Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/3/2006

Question
We have a Robin who has been pecking at our windows in front of the house,and on bour cars It is also using just the one side of the cars as a bathroom. It seems to only do this in the morning We have noticed a nest in one of the trees in the fron near the cars but not near the window that it is pecking Help us if you can understand  this bird Thanks

Answer
Robins 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
For more information on wild birds, see www.ornithology.com