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Why birds fly into windows (and what to do if one flies into yours)
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Whoa! It can be startling to see a bird fly directly into your window. But could this feathered friend be symbolizing something pretty significant on the horizon (besides the fact that your windows are a little too clean)? We’re here to break down all the spiritual meanings and superstitions associated with this unique phenomenon, as well as what you can do to help any injured birds around your home.
Things You Should Know
- A bird flying into your window can symbolize a new change in your life, like a new job or relationship.
- It may be a reminder to believe that good things are coming in your future.
- A bird crashing into your window can also be a reminder to listen to your gut and trust your intuition.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
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A new change is flying your way. This change might be big and noticeable, like an upcoming move to a new apartment or a fun date with someone you met online. The change in question could also be something that’s low-key but still significant, like going on a spontaneous day trip over the weekend or taking a big trip to the grocery store. [1] X Research source
- Change can be a little stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! Lighten your load by looking at life through a more humor-filled lens. [2] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source
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Luck is in your future. Ironically and sadly enough, some people believe that a bird that dies upon the impact of a collision is actually symbolic of good luck. By this logic, the bird’s tragic sacrifice offers something positive in its wake. [3] X Research source
- At the end of the day, being “lucky” or “unlucky” is completely out of your control. The best ways to feel in control of your life are through healthy habits like exercising , breathing deeply , and practicing self-reflection . [4] X Trustworthy Source Greater Good Magazine Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living Go to source
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Good things are on the horizon. Maybe your life has felt pretty unlucky lately, or you just don’t see anything fun or interesting in your future. A bird flying into your window can be a powerful symbol that good, positive energy is headed in your direction—you just have to be trusting and faithful.
- Keep yourself in a healthy headspace by practicing plenty of healthy habits, like transforming negative thoughts into positive ones. [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
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It’s time to trust your gut. Your intuition is a force to be reckoned with—and if you’re seeing a bird fly into your window, it could be a sign that you aren’t quite listening to it enough. Pay attention to what conversation you're having. Pay attention to what you had on your mind. Take a moment to check in with yourself and see how you’re feeling; if something seems “off,” take a deeper dive into that feeling to figure out what’s going on.
- See what type of energy your body is giving off before making a decision. If you’re feeling tight and tense about something, it could be a sign to step back from whatever is stressing you out. If you’re feeling more open and spirited, it could be a sign to approach a situation with open arms. [6] X Research source
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It’s time to make small but meaningful changes. It’s easy to feel like your life is going in circles sometimes, especially if you do the same thing day after day. Instead of doing the same thing over and over and hoping that the results will be different, look for small but significant adjustments you can make that’ll send you in a new direction. [7] X Research source
- Brainstorm a list of small changes you might make to your daily routine. If you’d like to be healthier, for instance, but don’t want to go to the gym, you might cut back on electronics time and replace it with a walk around the neighborhood.
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An angel or spiritual guide is trying to get in touch with you. If a bird just hit the window, there’s a chance that an angel or other spiritual power put it there. Maybe it’s a message of support or a sign that you need to be on your guard—whatever the case, make sure that you’re tuned in!
- According to many spiritual circles, angels send messages through angel numbers, or special repeating lines of numbers that pop up in your daily life. [8] X Research source Check out wikiHow’s “ What Is My Angel Number? ” quiz to see what angel number could be significant in your life.
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It’s time to keep an eye on your finances. Some people believe that a bird hitting the window can be a sign that you’re stressing out a little too much about your finances. Other people believe the opposite—that the bird is a sign that you need to work hard to reach a sense of financial stability and comfort.
- Small habits can make a big difference when it comes to your financial security, like setting a budget and saving your money properly.
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Something in your life is coming to an end. A bird hitting your window doesn’t mean that someone in your life is doomed—instead, it means that something in your life could be reaching its conclusion, like a job or relationship. [9] X Research source
- Take courage in the fact that, at the end of the day, you decide what becomes of your life.
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Section 4 of 4:
What to Do If a Bird Flies into Your Window
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Place the bird in an aerated cardboard box or paper bag. Using a clean towel, carefully lift the bird and set it down in a sturdy and breathable compartment, like a cardboard box with holes poked into it. [16] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source The bird is likely dead if its legs aren’t moving at all. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Audubon Society Nonprofit environmental organization focused on conservation, citizen science, and public science education Go to source
- If the bird is dead, slip on a mask and a pair of disposable gloves before transferring it to a plastic bag and tossing it out. [18] X Research source
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Leave the bird in a dark and peaceful spot. Find a shady but warm place so the bird can rest and recover without being disturbed. Try to find a place where there won’t be any disturbances from nearby kids or pets. [19] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
- Make sure you set the bird down in an open spot, so it can easily fly away whenever it wants.
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Wait at least 30 minutes and see if the bird is ready to fly. Once every half hour, peek in at the bird and see how it’s doing. If it seems to be getting its bearings, carry the box or bag to an open space and let the bird fly free. [20] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
- Make sure that you aren’t touching the bird at all when you’re checking in on it.
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Call a local wildlife rehabilitator for help if the bird is alive but immobile. Even if you have the best intentions, wildlife injuries require special care and medical intervention that untrained individuals just can’t provide. Let the rehabilitator know what happened, as well as where they can pick up the bird. [21] X Research source
- Click here to find a wildlife rehabilitator in your area.
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Bird-proof your windows to prevent any future incidents . To protect your birds from any more collisions, move your bird feeder so it’s either less than 3 ft (0.91 m) or more than 30 ft (9.1 m) away from the window—the bird won’t take as much damage if it flies from a really close or really far distance. [22] X Research source You can also make manual adjustments, like:
- Installing a window screen in front of your window
- Applying unique soap patterns to the windows
- Spacing any wind chimes and/or decals so they’re very close together
- Creating a chart of tape on the glass [23] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about spirituality, check out our in-depth interview with Jennifer McVey, Cht .
References
- ↑ https://askmormongirl.com/spirituality/bird-hit-window-and-still-alive-spiritual-meaning/
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/09/how-to-get-better-at-dealing-with-change
- ↑ https://spiritualdesk.com/spiritual-meaning-of-crow-hitting-window/
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/seven_ways_to_feel_more_in_control_of_your_life
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950
- ↑ https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/how-to-listen-to-your-gut.html
- ↑ https://askmormongirl.com/spirituality/bird-hit-window-and-still-alive-spiritual-meaning/
- ↑ https://gratitudesecrets.com/angel-numbers/angel-number-meaning-pdf/
- ↑ https://dreamastromeanings.com/spiritual-meaning-of-birds-hitting-window/
- ↑ https://dreamastromeanings.com/spiritual-meaning-of-birds-hitting-window/
- ↑ https://www.thehistorypress.co.uk/articles/peace-symbols-through-history/
- ↑ https://askmormongirl.com/spirituality/bird-hit-window-and-still-alive-spiritual-meaning/
- ↑ https://askmormongirl.com/spirituality/bird-hit-window-and-still-alive-spiritual-meaning/
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/bird-hit-window/
- ↑ https://www.nashvillezoo.org/our-blog/posts/tis-the-season-for-drunk-birds-flying-into-windows
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/make-your-windows-bird-safe
- ↑ https://www.audubon.org/news/you-found-bird-crashed-window-now-what
- ↑ https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/influenza/bird-flu/dead-bird-disposal-less-than-5.html
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/make-your-windows-bird-safe
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/make-your-windows-bird-safe
- ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/bird-hit-window/
- ↑ https://www.nashvillezoo.org/our-blog/posts/tis-the-season-for-drunk-birds-flying-into-windows
- ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/make-your-windows-bird-safe
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