The increasing awareness of bird-glass collision issues has led to the development of products like Feather Friendly, a bird-safe window treatment that prevents collisions by making glass visible to birds. The product is designed for varying project sizes—small-scale DIY, medium-scale Pro DIY, and large-scale Pro—and each variant comes with specific installation instructions, durability estimates, and application guidelines. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the installation process, product specifications, and best practices for deploying Feather Friendly to reduce bird collisions in U.S. residential and commercial settings.
Understanding Feather Friendly and Its Purpose
Feather Friendly is a bird-safe window marking solution that prevents birds from flying into reflective or transparent glass. The product functions by applying adhesive markers or patterns to the exterior surface of the glass. These markers reduce the visibility of the glass to birds by breaking up reflections or making the glass appear as a solid surface. Independent studies have shown that when installed correctly, Feather Friendly can reduce bird-glass collisions by 95% or more.
The effectiveness of the product is rooted in the scientific principle that birds cannot distinguish glass from open space unless the glass is marked or otherwise visible. This is especially critical in urban and suburban environments where buildings are surrounded by trees, water bodies, or other habitats that birds may perceive as safe passageways.
Choosing the Right Product for Your Project
Feather Friendly offers three product categories based on the scale and complexity of the installation:
Small-scale DIY
- Ideal for projects under 100 square feet.
- Covers approximately 16 square feet per roll.
- Designed for individual users with moderate installation experience.
- Durability: 8+ years when installed following best practices.
Medium-scale Pro DIY
- Suitable for projects between 75 and 225 square feet.
- Covers approximately 75 square feet per roll.
- Intended for more extensive installations that may require additional planning and effort.
- Durability: 12+ years.
Large-scale Pro
- Designed for large commercial or institutional projects over 150 square feet.
- Comes in master rolls covering up to 450 square feet (partial rolls available).
- Requires professional applicators for installation due to the scale and complexity.
- Durability: 15+ years.
The product is best applied using a 2x2 inch spacing pattern, which has been scientifically validated to be most effective in preventing collisions. The spacing and density of the pattern depend on the type of glass (fly-through or reflective) and the surrounding environment.
Preparing for Installation
Before beginning the installation of Feather Friendly, it is essential to assess the project and prepare the site accordingly. The following steps outline the critical preparation considerations:
Assessing the Window and Environment
- Glass Type: Determine whether the glass is reflective or fly-through. Reflective surfaces (e.g., those that mirror the sky or trees) pose a higher collision risk, while fly-through surfaces allow birds to see through to the interior, which can also be dangerous if it mimics open space.
- Window Orientation: Windows facing natural habitats, such as wetlands, forests, or water bodies, are particularly high-risk areas. These should be prioritized for treatment.
- Installation Surface: Feather Friendly must be applied to the exterior side of the glass. If installed on the interior, the markers will not be visible to birds due to glare and reflections, rendering the product ineffective.
Cleaning the Glass
Before applying Feather Friendly, the glass must be thoroughly cleaned. Any dirt, dust, or residue can interfere with adhesion and reduce the product's effectiveness. A soft cloth, paper towel, or rubber squeegee with standard glass cleaning products (e.g., soap and water or Windex) is recommended. Pressure washers and abrasive cleaners should be avoided, as they may damage the surface or the product.
The adhesive on the markers requires time to set after installation. It is advised to allow the product to cure for 30 days before cleaning the glass again.
Planning the Layout
The spacing and pattern of the markers are crucial to the product’s effectiveness. For optimal results, markers should be spaced at a 2x2 inch interval. This pattern ensures that birds perceive the glass as a solid surface rather than an open passage. For larger windows or more complex layouts, it may be beneficial to create a layout sketch or use a grid template to maintain consistency.
Selecting the Right Tools and Materials
While the product is designed for ease of installation, having the right tools can streamline the process:
- Feather Friendly markers or film (appropriate for the project size)
- Cleaning supplies (microfiber cloths, squeegees, glass cleaner)
- Ladder or scaffolding (for hard-to-reach windows)
- Measuring tape or grid template
- Optional: professional applicator for large-scale projects
For DIY projects, it is recommended to work with a partner or enlist the help of a local window washer or handyman, especially for high or difficult-to-reach windows.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
The installation process for Feather Friendly varies slightly depending on the product size and scale. However, the following steps provide a general outline for small- to medium-scale DIY applications:
Step 1: Clean the Glass Thoroughly
As mentioned earlier, the surface must be free of dust and debris. Use a soft cloth or squeegee with a standard glass cleaner to ensure the surface is spotless.
