Expert: Roger Lederer - 4/5/2007

Question
There is a robin flying into the large window at my office. This has been going on all day long. When I opened the window, she was not as eager to fly at it. I am worried that she will hurt herself. What in the heck is wrong with this silly bird and what can I do? Does she think she is flying into the sky because of the reflection? Why hasn't she figured it out by now? We checked for a nest around the window and there isn't one. Thanks for your help!

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. Roger Lederer