ways to cut down on window strikes.
>>
>> Scott Weidensaul
>> Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
>>
>>>> On Jul 10, 2026, at 1:20 PM, Anne Annibali <anneanni...> wrote:
>>>
>>> Jerry,
>>>
>>> We've had very good results with the UV reflective cling decals on our sunroom windows since it was built in 2010. And it's right in the line of flight from our front yard to all our bird feeder stations in the back yard.
>>>
>>> Decals come in a variety of designs and they're not terribly expensive. We've experimented with a couple different brands bought through Amazon and the less expensive one has been just as effective as the pricier one. We chose the leaf-shaped ones to blend in with our wooded property and even though they're only semi-translucent, they don't detract from the view at all. And the only time any of them ever peeled off was when we needed to power-wash the sunroom siding.
>>>
>>> Two points to be aware of. They do deteriorate eventually and lose some of the UV coating so they'll need to be replaced. You'll know when that's necessary because you'll start to experience bird strikes again. And secondly, the decals aren't very large so you'll likely need to buy more than one set to have enough for full coverage.
>>>
>>> Good luck,
>>> Anne Annibali, Mount Gretna Lebanon County
>>>
>>> ________________________________
>>> From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...>
>>> Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 10:38 AM
>>> To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
>>> Subject: [PABIRDS] Help about window strikes
>>>
>>> What to do about window strikes?
>>> Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to creatures flying into the panel!
>>> Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
>>> Decals!
>>> Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most effective?
>>> We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more accidents without destroying entirely the ambiance.
>>> Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
>>> Jerry Kruth
>>> Pittsburgh
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of PABIRDS Digest - 6 Jul 2026 to 10 Jul 2026 (#2026-141)
> *************************************************************
Date: 7/10/26 6:12 pm From: Lee Simpson <0000013640a8a13a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Help about window strikes
I can agree; we had Collidescape which we installed years ago on large picture windows and we finally removed it because I was tired of not being able to see birds as well as I wanted to. After hours of scraping, washing, peeling etc to remove the old Collidescape, we replaced it with Feather Friendly dots. The Collidescape removal was a pain, but there is no doubt that the product worked extremely well. With the Feather Friendly dots, which we installed at our place here in Pa but also on our cabin in Az, you can either omit a small area or easily remove a few dots to order to allow a photography "window"; I have numerous ones along the window at the correct height for me. I did hear one small bird strike the big picture window in Az in spite of the dots, but could not locate it afterwards. Still, the dots work far better than the parachute cord that had been on it. That said, the parachute cord, purchased on the internet and hung at 4" intervals the length of the window top to bottom, worked fairly well as long as there was some wind to move the cord. My understanding of decals per se is that they are not effective; they weren't at my house for sure. Whatever is applied must be on the outside of the window. Lee Simpson, Berks Co
On Friday, July 10, 2026 at 08:54:03 PM EDT, Lauren Fenstermacher <lnfenstermacher...> wrote:
We installed both Collidescapes and Feather Friendly at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area Visitors Center in Lancaster County pre-Covid and both methods are still holding up well and to my knowledge (left working there two years ago) have prevented the numerous strikes we use to get (around 10-15 a year) on our windows.
Staff installed both methods ourselves with the directions provided. The Collidescapes was a little more difficult to install as you need to wet the windows. It’s a two person job but I have installed Feather Friendly easily with the tape on my own. The Collidescapes cuts down on solar radiation and as such could save on cooling cost in the summer but is obstructive to view out of. I wouldn’t recommend it for large windows where you like to bird watch out of. The other options mentioned on the American Bird Conservancy website and that Scott mentioned would be better for that like Feather Friendly and the Acopian Bird Savers.
Lauren Ferreri
Auburn, PA
> On Jul 10, 2026, at 2:22 PM, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Another option is Feather Friendly (disclaimer, I have no ties to the company), which makes UV-reflective dots, about .25” square, that come in long tape strips that you apply either vertically or horizontally to a window, rub them firmly so the dots adhere, then lift away the clear tape. The only glass in our house that didn’t have external screens was our rear slider, where we had window strikes. I applied Feather Friendly in a grid three (I believe) years ago and have not had a single strike since then.
>
> https://featherfriendly.com >
> A second option is Collide Escape, which Hawk Mountain has used with great success on its large windows at the Acopian Center and the Education Building. It’s an external, UV-reflective film that can be custom-made with art or designs visible from the outside to people, while from inside the window looks much as it would if it had a normal screen. Same disclaimer applies. This approach is pricier.
>
> https://www.collidescape.org/ >
> And finally there are Acopian Bird Savers, which are simply long cords hanging vertically in front of a window, moving in the wind and providing a visual barrier to a flying bird. They are available for purchase at https://www.birdsavers.com but the site also provides DIY instructions for making your own out of parachute cord.
>
> https://www.birdsavers.com >
> So, lots of ways to cut down on window strikes.
>
> Scott Weidensaul
> Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
>
>> On Jul 10, 2026, at 1:20 PM, Anne Annibali <anneanni...> wrote:
>>
>> Jerry,
>>
>> We've had very good results with the UV reflective cling decals on our sunroom windows since it was built in 2010. And it's right in the line of flight from our front yard to all our bird feeder stations in the back yard.
>>
>> Decals come in a variety of designs and they're not terribly expensive. We've experimented with a couple different brands bought through Amazon and the less expensive one has been just as effective as the pricier one. We chose the leaf-shaped ones to blend in with our wooded property and even though they're only semi-translucent, they don't detract from the view at all. And the only time any of them ever peeled off was when we needed to power-wash the sunroom siding.
