Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/23/2004

Question
Hi, I have had a red cardinal flying into the deck door and windows off and on for about a year,....I mean this bird does not stop..its driving us nuts...I am not sure why he keeps doing this..I have a cat  and I swear hes made friends with  this bird...any suggestions.Thank You

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, see www.ornithology.com. Roger Lederer