Birds attacking windows
Reader Lucy asks,
A bird kept ‘attacking’ our windows last summer - not flying into them, but pecking at the glass (not the putty) and flapping his wings at (we’re guessing) his reflection. Why would that be, do you think?
Yes, that is actually quite a common behavior in birds, especially in spring. Male birds become very territorial, driving intruders out from their range. When their attention falls on a mirror or the reflective surface of a window, the result can be at times amusing and at times annoying. Two years ago, a woodpecker claimed a small patch of New York state, and set about to drive his reflection out of numerous side view mirrors. He caused quite a bit of damage.
Anne Miller has had two mirrors on her Pontiac Grand Prix smashed and watched the bird attack her neighbor’s Malibu.
“I told him to shoo. He did. Then he came right back and finished the job,” she said. “Instead of flying off, he walked across the windshield and did the passenger mirror. I was flabbergasted.” Desert News
Most birds, however, do not cause any damage and will eventually go away on their own. Anything which breaks up the reflection is also likely to help them move on to deal with real threats to their territory. A plastic shopping bag can be tied over car mirrors and the same techniques used to prevent collisions can also be helpful.
birding, backyard birding, bird feeding, territorial birds
July 7th, 2007 at 3:26 am
Definitely amusing rather than annoying - the children named the bird, and looked forward to his return each day.
Not seen him this year at all …
December 11th, 2007 at 12:49 am
Hi boys!d31514470658b46c9efa4ec8d6557859