Creature Feature – Angry Birds

Sometimes, when a bird collides with one of our windows it’s not by accident, especially during spring and early summer.  Rather, the birds are attacking their own reflection which they think is an intruder in their territory.  As much as I love our feathered friends, this behavior seems to support the term, “bird brain.”

According to the avian experts at Audubon, robins and cardinals are especially notorious for attacking their reflections.  I can vouch for this, because last spring there was a robin that repeatedly bonked one of our windows; and this year we had a cardinal picking fights in the same window.  While this territorial behavior is not directly harmful, it does distract birds from other necessary behaviors such as feeding and nesting and also wastes precious energy.  As well, the constant thump-bump noises are annoying for us to hear.  

To deter birds from banging at your windows or car mirrors, you need to block or minimize the reflection.  Installing screens helps, as does directing a bright light out the window.  Temporarily soaping the window with bar soap works too, or you can simply apply window decals to the outer surface of the glass.  For cars, hang a plastic bag or a hand towel over the side mirrors — just don’t forget to remove them before you drive off!  Rest assured, this type of bird behavior is temporary and typically wanes in 3-4 weeks.

And what about my cranky cardinal?  I drew an owl face on a paper plate and taped it to the window.  So far, it’s working to stop the feathered fisticuffs!

Article & photo by Margie Manthey