By Karen Johnson, UMN Extension – McLeod and Meeker Counties
Over the last couple of weeks, I have had a number of calls into the Extension office about birds that seemed to be attacking windows or vehicles. I have even had the prettiest yellow finch repeat-visit one of the windows of my home. This begs the questions, why are they visiting these windows or vehicles, and what can be done to prevent damage to the property or injury to the bird?
During the mating season, birds like the American robin, Northern cardinal, and American goldfinch, among others, can become aggressive when trying to find a mate or protecting the territory around their nests. Usually this behavior occurs from April through early August in Minnesota. Windows and vehicles have shiny surfaces where the birds can see their own reflection. Thinking it’s another bird trying to invade, they will aggressively try to drive off the other bird. The repeated attempts to drive off or fight the intruder can lead to beak injury or, in severe cases, death of the bird.
Here are some suggestions on methods that can deter these birds from attacking their reflections:
• Place decals or paper shapes on the outside of windows.
• Temporarily cover the outside of the window with a non-reflective surface. Suggestions include tape or adhesive film.
• Clear, plastic painter’s drop cloths work well at blocking the reflection while allowing light into a room. Attach at the top of the window and allow to hang freely. Its movement can help to scare birds away.
• Completely close outside shades or blinds if possible.
• Soaping the outside of the window either fully or in a tight pattern.
• For vehicles, move them to a different location outside the bird’s territory.
***Note: Most birds are protected by the “Migratory Bird Act of 1918.” It is illegal to destroy, relocate, or possess birds, their nests, or their eggs.
Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer to how to effectively deter birds from attacking property such as windows or vehicles during the mating season. These birds can be very persistent. If you effectively deter them from attacking one window, they are likely to find another. The best option is to try some of the suggestions provided above and let nature run its course.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Karen Johnson, UMN Extension Educator for McLeod and Meeker County, at (320) 484-4303 (McLeod) or (320) 693-5275 (Meeker), or ande9495@umn.edu.