The only certified BirdShades installer in Michigan
Invisible bird-safe window film.
BirdShades is a nearly transparent window film that reflects ultraviolet light. Most songbirds see into the UV range, so to them the glass reads as a surface to avoid. To you, the window stays clear: the film passes 87% of visible light.
Drag to compare
What you see vs.
what a bird sees.
Drag the handle across. The left side is the same glass photographed in the ultraviolet range, which is closer to what a songbird sees. The right side is the glass the way you see it. The film is there in both. Only one of you notices it.
Reference installation photographed by BirdShades.
Why this matters in Michigan
Why bird strikes are
a problem in Michigan.
The Great Lakes sit where two major migration routes meet, and more than 350 species move through the region every spring and fall. A lot of them meet a pane of glass on the way.
Up to a billion a year
Across the United StatesCollisions with glass are one of the largest human causes of bird deaths in the country. The majority happen at ordinary homes and low-rise buildings, not at skyscrapers.
350+ species overhead
Spring and fallThe Great Lakes are a crossroads for two flyways. Strike rates climb during migration, when large numbers of birds are moving through country they do not know.
Already being counted here
Metro DetroitVolunteers logging strikes on the Global Bird Collision Mapper have recorded hundreds of deaths in Detroit since 2019, with the heaviest cluster around the Wayne State campus.
The reflection is the trap
Any glass, any sizeBirds do not perceive glass as a barrier. They see sky and trees mirrored in it and fly toward what looks like open air. The clearer and more reflective the glass, the worse it is.
See it for yourself
The film under UV light
On glass the film is clear. Put a sample under a UV lamp and the striped pattern the birds respond to becomes visible to us too.
A sample lit with ultraviolet light. Installed on a window in daylight, you would not see any of this.
Where it goes
Homes and commercial glass.
The film is retrofitted to glass you already own. Nothing about the building or the window changes, which is why it also works on properties where the architecture cannot be altered.
Homes near trees and water
Sunrooms, large picture windows, glass railings and anything looking onto a garden or a lake. These are the strikes homeowners actually hear, and they are the easiest to fix. Pairs with the residential film work we already do.
Offices, atriums and glass facades
Curtain wall, entry glazing, sky bridges and courtyards. For organizations with a sustainability commitment, this is a visible, measurable thing to point at that does not change how the building looks.
Backed by published research
Tested in three peer-reviewed studies.
Most bird deterrent products are sold on a photograph and a promise. BirdShades has been tested by independent university teams, with the results published in peer-reviewed journals. The numbers below are from those papers.
- A three-year field study at glazed bus shelters in Poland measured over 80% fewer collisions on treated glass (Zysk-Gorczynska et al, Ornis Fennica, 2022)
- In flight-tunnel testing at William & Mary, 91% of aviary songbirds and 75% of wild-caught songbirds steered away from the treated pane (Swaddle et al, PeerJ, 2020)
- A follow-up found the invisible film outperformed a visible-pattern film, 90% versus 75% avoidance, and confirmed it must go on the outside of the glass (Swaddle et al, PeerJ, 2023)
- The research is specific to songbirds, which are the most frequent collision victims. There is no data yet for pigeons or birds of prey
- No product stops every strike, and BirdShades says so themselves. We would rather tell you that up front than oversell it
The practical details
Product details, warranty and care.
A thin transparent polyester film, wet-applied across the whole outside face of the glass. It is a retrofit: no glazing is replaced and nothing about the building changes. The details below come from the manufacturer's own datasheet and warranty.
- Passes 87% of visible light, so rooms stay as bright as they are now
- Applied to the outside of the glass, across the full pane, on vertical windows
- Works on standard float glass. Laminated or coated glass is checked with BirdShades before we quote
- Five year manufacturer's warranty against peeling, cracking, discoloration and yellowing
- The warranty requires professional installation, which our certification covers, and Michigan sits inside the climate zone it specifies
- Care is simple: no cleaning for the first 30 days, then wash once or twice a year with mild soap and a soft cloth. No microfiber, no brushes, no pressure washer
- Typical service life runs well past the warranty, up to 10 to 12 years depending on exposure
The manufacturer's documents, if you want the fine print: Technical datasheet (PDF) · Warranty terms (PDF) · Care and maintenance (PDF) · Studies overview (PDF)
Bird-safe film FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Will I be able to see the film on my windows?
Almost never. The film is nearly transparent and color neutral, and it passes 87% of visible light, so rooms stay bright and the view stays the view. The manufacturer is upfront that at certain viewing angles a faint transparent pattern can catch the light. In practice that is something you find when you go looking for it, not something visitors notice.
How does a bird see something I cannot?
