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A Northern Cardinal does battle with an "intruder"... his reflected self. Robins and other territorial "terminators" show their valor with this annoying behavior

How To Deal With Birds Attacking Windows...

by Susan Nelson Hopkins

Are you the target of an unrelenting, bright red, feathered monster with a pointy red head? Maybe your monster just has a red belly. Are nearly all the windows in your house under attack...  relentlessly and noisily? Even your car... especially the side mirrors?

What makes wild birds attack your windows?

This is what's happening. Your yard has been "chosen" by an alpha-type male cardinal or robin (or other common aggressor) for his territory. And his alone!

He will brook no intrusion... not even from himself. If it weren't so annoying, it would actually be funny. You see, he spends his whole day doing battle with himself. (Not unlike many of us humans.)

The real culprits are not these fearless little warriors. Your windows are to blame. Yes, it's all your fault (and what isn't these days).

Fortunately, you can wave a white flag, and save face at the same time.

Just give them what they want... an intruder free territory. At the same time, you can pat yourself on the back for being "green". Here's how.

Make the "intruder" disappear by removing window reflections...

Paper the outside of the window... Again, this would be for just a couple of windows. Otherwise, you won't be able to enjoy the view. Besides, some folks report that it hasn't fooled these alpha-males... they just shred the paper.

Apply decals to the outside of the window... Some report success, but not many... even when they use "enemy" decals like owls or hawks. Either the mini- fighters don't actually see the decals, or they're super-alphas with an attitude... "Bring it on - I'm the greatest!"

Affix fine-mesh netting in front of the window... This has a terrific track record if installed correctly. Plus, you will still be able to enjoy the view from inside.

Notice a common thread? Always treat the outside of the window because that's where the reflections are.

But what if your tiny "terminator" refuses to back off? You might as well capitulate. Remember that saying, "Lose the battle and win the war"? Just give the little guy what he wants... something to attack.

Move the battle ground away from your house. Start by place a mirror a few feet from the most frequently targeted window. Every day move it further and further away, until it becomes your little gladiator's sole focus.

Just a word of caution... Remember those Scouting days (centuries ago) when you learned how to start a camp fire using some glass or a mirror, some dry leaves and grass, and the sun's rays? Since this solution utilizes a mirror, just make sure to face it north so it won't catch the sun's rays.

Well, there you have it. You have a choice. Silently suffer from an attacking pointy-headed or red-bellied monster, or... make both of you heroes. You can bring peace to your home, AND secretly vanquish the "intruder" for your feathered "king of the hill".

In the extreme, even if your little feathered hero just can't seem to exist without a chip on his shoulder, you've allowed him to keep on being the mighty warrior he thinks he is!

Cardinal picture courtesy of John at...
http://www.scalzi.com/whatever/004235.html

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