>>
>> Two points to be aware of. They do deteriorate eventually and lose some of the UV coating so they'll need to be replaced. You'll know when that's necessary because you'll start to experience bird strikes again. And secondly, the decals aren't very large so you'll likely need to buy more than one set to have enough for full coverage.
>>
>> Good luck,
>> Anne Annibali, Mount Gretna Lebanon County
>>
>> ________________________________
>> From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...>
>> Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 10:38 AM
>> To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
>> Subject: [PABIRDS] Help about window strikes
>>
>> What to do about window strikes?
>> Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to creatures flying into the panel!
>> Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
>> Decals!
>> Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most effective?
>> We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more accidents without destroying entirely the ambiance.
>> Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
>> Jerry Kruth
>> Pittsburgh
We installed both Collidescapes and Feather Friendly at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area Visitors Center in Lancaster County pre-Covid and both methods are still holding up well and to my knowledge (left working there two years ago) have prevented the numerous strikes we use to get (around 10-15 a year) on our windows.
Staff installed both methods ourselves with the directions provided. The Collidescapes was a little more difficult to install as you need to wet the windows. It’s a two person job but I have installed Feather Friendly easily with the tape on my own. The Collidescapes cuts down on solar radiation and as such could save on cooling cost in the summer but is obstructive to view out of. I wouldn’t recommend it for large windows where you like to bird watch out of. The other options mentioned on the American Bird Conservancy website and that Scott mentioned would be better for that like Feather Friendly and the Acopian Bird Savers.
Lauren Ferreri
Auburn, PA
> On Jul 10, 2026, at 2:22 PM, SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Another option is Feather Friendly (disclaimer, I have no ties to the company), which makes UV-reflective dots, about .25” square, that come in long tape strips that you apply either vertically or horizontally to a window, rub them firmly so the dots adhere, then lift away the clear tape. The only glass in our house that didn’t have external screens was our rear slider, where we had window strikes. I applied Feather Friendly in a grid three (I believe) years ago and have not had a single strike since then.
>
> https://featherfriendly.com >
> A second option is Collide Escape, which Hawk Mountain has used with great success on its large windows at the Acopian Center and the Education Building. It’s an external, UV-reflective film that can be custom-made with art or designs visible from the outside to people, while from inside the window looks much as it would if it had a normal screen. Same disclaimer applies. This approach is pricier.
>
> https://www.collidescape.org/ >
> And finally there are Acopian Bird Savers, which are simply long cords hanging vertically in front of a window, moving in the wind and providing a visual barrier to a flying bird. They are available for purchase at https://www.birdsavers.com but the site also provides DIY instructions for making your own out of parachute cord.
>
> https://www.birdsavers.com >
> So, lots of ways to cut down on window strikes.
>
> Scott Weidensaul
> Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
>
>> On Jul 10, 2026, at 1:20 PM, Anne Annibali <anneanni...> wrote:
>>
>> Jerry,
>>
>> We've had very good results with the UV reflective cling decals on our sunroom windows since it was built in 2010. And it's right in the line of flight from our front yard to all our bird feeder stations in the back yard.
>>
>> Decals come in a variety of designs and they're not terribly expensive. We've experimented with a couple different brands bought through Amazon and the less expensive one has been just as effective as the pricier one. We chose the leaf-shaped ones to blend in with our wooded property and even though they're only semi-translucent, they don't detract from the view at all. And the only time any of them ever peeled off was when we needed to power-wash the sunroom siding.
>>
>> Two points to be aware of. They do deteriorate eventually and lose some of the UV coating so they'll need to be replaced. You'll know when that's necessary because you'll start to experience bird strikes again. And secondly, the decals aren't very large so you'll likely need to buy more than one set to have enough for full coverage.
>>
>> Good luck,
>> Anne Annibali, Mount Gretna Lebanon County
>>
>> ________________________________
>> From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...>
>> Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 10:38 AM
>> To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
>> Subject: [PABIRDS] Help about window strikes
>>
>> What to do about window strikes?
>> Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to creatures flying into the panel!
>> Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
>> Decals!
>> Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most effective?
>> We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more accidents without destroying entirely the ambiance.
>> Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
>> Jerry Kruth
>> Pittsburgh
Date: 7/10/26 11:22 am From: SCOTT WEIDENSAUL <000001343b2dd726-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Help about window strikes
Another option is Feather Friendly (disclaimer, I have no ties to the company), which makes UV-reflective dots, about .25” square, that come in long tape strips that you apply either vertically or horizontally to a window, rub them firmly so the dots adhere, then lift away the clear tape. The only glass in our house that didn’t have external screens was our rear slider, where we had window strikes. I applied Feather Friendly in a grid three (I believe) years ago and have not had a single strike since then.
A second option is Collide Escape, which Hawk Mountain has used with great success on its large windows at the Acopian Center and the Education Building. It’s an external, UV-reflective film that can be custom-made with art or designs visible from the outside to people, while from inside the window looks much as it would if it had a normal screen. Same disclaimer applies. This approach is pricier.
And finally there are Acopian Bird Savers, which are simply long cords hanging vertically in front of a window, moving in the wind and providing a visual barrier to a flying bird. They are available for purchase at https://www.birdsavers.com but the site also provides DIY instructions for making your own out of parachute cord.
Scott Weidensaul
Milton, NH (formerly Schuylkill Co.)
