Expert: Julia Booth - 3/20/2008

Question
Hi.  Spring has sprung and the robins are back.  We have a breeding pair in our backyard every morning.  Their nest is being built in a nearby aspen tree.  They come to our backyard plum tree though for food.  Unfortunately, there is also a window under the tree, and the male keeps flying into it.  I've tried opening the window, to show them something's there, I've tried closing the curtain, nothing deters him.  He only flies at it from a few feet away, but its such a heartbreaking sound!  How can I keep them away from the window?

Answer
I don't know why this is such a problem for some people. It must be the most common complain of all. For you. it could very well be the proximity from the tree to the window that is causing the issue.

Traditionally, any animal that has it's eyes on the sides of it's head -which basically includes all birds but those who are predators- does not have very good depth perception. They cannot see how far away something is, often until they are right on top of it. In a situation like yours, where the window is so close to the tree, it may not be possible for them to stop in time to avoid hitting it.

Some people employ the use of decals which imitate a bird's shadow and trick the bird into thinking the window is closer than it really is. That way, they are able to stop before they hit it.

Here's a great site that explains collision prevention and also sells the decals: http://www.wpines.com/WindowDecals/Story.htm

I suggest the decals. If you don't want to spend the money, get some black construction paper and make some random, bird-like shapes and tape them to the window at flight level. The sun will fade them in a few months, but it would be cheaper.

Let me know if this helps,

Julia