Why is this bird “taking a nap” on the sidewalk? The answer is, of course, a window collision. This brown creeper has just suffered a concussion or severe head trauma and can’t move or fly. He feels awful. 📷: Ben Hatch

The “spectacles” on a blue-headed vireo help us humans identify this beautiful fall migrant, but sadly they do absolutely nothing to help this bird avoid a collision with a window. What would help: bird-safe markings on the outside of the glass. These products, which usually involve a small pattern spaced 2 inches apart over the whole external surface of the glass, make windows visible to birds and can nearly eliminate bird collisions. Window collisions kill at least 250,000 birds a year in NYC and more than a billion nationwide. The good, if frustrating, news is that they are so preventable! It’s high migration all week! If you see a bird sitting or lying on the sidewalk, please gently get the bird into a small container, such as a paper bag or cardboard box. Close the container, adding a few air holes if needed, and bring the bird to WBF or another wildlife rehabber near you (ahnow.org). If you’re unable to transport right away in NYC, keep the bird with you in a quiet, dark place and contact [email protected] to ask if a volunteer is available. 📷: Phyllis Tseng