> On Jul 10, 2026, at 1:20 PM, Anne Annibali <anneanni...> wrote:
>
> Jerry,
>
> We've had very good results with the UV reflective cling decals on our sunroom windows since it was built in 2010. And it's right in the line of flight from our front yard to all our bird feeder stations in the back yard.
>
> Decals come in a variety of designs and they're not terribly expensive. We've experimented with a couple different brands bought through Amazon and the less expensive one has been just as effective as the pricier one. We chose the leaf-shaped ones to blend in with our wooded property and even though they're only semi-translucent, they don't detract from the view at all. And the only time any of them ever peeled off was when we needed to power-wash the sunroom siding.
>
> Two points to be aware of. They do deteriorate eventually and lose some of the UV coating so they'll need to be replaced. You'll know when that's necessary because you'll start to experience bird strikes again. And secondly, the decals aren't very large so you'll likely need to buy more than one set to have enough for full coverage.
>
> Good luck,
> Anne Annibali, Mount Gretna Lebanon County
>
> ________________________________
> From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...>
> Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 10:38 AM
> To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
> Subject: [PABIRDS] Help about window strikes
>
> What to do about window strikes?
> Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to creatures flying into the panel!
> Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
> Decals!
> Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most effective?
> We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more accidents without destroying entirely the ambiance.
> Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
> Jerry Kruth
> Pittsburgh
Date: 7/10/26 10:20 am From: Anne Annibali <anneanni...> Subject: Re: Help about window strikes
Jerry,
We've had very good results with the UV reflective cling decals on our sunroom windows since it was built in 2010. And it's right in the line of flight from our front yard to all our bird feeder stations in the back yard.
Decals come in a variety of designs and they're not terribly expensive. We've experimented with a couple different brands bought through Amazon and the less expensive one has been just as effective as the pricier one. We chose the leaf-shaped ones to blend in with our wooded property and even though they're only semi-translucent, they don't detract from the view at all. And the only time any of them ever peeled off was when we needed to power-wash the sunroom siding.
Two points to be aware of. They do deteriorate eventually and lose some of the UV coating so they'll need to be replaced. You'll know when that's necessary because you'll start to experience bird strikes again. And secondly, the decals aren't very large so you'll likely need to buy more than one set to have enough for full coverage.
Good luck,
Anne Annibali, Mount Gretna Lebanon County
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...>
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 10:38 AM
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] Help about window strikes
What to do about window strikes?
Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to creatures flying into the panel!
Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
Decals!
Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most effective?
We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more accidents without destroying entirely the ambiance.
Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
Jerry Kruth
Pittsburgh
Date: 7/10/26 7:38 am From: jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> Subject: Help about window strikes
What to do about window strikes?
Foolishly (now) we had glass panels installed on the upper deck, and we've already experienced several strikes, and at least a fatality due to creatures flying into the panel!
Had I fathomed this, we'd never had done this, but what to do now?
Decals!
Does anyone have any suggestions about what kind of decal is most effective?
We are very stressed about thiis and want to prevent any more accidents without destroying entirely the ambiance.
Thanks v much for any assistance, and best wishes,
Jerry Kruth
Pittsburgh
Date: 7/6/26 6:55 am From: Rob Dickerson <radickerson...> Subject: Call for Photos - Spring
Do you have some great photos of any birds taken in Pennsylvania from March 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026? Or a picture of a notable/significant sighting from that period?
I am currently accepting photo submissions through end of day July 20 to be considered for publication as space permits in the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (PSO) Spring 2026 issue of Pennsylvania Birds.
**Important Note** Images submitted must be high-res and are preferred to be horizontal shots. Submitted images must be able to be cropped to 1050px x 700px with a resolution of 300 px/in for horizontal images. If space allows high-quality vertical portrait shots may be used, but they take up the space of 2 photos in the layout used by the journal. Vertical photos submitted must be able to be cropped to 1050px x 1313px at 300 px/in.
Some further instructions... If your submission does not follow the instructions below or contain the info requested below, it will not be processed!
- Submissions for consideration **must** be taken during the above date range and emailed to <radickerson...>, please make mention of the word SPRING in the subject line to simplify processing.
- Please do not submit dozens of images for consideration, please do some initial limiting/judging of selections on your end that reflect the best of your work. However, if you have 15 different images of truly notable sightings in the state from this period, I'll gladly accept them for consideration!
- VERY important! For each image attached to the e-mail, you must include a description in the body of the e-mail for that image. Best format to follow: Species Name - Location, County, DD Month. Sentence about significance if known/applicable. (Photographer Name) Example: Antillean Nighthawk - Presque Isle SP, Erie, 12 June. This bird represented a first state record and was observed through 1 July. (John Doe)
- Please also submit your photos for consideration in full resolution or as close to full resolution as possible as these will be printed. Your photo also may be considered for a cover shot and a 250KB image just won't work for that! I need to be able to crop your photo to fit the space as it permits in the journal and a precropped / low-resolution image is problematic for that. It's safe to say that if you're sending me an image under a megabyte in size, it isn't going to be the resolution I need to work with. I also need room to crop the image to the specs used for the newsletter (exact specs posted above) and an extremely tight crop may not allow me to do that.
- Photos selected for printing in the issue will be credited to the photographer, please DO NOT submit watermarked/signatured images or they will not be considered. The image should be clean of any add-ons.
Thanks for considering submitting your photos for consideration for our statewide ornithology journal!
