Expert: Roger Lederer - 5/26/2006

Question
Just recently, robins have been flocking to the outside steps of my pation, leaving huge messes. They keep jumping at my patio window, pecking it- this has never happened in the 17 years I`ve lived here. How can I discourage them, as it`s become a disgusting daily mess for clean up. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Cardinals and 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 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 at Ornithology.com