Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/23/2006

Question
There is a Robin that has been hanging out around my house attacking my windows.  The bird is doing it from several sides of the house, so I don t know if it s a reflection issue.  Any idea why the bird would be attacking several windows in different areas of our home?

Answer
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. For more information on wild birds go to www.ornithology.com. Roger Lederer