Date: 6/30/26 10:02 am From: DAVID KOCH <0000012d74227426-dmarc-request...> Subject: Koch property, Northampton County
Well, there's no willow ptarmigan here, only normal birds for this time of the year in this part of Pennsylvania. Young of all common species are either begging to be fed or being ignored by a nearby parent. The rose-breasted grosbeak parade continues although I haven't as yet seen young. Eastern bluebirds have fledged from several boxes, as have tree swallows, a house wren, and chickadees. Most interesting right now are flycatchers. Two great-crested's have been chasing each other around the yard, a phoebe has nested in a barn shed, eastern kingbirds are chasing anything that comes near them, even occasionally actually hitting on whatever bird it is, and one night a willow flycatcher kept chasing bigger birds, including crows, away from a mulberry tree. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are becoming regular now that big patches of monarda are opening and many salvias and cupheas are blooming nicely. Every so often an accipiter flies through the yard although I'm not sure if it's a sharpie or Cooper's because I usually only see it as it disappears. A chestnut-sided warbler nested down near our creek and a blue-winged nested in our private woods. And I'm sure I'm missing something that I'll remember after I send this.
Arlene Koch Easton, PA Northampton County <davilene...>
Date: 6/26/26 3:11 am From: Bill Chambers <0000007764fc3a01-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: Willow Ptarmigan ethics - Erie County
Awesome write up and interpretation! There’s some crazy bullying that occurs in the birding and other such communities when one or a couple of them decide someone has not acted accordingly. It’s ironic because I have been birding for about 20 years now and I have watched birders that try to be the judge, jury and executioner of these birding standards, break them their self when they believe they will not be seen. I mostly bird by myself now a days and if I see another birder I generally move on elsewhere. Bill C!
On Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 01:35:01 PM EDT, Geoff Malosh <pomarine...> wrote:
I know the people well who have now been photographed and posted in an eBird checklist related to this. Since they have been posted and criticized publicly, I think it's reasonable for me to post publicly about them as well. They're not on this listserv. They're actually very nice people, if you can believe it! They're relatively new to our thing and not dialed into the birding community yet at all. The kid is very enthusiastic about birding, and quite highly skilled already, and his dad, while not in the least interested in birds himself, has been very encouraging of his son's new interest -- including doing things like driving several hours so his son can see some weird chicken on a beach.
We've all had birds walk or fly up to us before, like this bird did to this kid. Things like ruffed grouse, shorebirds, vagrant flycatchers, warblers at Magee Marsh, a robin on the porch, maybe even a ptarmigan on the Arctic tundra. Birds do unexpected and counterintuitive things sometimes. Should he and everyone else present have backed off? I wasn't there, but, okay, yes, he should have. Should he have not been anywhere close in the first place, so that the bird could not walk up to him if it tried? I guess all the armchair QBs can reasonably argue that too. Knowing him and his father, I am certain he would have backed off if he was approached by concerned birders in a reasonable manner. And to repeat, the bird literally walked up to this kid, on its own. Who here wouldn't actually take a picture or twenty with a big smile on your face, if it was you?
Not everything is black and white, in other words. The flip side of all this is the birding community's penchant for always assuming the worst in people anytime a story like this comes up. Assuming, as here, that this kid (and I suppose most everyone else present?) was just being selfish and unthinking. I note that all responses to the original post here also immediately assumed the worst. Again, I wasn't there, but if I were to speculate about what went on (and from what I gathered from the parents' side of the story), I'd suggest that it was probably just... one of those things. Everyone there was likely being very respectful of the bird, waiting patiently for it to appear, at an appropriate distance initially, and the bird on its own closed the distance to the crowd once it finally walked out. Myself, I wouldn't immediately assume malicious or selfish intent from anyone there, especially given this particular situation and this particular species. Certainly enough birds have surprised me like that, over the years. Should everyone immediately back off in that situation? You can argue yes they should, but if they don't, and instead get wrapped up in enjoying an amazing moment with everyone else, that doesn't make any of them unethical. It’s just one of those things. From what I heard, nobody chased the bird out of the phrags to get a photo, or chased it a hundred yards down the beach or whatever, least of all this kid. If there is evidence that someone did do that, then yes we should all be concerned.
He's a young birder new to this stuff and was pretty thrilled to have had a tame bird that should be 4000 miles away in Alaska unexpectedly walk right up to him, and he's understandably distraught seeing his face posted publicly and being scolded this way with no way to respond. The place for commentary and correction, if it was even necessary at all, was in the field. I talked to his parents, and their story is that none of the several people also there said anything to him, and nobody said anything to his dad either, and lots of people had the chance but they were too busy enjoying the scene themselves. Now the net effect of all of this may well be to turn off a promising and skilled young birder from taking his new hobby any further. That's probably a worse outcome than some people taking close pictures of some lost bird, all things considered, and frankly I'm not convinced he or anyone else there did anything "wrong" in the first place.
Date: 6/26/26 12:28 am From: Dave DeReamus <becard...> Subject: Re: Willow Ptarmigan ethics - Erie County
Hi all,
I don't normally reply to posts like this, but thought I'd mention a few things.
First of all, I wasn't there to witness what happened that day. I was there on the 22nd and saw the bird that day. When I was there, birders were keeping a respectful distance and not chasing the bird around. It was working its way through the phragmites feeding on plants, and the last thing anyone wanted to do was push the bird back into deeper cover. Occasionally, the bird would actually walk TOWARDS the group, which often happens with tundra birds that have rarely, if ever, seen humans and therefore don't perceive them as a threat. I took my photos with a 500mm lens and still had to do some cropping on them because of the distance.
