Expert: Roger Lederer - 3/20/2009

Question
We have a robin that will not leave our back patio door alone.  We are thinking he/she see's their reflection and hits the glass of the door, over and over.  It it also making a huge mess, pooping everywhere by the door.  We have never seen anything like it.  It has been going on for about 3 weeks now.  We sat a net in front of our door hoping it would keep it away....it goes under the net and poops all over the step.  Any suggestions?  This bird is persistent!

Answer
Robins, cardinals and many other birds are territorial and when they establish territories in the spring they become aggressive and chase off intruders. Unfortunately, they don't distinguish between their own reflection in a window (or car mirror) and try to chase that off. The solution to the problem is to eliminate the reflection. Misting the outside of the window with a very weak detergent or soda solution will eliminate the reflection but will also impair visibility for you. Awnings, eave extensions, and window screens will eliminate all reflection and stop the collision problem. Hanging ornaments such as wind chimes, wind socks, and potted plants also help. The behavior will stop when nesting begins.