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Help with bird problem

15 years ago

A female cardinal, on different days and at different windows of my house is repeatedly flying up and hitting the glass. She has done this to windows with coverings and some that are clear. Yesterday she spent the entire day, at least 6 hours, continually fluttering up and hitting the window with her beak. Can anyone explain this behavior?

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Comments (5)

catherinet
15 years ago
She sees her reflection and thinks she's defending her area from another female.
Try to put something up on the window that will stop the reflection. I had a light that I would shine on that area and it would stop her for awhile. good luck. Sometimes, this behavior is hard to stop and you just have to wait it out.
Cardinals seem to do this the most. We had a male cardinal living at the side mirror on an old truck once, for several years. You'd think he would have gotten worn out, pecking at that mirror all day. When we finally sold the truck, I felt bad and almost put up a post with a mirror on it there. haha But I didn't.........
Lisk
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you for your explanation. I was just surpired the bird would display this behavior on different windows on all sides of the house, some windows clear and some with a dark blue curtains covering it. Again, thank you for your help.
Lisk
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bandjzmom
15 years ago
Hi there lisk! I agree with Catherine, and this is a very common problem at this time of year. Many species of birds will do this, but Cardinals seem to be some of the worst offenders. They actually make a product called Cardinal Alert (see link below) which consists of strips of stickers to affix to your inside window to try to discourage this behavior. My sister has a female Bluebird at her house who does it and she does it non-stop. Here is a shot of her window with the Cardinal Alert stickers in place. She has had good success with the stickers. You can Google "Cardinal Alert" or "Window Alert" to find out where they are offered for sale. I am providing a link, just so that you can see the product. ~~Angie

Window Alert~~ http://www.windowalert.com/windowalert.html

My sister's window (she placed a 3rd sticker):

Here is a link that might be useful: Cardinal Alert Strips
Lisk
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you, too, bandjzmom, for your valuable information. The Cardinal ALert Strips will be very helpful. I appreciate your input.
Lisk
bandjzmom
15 years ago
Welcome! I do hope that they help you.

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