Expert: Roger Lederer - 4/11/2009

Question
For several weeks a robin has been trying to fly in to our window.  In the morning it will perch on the deck and fly in to the window for 15-20 minutes.  Then it will fly to the front of the house and try there for a while.  Thoughts?
The curtains are closed so the bird cannot see through the house.

Answer
This is very common. Robins and 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.