For many homeowners, large glass windows are a dream — filling rooms with light and offering beautiful views of the outdoors. But what feels like a design feature for people can pose two big problems: higher cooling costs and a serious risk to birds.
At Cylburn Arboretum’s Vollmer Center in Baltimore, MD, those challenges came to life on a grand scale. The nearly all-glass building offered stunning views of nature, but it also overheated in the summer and saw as many as 6–10 bird strikes a day during migration season. The solution that worked there — Solyx BSF-DB35 Solar Bird Safety Film from Decorative Films — is now available to homeowners who want to enjoy the benefits of glass without the drawbacks.
A Two-in-One Solution
Decorative Films developed Solar Bird Safety Film as an all-in-one answer for comfort and conservation. The film combines:
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Solar protection: blocking up to 65% of solar heat gain to keep homes cooler and reduce energy bills.
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Bird safety: using a subtle TruEtch pattern that’s barely noticeable to people but clearly visible to birds.
- UV Protection: rejecting 99%of harmful UV rays, protecting interior spaces from damaging sun exposure.
“Glass is not going away; it’s a wonderful medium within design, and it even has many health benefits for us as the occupants. But to protect birds, we have to be mindful of the dangers we’re creating for them,” said Aaron Lotinsky, Product Director at Decorative Films.
Comfort Without Compromise
At Cylburn, preserving the beauty of the glass façade was just as important as solving the problems. That’s the same for homeowners who want to enjoy their windows without heavy shades, blinds, or solid films.
“The second day the film was installed, I drove by and couldn’t even see it,” said Melissa Grim with Baltimore City Recreation & Parks. “Sitting in the lobby, I didn’t notice the dots—it didn’t take away from the big vista of glass windows.”
This nearly invisible finish means homeowners can maintain bright, open spaces while still protecting their homes and the birds outside.
Real Results That Matter at Home
The results at Cylburn Arboretum show just how effective this product can be:
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Zero bird strikes after installation, compared to daily collisions before.
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Noticeable improvements in comfort and cooling thanks to solar heat reduction.
“During migration season, I was hearing and seeing between six and ten birds strike the glass within an eight-hour day. Since the film was installed, I’m happy to report we’ve had zero strikes—and there’s a noticeable difference to how much heat is coming through the glass,” said Christina Nutile, Events Manager at Cylburn Arboretum.
Better for You, Better for Wildlife
Solar Bird Safety Film isn’t just about improving comfort — it’s about creating a more responsible home. Decorative Films also donates 3% of proceeds from every bird safety film to the American Bird Conservancy’s Glass Collisions Program, so your purchase contributes to broader conservation efforts.
“Our solar bird safety film is the only product on the market that empowers existing buildings to protect birds by covering exterior glass, offering a return on investment while improving building performance and sustainability. It's a true win for birds and tenants alike,” said Lotinsky.
The Decorative Films Difference
With more than 700 stock products and custom options, Decorative Films has been a trusted name in residential and commercial window solutions for decades.
- Manufactured and shipped from our warehouse in Frederick, MD
- Every product is made with the end user in mind — combining function, design, and durability.
- All orders come with a free complete installation kit, so you have exactly what you need to get the job done.
- Need help? Find a local installation professional with our dealer map.
A Smarter Upgrade for Your Windows
If you love your windows but want them to work harder for you — lowering energy costs, protecting birds, and preserving your views — Solar Bird Safety Film is the upgrade your home needs.
Contact your local professional installer today to learn how Decorative Films can make your windows safer, smarter, and more sustainable.