If this person was literally chasing the bird around, then that's an issue, but if the bird walked towards the group, in my opinion, the correct thing to do was to stand still and let the bird do its thing. I would think that a group of birders suddenly moving to back away would startle the bird a lot more than everyone freezing in position. One personal example of this happened when I was photographing a Bahama Mockingbird in Florida. The bird dropped down from the fence it was on and proceeded to hop past my feet! I stood perfectly still until the bird got past me and continued feeding along the ground. Had I moved, there's no doubt that I would've have sent the bird flying.
As with anything, there are a few 'bad apples' that can make the whole group (birders, in this case) look bad. Hopefully, that wasn't the case here.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Geoff Malosh" <pomarine...>
To: "PABIRDS Listing Address" <PABIRDS...>
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2026 1:34:55 PM
Subject: Re: Willow Ptarmigan ethics - Erie County
I know the people well who have now been photographed and posted in an eBird checklist related to this. Since they have been posted and criticized publicly, I think it's reasonable for me to post publicly about them as well. They're not on this listserv. They're actually very nice people, if you can believe it! They're relatively new to our thing and not dialed into the birding community yet at all. The kid is very enthusiastic about birding, and quite highly skilled already, and his dad, while not in the least interested in birds himself, has been very encouraging of his son's new interest -- including doing things like driving several hours so his son can see some weird chicken on a beach.
We've all had birds walk or fly up to us before, like this bird did to this kid. Things like ruffed grouse, shorebirds, vagrant flycatchers, warblers at Magee Marsh, a robin on the porch, maybe even a ptarmigan on the Arctic tundra. Birds do unexpected and counterintuitive things sometimes. Should he and everyone else present have backed off? I wasn't there, but, okay, yes, he should have. Should he have not been anywhere close in the first place, so that the bird could not walk up to him if it tried? I guess all the armchair QBs can reasonably argue that too. Knowing him and his father, I am certain he would have backed off if he was approached by concerned birders in a reasonable manner. And to repeat, the bird literally walked up to this kid, on its own. Who here wouldn't actually take a picture or twenty with a big smile on your face, if it was you?
Not everything is black and white, in other words. The flip side of all this is the birding community's penchant for always assuming the worst in people anytime a story like this comes up. Assuming, as here, that this kid (and I suppose most everyone else present?) was just being selfish and unthinking. I note that all responses to the original post here also immediately assumed the worst. Again, I wasn't there, but if I were to speculate about what went on (and from what I gathered from the parents' side of the story), I'd suggest that it was probably just... one of those things. Everyone there was likely being very respectful of the bird, waiting patiently for it to appear, at an appropriate distance initially, and the bird on its own closed the distance to the crowd once it finally walked out. Myself, I wouldn't immediately assume malicious or selfish intent from anyone there, especially given this particular situation and this particular species. Certainly enough birds have surprised me like that, over the years. Should everyone immediately back off in that situation? You can argue yes they should, but if they don't, and instead get wrapped up in enjoying an amazing moment with everyone else, that doesn't make any of them unethical. It’s just one of those things. From what I heard, nobody chased the bird out of the phrags to get a photo, or chased it a hundred yards down the beach or whatever, least of all this kid. If there is evidence that someone did do that, then yes we should all be concerned.
He's a young birder new to this stuff and was pretty thrilled to have had a tame bird that should be 4000 miles away in Alaska unexpectedly walk right up to him, and he's understandably distraught seeing his face posted publicly and being scolded this way with no way to respond. The place for commentary and correction, if it was even necessary at all, was in the field. I talked to his parents, and their story is that none of the several people also there said anything to him, and nobody said anything to his dad either, and lots of people had the chance but they were too busy enjoying the scene themselves. Now the net effect of all of this may well be to turn off a promising and skilled young birder from taking his new hobby any further. That's probably a worse outcome than some people taking close pictures of some lost bird, all things considered, and frankly I'm not convinced he or anyone else there did anything "wrong" in the first place.
Contributors: Lori Arent, Ronan B via Ebird, Kimberly Berry, Dave Brooke, Alex Busato, Liz Carlson, Kraig Cawley, Henggang Cui, Karyn Delaney, Bill Dell, Donald DeWolf, Wiltrud Fassbinder, Shaina Frye, Bridgette Gerber-Winschel, Eric Hall, Rebecca Hart, Meg Kolodick, Jon Kurtz, Yianni Laskaris, Tracy Mosebey, Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan, Faith Richardson, Bolana Schofield, Kate St. John, Scott Stoleson, John Taylor, Shannon Thompson, Steve Wagner, Mike Weible, Samantha Werksman, Carole Winslow, Warren Wolf.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 16 June 2026 through Tuesday, 23 June 2026
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTE: GREAT EGRET, BLACK VULTURE continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
At Imperial on 6/17, 2 UPLAND SANDPIPERS (BS); on 6/18-6/19, 1 UPLAND SANDPIPER (EP, KSJ et. al.); on 6/20-6/21, 2 UPLAND SANDPIPERS (RB, LA); on 6/23, 1 UPLAND SANDPIPER (WW et. al.).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
In Rimbersburg on 6/19, 1 TRUMPETER SWAN (SW).
On 6/23 in Elderton, 1 flyover MISSISSIPPI KITE (MW, JT).