Step 2: Apply the First Row of Markers
Begin by applying the first row of markers to the exterior surface of the glass. Use a measuring tape or grid template to maintain the 2x2 inch spacing. It is common for the first rows to take longer as the installer becomes familiar with the material, but the process should become more efficient with time.
Step 3: Continue Applying Markers in a Grid Pattern
Once the first row is in place, continue applying the markers in a consistent grid pattern across the entire window. Take care to maintain even spacing and avoid overlapping markers. For larger projects, it may be helpful to divide the window into sections and work one area at a time.
Step 4: Allow the Adhesive to Cure
After the markers are applied, allow the adhesive to set for at least 30 days before cleaning the glass. This ensures that the product adheres properly and remains effective for its full lifespan.
Step 5: Monitor and Maintain
While Feather Friendly is designed to be durable, it is important to monitor the installation periodically. If any markers become loose or damaged, they should be replaced as needed. Regular maintenance will help ensure the product continues to function effectively over time.
Best Practices and Recommendations
To maximize the effectiveness of Feather Friendly, it is important to follow certain best practices and recommendations:
- Apply to the Exterior: As previously emphasized, the product must be applied to the outside of the glass. Interior applications are ineffective due to reflections and glare.
- Follow Spacing Guidelines: A 2x2 inch spacing pattern has been scientifically proven to be the most effective in reducing collisions. Deviations from this pattern may reduce the product's performance.
- Allow for Curing Time: The adhesive requires time to set, so avoid cleaning the glass for at least 30 days after installation.
- Use the Right Product for the Project Size: Choose the appropriate product variant (Small-scale DIY, Medium-scale Pro DIY, or Large-scale Pro) based on the size and complexity of the project. Using a product that is not suited for the task may result in poor adhesion or coverage.
- Plan for Professional Assistance for Large Projects: For projects over 300 square feet, it is recommended to work with an authorized applicator. These professionals have the equipment and expertise to handle large-scale installations efficiently and effectively.
Case Study: Feather Friendly in Action
A real-world example of Feather Friendly’s effectiveness can be seen in a project at Camden County High School in Georgia. The school's Fine Arts Building, which opened in 2020, faced a significant issue with bird collisions, particularly on its west façade. This area, which faces a wetland habitat, featured highly reflective glass that became a deadly trap for birds.
In early 2025, the school partnered with Birds Georgia to apply Feather Friendly to the affected windows. The project, funded in part by a grant from the Disney Conservation Fund, covered approximately 2,200 square feet of exterior windows. The 2x2 inch spacing pattern was applied, and the results were immediately noticeable. The dots broke up reflections and made the glass visible to birds, causing them to alter their flight paths and avoid collisions.
The project was a collaborative effort involving volunteers from Camden County Audubon, the school’s students and staff, and other community members. It marked one of the largest retrofits of its kind in the region and contributed to the overall effort to make the Georgia coast more bird-friendly.
In addition to the high school project, Birds Georgia also retrofitted portions of the University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant office in Brunswick, Georgia. This building had already been partially retrofitted with another bird-safe solution (CollidEscape), but a few untreated windows remained. Feather Friendly was used to cover those areas, further reducing the risk of collisions.
Conclusion
Feather Friendly is a scientifically validated solution to the growing problem of bird-glass collisions. When installed correctly, it can significantly reduce the number of birds that collide with windows by making the glass visible to them. The product is available in three variants—Small-scale DIY, Medium-scale Pro DIY, and Large-scale Pro—each designed for different project sizes and installation complexities.
The installation process requires careful planning, attention to detail, and adherence to best practices. Key considerations include applying the product to the exterior side of the glass, following the recommended spacing pattern, and allowing sufficient time for the adhesive to cure. For large-scale projects, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a professional applicator to ensure optimal results.
As awareness of bird safety continues to grow, products like Feather Friendly are playing a vital role in protecting avian populations while also enhancing the functionality and aesthetics of buildings. By making windows bird-friendly, property owners can contribute to the conservation of local bird species and help reduce the environmental impact of urban and suburban development.