My new Bird Watcher column in The Record and Herald-News is about the ways you can make your windows safer for birds. The column features an interview with Professor Daniel Klem (below, next to a bird-safe window) of Muhlenberg College.

Klem has studied the enormous problem of birds crashing into buildings for more than 40 years.

The subject of bird-safe indows has been in the news of late because the Minnesota Vikings have balked at the idea of using bird-safe glass in their new billion-dollar stadium (above).

Since conservation, like charity, begins at home, I thought I'd explore ways folks can reduce bird strikes in their own backyards.

My only regret with the column is that I could have written more.  Many of us remember the problems we have had locally with our beloved Red-shouldered Hawks crashing into windows -- including momma superior Laura, who has successfully nested in Allendale for several years.

Laura was found dazed in an Allendale yard and brought to The Raptor Trust, where she recovered from the accident. Her predecessor  died after striking a window in 2007.

A link to the column is here.