BUTLER COUNTY:
In Cabot on 6/23, 2 BLUE GROSBEAKS (EH).
CLARION COUNTY:
At the Piney Tract on 6/18, 2 CLAY-COLORED SPARROWS (DB); on 6/19, 1 CLAY-COLORED SPARROW, 1 HENSLOW'S SPARROW (HC); on 6/21, 1 CLAY-COLORED SPARROW (AB).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
On 6/17 near Geneva, 1 HENSLOW'S SPARROW (EH).
In Meadville on 6/21, 1 MERLIN (YL).
On 6/23 at State Gamelands #214, 3 WHITE-RUMPED SANDPIPERS (TM).
ERIE COUNTY:
On 6/20 at Presque Isle State Park, 1 AMERICAN PIPIT (BG); on 6/21-6/23, 1 WILLOW PTARMIGAN (ST et. al.).
At Erie Bluffs State Park on 6/20-6/21, 1 YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (LC, KD).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
On 6/17 at Bear Run Nature Reserve, 1 SWAINSON'S WARBLER (BD); on 6/23, 4 SWAINSON'S WARBLERS (SF).
At State Gamelands #51 on 6/19, 1 SWAINSON'S WARBLER (KC).
LAWRENCE COUNTY:
On 6/22 near State Gamelands #151. sightings included 3 SANDHILL CRANES, 1 COMMON RAVEN, 2 EVENING GROSBEAKS (FR).
VENANGO COUNTY:
In Emlenton on 6/18, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (CW).
On 6/19 and 6/21 at Kahle Lake, 1 RED-HEADED WOODPECKER (DD, KB).
Near Cyrus on 6/20, 1 PEREGRINE FALCON (JK).
On 6/21 near Nickelville, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (KB).
At Oil Creek State Park on 6/21, 1 KENTUCKY WARBLER (reported to MK by Dot Monahan).
WARREN COUNTY:
South of Warren on 6/20, 1 WORM-EATING WARBLER (SS).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
On 6/19 near Midway, 1 DICKCISSEL, 1 BLACK-BILLED CUCKOO, 5 GRASSHOPPER SPARROWS, 2 SAVANNAH SPARROWS, 4 HENSLOW'S SPARROWS, 4 BOBOLINKS (WF); on 6/20, 1 DICKCISSEL (RB).
WESTMORELAND COUNTY:
At Acme Dam on 6/17, 1 ALDER FLYCATCHER (SW).
On 6/21 in Murrysville, 1 probable FISH CROW (RH).
I apologize if I ruffled your feathers, I was responding to the previous poster's comments, who was there and said people were following it around and that she left feeling disheartened. Additionally, if there is an entire section on eBird regarding people's behavior around this bird, it seems there'd be good reason for it. I hope I'm wrong.
Amy Taracido
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of Geoff Malosh <pomarine...>
Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2026 1:34 PM
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Willow Ptarmigan ethics - Erie County
I know the people well who have now been photographed and posted in an eBird checklist related to this. Since they have been posted and criticized publicly, I think it's reasonable for me to post publicly about them as well. They're not on this listserv. They're actually very nice people, if you can believe it! They're relatively new to our thing and not dialed into the birding community yet at all. The kid is very enthusiastic about birding, and quite highly skilled already, and his dad, while not in the least interested in birds himself, has been very encouraging of his son's new interest -- including doing things like driving several hours so his son can see some weird chicken on a beach.
We've all had birds walk or fly up to us before, like this bird did to this kid. Things like ruffed grouse, shorebirds, vagrant flycatchers, warblers at Magee Marsh, a robin on the porch, maybe even a ptarmigan on the Arctic tundra. Birds do unexpected and counterintuitive things sometimes. Should he and everyone else present have backed off? I wasn't there, but, okay, yes, he should have. Should he have not been anywhere close in the first place, so that the bird could not walk up to him if it tried? I guess all the armchair QBs can reasonably argue that too. Knowing him and his father, I am certain he would have backed off if he was approached by concerned birders in a reasonable manner. And to repeat, the bird literally walked up to this kid, on its own. Who here wouldn't actually take a picture or twenty with a big smile on your face, if it was you?
Not everything is black and white, in other words. The flip side of all this is the birding community's penchant for always assuming the worst in people anytime a story like this comes up. Assuming, as here, that this kid (and I suppose most everyone else present?) was just being selfish and unthinking. I note that all responses to the original post here also immediately assumed the worst. Again, I wasn't there, but if I were to speculate about what went on (and from what I gathered from the parents' side of the story), I'd suggest that it was probably just... one of those things. Everyone there was likely being very respectful of the bird, waiting patiently for it to appear, at an appropriate distance initially, and the bird on its own closed the distance to the crowd once it finally walked out. Myself, I wouldn't immediately assume malicious or selfish intent from anyone there, especially given this particular situation and this particular species. Certainly enough birds have surprised me like that, over the years. Should everyone immediately back off in that situation? You can argue yes they should, but if they don't, and instead get wrapped up in enjoying an amazing moment with everyone else, that doesn't make any of them unethical. Its just one of those things. From what I heard, nobody chased the bird out of the phrags to get a photo, or chased it a hundred yards down the beach or whatever, least of all this kid. If there is evidence that someone did do that, then yes we should all be concerned.
