One window. One message. One small act that saves lives.

Thanks for scanning the code and landing here — you’re now part of a growing flock of people making real change for birds, starting with your own window.

👋 Who Are We?

These Words Save Birds was started by a teenager from Hoboken, NJ who noticed something heartbreaking: birds in his city were flying into windows — and not surviving.  In fact, the bird on the decal is an Ovenbird, the species that alerted him to the problem at hand.  He was birding with his father at a local college when he heard the bird sing. Recognizing its distinct “teacher, teacher, teacher” call, he ran to a nearby patio to get a closer look when he discovered that the call had been the bird’s last: it had flown into a window that reflected the forest canopy adjacent to it.  Saddened by this experience, he decided to act.

When he looked deeper, he learned the problem wasn’t just local — nearly a billion birds die from window collisions each year in North America alone. But he also discovered something hopeful: this is a problem we can actually solve.

🪟 Why Windows?

To birds, a clear or reflective window looks like open sky — especially during migration. Every window is a potential danger. But the more people who know, care, and take simple action, the more birds we can protect.

💬 So What Are “These Words”?

This project invites you to turn your windows into life-saving messages. Whether you already have your decal, or if you want to order a kit for just $10 that includes:

• A custom window decal
• A bird-safe, oil-based marker

Here’s what to do:

1. Place the decal on the outside of a first-story window.
2. Write words, draw lines, or create art to make the glass visible to birds. Try to cover as much of the window as possible — especially during spring and fall migration.
3. Snap a photo of your creation, and
4. Tag @ourternhoboken_ (Our Tern mentors local youth and supports projects devoted to avian conservation and stewardship.)

📸 Why Share?

Every window design, every post, every tag helps spread the word.
The more people see these decals and designs, the more they’ll learn — and maybe put up one of their own. Together, we create awareness, inspire action, and protect our winged neighbors.  We’ll also post some of your photos to our website if you email them to: info@ourtern.com

🛠️ Ready to Go Further?

Below, you’ll find a bunch of resources to help you (or your building, school, or business) learn about:

• Temporary and permanent bird-safe window solutions
• How migration patterns affect collisions
• How cities like Hoboken are stepping up for wildlife
• Ways to get involved, educate others, or even start your own project

Feather Friendly

American Bird Conservancy—An organization that is able to help you take action to help prevent window collisions

State of Birds Report—a vital report on the threats facing birds

Feather Friendly—Materials to help prevent window strikes on buildings large and small

The Cornell Lab or Ornithology—Always amazing resources to help you learn more

Guardian Glass—UV and other glass solutions to prevent window collisions

NYC Bird Alliance—and legislation that is helping to save birds

A local and a global problem—read about bird strikes in Hoboken, NJ

Dbird.org—Become a citizen scientist and report the dead birds you find

These words do save birds.

We’re so glad you made it here. Let’s keep growing the flock — one window at a time. Click here to purchase your decal and pencil.  Save money by ordering more and distributing them to the people in your community so we can save even more birds.