Jays and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are just a few diurnal migrant species known to collide with the reflective windows of homes, cottages and office towers. Here they are often killed by colliding with lobby windows or else die of exposure, trauma, shock or predation. Secondary kills can be prevented by caring individuals who quietly pick up the birds and transport them to natural areas where they can feed and rest for the day before resuming their migration the next night. Take them to a wildlife rehabilitation centre if additional assistance is needed. Peak times are May and late September through October.
Collisions usually begins shortly after midnight.
On occasion, collisions can occur shortly after dusk due to the sudden arrival of inclement weather. Foggy nights and strong winds are extremely dangerous. A sudden increase in temperature in spring or a sudden drop in temperature in fall may result in a larger number of birds coming through. The one time when there are likely to be few, if any, casualties is on a clear night with a full moon. On these nights, the birds fly at higher altitudes and are able to avoid the towers.