He's a young birder new to this stuff and was pretty thrilled to have had a tame bird that should be 4000 miles away in Alaska unexpectedly walk right up to him, and he's understandably distraught seeing his face posted publicly and being scolded this way with no way to respond. The place for commentary and correction, if it was even necessary at all, was in the field. I talked to his parents, and their story is that none of the several people also there said anything to him, and nobody said anything to his dad either, and lots of people had the chance but they were too busy enjoying the scene themselves. Now the net effect of all of this may well be to turn off a promising and skilled young birder from taking his new hobby any further. That's probably a worse outcome than some people taking close pictures of some lost bird, all things considered, and frankly I'm not convinced he or anyone else there did anything "wrong" in the first place.
Contributors: David Argent, Ronan B via Ebird, Kimberly Berry, Duncan Bishop, Nathaniel Bowler, Thomas Frank, Jeremy Gardner, Malcolm Kurtz, Kate Littlefield, Doug Massey, Michael McDevitt, Jerry McWilliams, Oscar Miller, Susan Miller, Mike Smith, Shawn Sowers, Jerry Stanley, Alex Ullrich.
Compiler: Amy Taracido
Tuesday, 9 June 2026 through Tuesday, 16 June 2026
**This report is distributed by e-mail only. Compiler is not responsible for errors on websites who reproduce/reprint these reports. If you would like to receive western PA RBAs, contact AMYTARACIDO@ YAHOO.COM
Transcript-
NOTE: TUNDRA SWAN, VIRGINIA RAIL, GREAT EGRET continue to be reported.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY:
On 6/10 in Squirrel Hill, 1 MERLIN (MK).
At the Imperial grasslands on 6/15, 4 UPLAND SANDPIPERS (MS); on 6/16, 1 UPLAND SANDPIPER (NB).
ARMSTRONG COUNTY:
On 6/14 near Adams, 3 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (KB).
BUTLER COUNTY:
In Harrisville on 6/10, 1 BLUE GROSBEAK, 1 YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO, 1 PURPLE FINCH (OM).
CRAWFORD COUNTY:
At Pymatuning State Park on 6/14, 1 MERLIN (SS).
ERIE COUNTY:
On 6/11 and 6/13 at Erie Bluffs State Park, 1 YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (JM, KL); on 6/14, 2 YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS (TF); on 6/15-6/16, 1 YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT (DM, DB).
FAYETTE COUNTY:
At Bear Run Nature Reserve on 6/11, 1 SWAINSON'S WARBLER (MM); on 6/12, 3 SWAINSON'S WARBLERS (JG); on 6/13, 2 SWAINSON'S WARBLERS (AU).
VENANGO COUNTY:
At Kahle Lake on 6/11, 2 RED-HEADED WOODPECKERS (JS).
WASHINGTON COUNTY:
Near Midway on 6/13 and 6/15, 1 DICKCISSEL (RB, DA et. al.); also on 6/13, 1 SAVANNAH SPARROW, 3 HENSLOW'S SPARROWS, 2 YELLOW-BREASTED CHATS, 6 BOBOLINKS (RB).
Date: 6/25/26 10:35 am From: Geoff Malosh <pomarine...> Subject: Re: Willow Ptarmigan ethics - Erie County
I know the people well who have now been photographed and posted in an eBird checklist related to this. Since they have been posted and criticized publicly, I think it's reasonable for me to post publicly about them as well. They're not on this listserv. They're actually very nice people, if you can believe it! They're relatively new to our thing and not dialed into the birding community yet at all. The kid is very enthusiastic about birding, and quite highly skilled already, and his dad, while not in the least interested in birds himself, has been very encouraging of his son's new interest -- including doing things like driving several hours so his son can see some weird chicken on a beach.
We've all had birds walk or fly up to us before, like this bird did to this kid. Things like ruffed grouse, shorebirds, vagrant flycatchers, warblers at Magee Marsh, a robin on the porch, maybe even a ptarmigan on the Arctic tundra. Birds do unexpected and counterintuitive things sometimes. Should he and everyone else present have backed off? I wasn't there, but, okay, yes, he should have. Should he have not been anywhere close in the first place, so that the bird could not walk up to him if it tried? I guess all the armchair QBs can reasonably argue that too. Knowing him and his father, I am certain he would have backed off if he was approached by concerned birders in a reasonable manner. And to repeat, the bird literally walked up to this kid, on its own. Who here wouldn't actually take a picture or twenty with a big smile on your face, if it was you?
Not everything is black and white, in other words. The flip side of all this is the birding community's penchant for always assuming the worst in people anytime a story like this comes up. Assuming, as here, that this kid (and I suppose most everyone else present?) was just being selfish and unthinking. I note that all responses to the original post here also immediately assumed the worst. Again, I wasn't there, but if I were to speculate about what went on (and from what I gathered from the parents' side of the story), I'd suggest that it was probably just... one of those things. Everyone there was likely being very respectful of the bird, waiting patiently for it to appear, at an appropriate distance initially, and the bird on its own closed the distance to the crowd once it finally walked out. Myself, I wouldn't immediately assume malicious or selfish intent from anyone there, especially given this particular situation and this particular species. Certainly enough birds have surprised me like that, over the years. Should everyone immediately back off in that situation? You can argue yes they should, but if they don't, and instead get wrapped up in enjoying an amazing moment with everyone else, that doesn't make any of them unethical. It’s just one of those things. From what I heard, nobody chased the bird out of the phrags to get a photo, or chased it a hundred yards down the beach or whatever, least of all this kid. If there is evidence that someone did do that, then yes we should all be concerned.