Most songbirds see into the ultraviolet part of the spectrum, which human eyes cannot detect. The film reflects UV in a pattern, so daylight turns the glass into a visible surface for them and leaves it clear for you.
Does it darken the room or change the view?
No. This is not a tint. It is not doing heat or glare work, so it does not reduce your light or change the color of the view. If you want heat and UV control as well, that is a different film and we can quote both together.
Does it actually work?
The strongest evidence is a three-year real-world field study that measured over 80% fewer collisions on treated glass, published in a peer-reviewed journal. Flight-tunnel studies at William & Mary found the same pattern, and found the invisible film performed better than a film with a visible pattern. The research covers songbirds, which are the most frequent victims. No product stops every strike, and the manufacturer says so plainly.
Can it go on my type of glass?
It works on standard float glass, which covers most windows. Laminated glass and glass with special coatings need to be checked for compatibility first, and that check happens before we quote, not after.
Does anything about my building have to change?
Nothing. The film is retrofitted to the glass you already have, so no window is replaced and no structure is modified. That also makes it workable on historic and architecturally protected buildings.
How long does it last and how do I look after it?
The manufacturer warranties it for five years against peeling, cracking, discoloration and yellowing, and typical service life runs up to 10 to 12 years depending on exposure. Care is simple but specific: nothing for the first 30 days, then a wash once or twice a year with mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge. No microfiber cloths, no brushes, no pressure washers, and never dry-wipe it.
Where do you install it?
Throughout Michigan. We are the only certified BirdShades installer in the state, so if you have been quoted this product anywhere else in Michigan, it was a different film.
Reviews
What our clients say
I was having an issue with glare in my 2023 Equinox from my center console. Once I told Jake of the problem, he instantly had a solution. A strip of semi-gloss black vinyl to match my black leather interior. He applied and trimmed it in a way that makes it look like it was from the factory. He went above and beyond to make sure I was satisfied and it looks fantastic! I will absolutely be returning in the future.
Michigan Tinting went above and beyond all expectations! Excellent product knowledge and customer service. From start to Finish everyone we dealt with was kind, professional and respectful of us and our property. Our sunroom is much cooler now and we love the upgraded aesthetic. We absolutely recommend Michigan Tinting for your home, business or vehicles! PS- We had a car done here too and found out about flat glass through that experience which lead us here. Bother experiences are unmatched!
AMAZING! Jake and his crew are outstanding! The back of my home is all windows and faces west. On hot days even without a 5 ton ac unit running full blast and set at 70 degrees, the temp in the house wouldn't drop below 78 degrees! Jake came out, was extremely knowledgeable, and recommended Huper Optik Window Film and now the temp in my home goes up to at most, one degree higher than the temp I set thermostat at. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!
Great experience. Quick to respond to my inquiry (thanks, Renee!). Provided IMO the right amount of communication. Showed up when scheduled. Very respectful of my home. Eric the technician was fantastic! Friendly, skilled, and fast without compromising doing a good job. We have an awkward large window and he handled it without issue. I recommend Michigan Tinting 100%.
Best films and best installers around. With all three vehicles I've had done, I've had professional, knowledgeable service. These guys do an excellent job every time and they stand behind their work. I recommend the Autobahn Ceramic I3. The clarity, heat deflection, and color is impressive.
Third place I call, only place to answer. They were on site within a week get privacy film on our commercial building. I could be happier with the customer service or final product.
The sales representative, Renee, was outstanding. She explained the options and process well, with excellent advice. The installation team was professional, hardworking, and diligent in completing the job. The job was beautifully done. I highly recommend this company without reservation.
Jake did an amazing job on my tint! He was really helpful when it came to picking the right percentage and made sure I felt good about the choice. The tint came out clean and high quality, and everything looks exactly how I wanted. He worked efficiently but still paid attention to detail. Overall, great experience and really solid customer service. I'd definitely recommend!
Best tint place around!!! High quality!!! The finished product is always flawless. I highly recommend them to anyone who's looking for true quality work and a great warranty. My husband and I have been getting our windows tinted with this company for several years and multiple vehicles and they never disappoint.
I chose Michigan Tinting three years ago to tint my car's windows and they still look just as good as the first day. Highly recommend.
I've had all of my cars tinted here (5 in total) and I wouldn't go anywhere else. They're honest, reasonable, and take pride in the quality of their work.
All personnel were great to deal with. They explained the product perfectly. When they came to install the tinting on our windows they arrived when they said they would. They were polite and professional. Very respective of our property. The tinting we chose works just as they had explained . We are very happy with the results. Would highly recommend Michigan Tinting.
Free estimates
Get a quote for
bird-safe film.
Tell us roughly how much glass you are looking at and where it faces. We will come measure, check the glass type and give you a written price. Homes and commercial both welcome.
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