He's a young birder new to this stuff and was pretty thrilled to have had a tame bird that should be 4000 miles away in Alaska unexpectedly walk right up to him, and he's understandably distraught seeing his face posted publicly and being scolded this way with no way to respond. The place for commentary and correction, if it was even necessary at all, was in the field. I talked to his parents, and their story is that none of the several people also there said anything to him, and nobody said anything to his dad either, and lots of people had the chance but they were too busy enjoying the scene themselves. Now the net effect of all of this may well be to turn off a promising and skilled young birder from taking his new hobby any further. That's probably a worse outcome than some people taking close pictures of some lost bird, all things considered, and frankly I'm not convinced he or anyone else there did anything "wrong" in the first place.
Date: 6/25/26 7:55 am From: Amy Taracido <amytaracido...> Subject: Re: Willow Ptarmigan ethics - Erie County
Sadly that was the first thing that came to my mind when I heard about the bird being there. Which is why I'll never "chase" a sighting. People sicken me. Maybe State Park authorities can get involved to protect it better.
Amy Taracido
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of K Springer <springer0707...>
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 9:51 AM
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: [PABIRDS] Willow Ptarmigan ethics - Erie County
I was very excited to see this.
People were getting as close as they could to it and taking photographs. I
understand it's like tame, but have some ethics! I walked up to a group of
people thinking I was in the right place. I didn't realize that they were
about 4 feet from it. I walked away...
A person kept following it around getting very close pictures! I said
something to someone in the group, but people are ignorant. Again, I
realize it's pretty tame as it almost walked up to me as I was hiding
behind some phragmites and driftwood, so I left.
I left feeling very disheartened with our human race.
I was fishing on the West branch of the Susquehanna River under a bridge, when an adult male Peregrine came down and circled me at least a half dozen times getting within 15 yards of me. He wasn't calling or seemed aggressive or defensive, just came down and gave me an amazing look at him. There was another Peregrine briefly nearby that did not look to be an adult male, but I didn't get a good enough look to know whether it was a female or a juvenile. The male then perched above me for the next 10 minutes or so while I was nearby and then flew off when I went further upriver.
I fished this bridge several times in years past when there were calling young in a nest and the adults never behaved anything like today. Truly an amazing experience that more than offset the abysmal luck I had fishing :-)
Moses Martin Millville, PA
Date: 6/24/26 9:02 am From: Grove, Deborah Shuey <dsg4...> Subject: Re: Willow Ptarmigan ethics - Erie County
Yes another reason I have been reluctant to go. I have said things before to people but these people are hardened to such admonishing.
I will probably go Monday when there will be fewer people. However, my prediction is that the bird will be harassed more than ever over the weekend.
I was glad that I saw one on a quiet road in Alaska.
Deb
Deborah S. Grove
________________________________
From: Bird discussion list for Pennsylvania <PABIRDS...> on behalf of Glenn Koppel <macatilly...>
Sent: Wednesday, 24 June 2026 11:57:13
To: <PABIRDS...> <PABIRDS...>
Subject: Re: [PABIRDS] Willow Ptarmigan ethics - Erie County
Yes, the chasers and photographers are some of the worst behaved people when it comes to rare birds. I understand your feelings and agree totally.
Glenn Koppel
Butler, PA.
> On Jun 24, 2026, at 9:51 AM, K Springer <springer0707...> wrote:
>
> I was very excited to see this.
>
> People were getting as close as they could to it and taking photographs. I
> understand it's like tame, but have some ethics! I walked up to a group of
> people thinking I was in the right place. I didn't realize that they were
> about 4 feet from it. I walked away...
>
> A person kept following it around getting very close pictures! I said
> something to someone in the group, but people are ignorant. Again, I
> realize it's pretty tame as it almost walked up to me as I was hiding
> behind some phragmites and driftwood, so I left.
>
> I left feeling very disheartened with our human race.
>
> Kim Springer,
> Transfer, PA
Date: 6/24/26 8:57 am From: Glenn Koppel <macatilly...> Subject: Re: Willow Ptarmigan ethics - Erie County
Yes, the chasers and photographers are some of the worst behaved people when it comes to rare birds. I understand your feelings and agree totally.
Glenn Koppel
Butler, PA.
> On Jun 24, 2026, at 9:51 AM, K Springer <springer0707...> wrote:
>
> I was very excited to see this.
>
> People were getting as close as they could to it and taking photographs. I
> understand it's like tame, but have some ethics! I walked up to a group of
> people thinking I was in the right place. I didn't realize that they were
> about 4 feet from it. I walked away...
>
> A person kept following it around getting very close pictures! I said
> something to someone in the group, but people are ignorant. Again, I
> realize it's pretty tame as it almost walked up to me as I was hiding
> behind some phragmites and driftwood, so I left.
>
> I left feeling very disheartened with our human race.
>
> Kim Springer,
> Transfer, PA
Date: 6/24/26 7:01 am From: K Springer <springer0707...> Subject: Willow Ptarmigan ethics - Erie County
I was very excited to see this.
People were getting as close as they could to it and taking photographs. I understand it's like tame, but have some ethics! I walked up to a group of people thinking I was in the right place. I didn't realize that they were about 4 feet from it. I walked away...
A person kept following it around getting very close pictures! I said something to someone in the group, but people are ignorant. Again, I realize it's pretty tame as it almost walked up to me as I was hiding behind some phragmites and driftwood, so I left.
I left feeling very disheartened with our human race.
