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Zoesky1
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 1430
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 6:44 pm: | 
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Every morning this week I have been awakened by the sound of an adult robin flinging itself at a large window in my living room...always the same window, in the same spot, and apparently the same (suicidal?) bird. It does it repeatedly, over and over. Basically the bird just flies directly at the window from a nearby bush, over and over. Yet it apparently does NOT do it later in the day. I have seen the same robin perching in nearby trees and think it may be nesting. But why would it repeatedly bash itself into the window? My windows do not seem to be reflective from the outside, and it is a window with many panes, not a giant picture window that a bird might think it could fly through. Also, the bird will perch in rhododendron bushes right in front of the window in between flinging itself at the window. It is so strange. I am concerned the bird will knock itself out or hurt itself, or worse, but I can't seem to figure out how to make this crazy robin stop doing this. Plus the sound (a constant thudding sound, over and over, like a kind of Chinese water torture) getting annoying. Any ideas? |
BLOWFLY
Citizen
Username: Howardt
Post Number: 1765
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 6:52 pm: |
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We've had a bird do the exact same thing, into our North-facing kitchen window. We opted to do nothing. And it stopped after about a week and a half. Can be a bit distressing, I know.... |
cody
Citizen
Username: Cody
Post Number: 988
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 7:10 pm: |
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We had a crow do that against a window which I'd had some colored glass bottles inside of. I finally had to move the bottles for fear the crow would hurt itself or break the window.
Is there anything inside the window that could be attracting the robin? |
KRNL
Citizen
Username: Krnl
Post Number: 48
Registered: 9-2005
| | Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 7:19 pm: |
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The birds won't fly into the window if you put another bird on the window. It is easy--just cut out the shape of a bird from a piece of paper (I used construction paper) and scotch tape it to the window. Remember those v-shapes we used to make in grade school? They work fine and when the bird season is over just take it off.
I guess birds don't understand glass and think they are flying into the sky. I've seen them die from hitting a window. |
Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 104
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 7:31 pm: |
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If it happens around the same time every morning, the light must be reflecting something the robin sees as a threat. It is probably a male seeing his own reflection (you may not have a "bird's eye view") and is trying to protect his territory from a rival. You might want to call the Raptor Trust (973)647-2353. They are extremely knowledgeable about all bird behavior, and usually they are very helpful.
If you put paper on the OUTSIDE of the window, that will probably cure the behavior. It will stop naturally in a couple of weeks,when all the songbirds have established their territory. Thay don't call 'em "birdbrains" for nothing! Good luck. |
Zoesky1
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 1431
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 7:47 pm: |
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Great! I knew someone on here would know something. I will call Raptor Trust. Is that the same place that has all those eagles, hawks and owls out in the Great Swamp? I've been there. |
joy
Citizen
Username: Joy
Post Number: 417
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 7:56 pm: |
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same place - I concur - It's mating season and the robin sees a rival in his reflection. Shiny tape or a black cut out of a raptor should do the trick. |
Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 106
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Friday, April 14, 2006 - 9:57 pm: |
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Yes, the Raptor Trust is in the Great Swamp. They have owls, eagles,hawks and other raptors, but in addition, I believe they are a wildlife re-hab center.
I hope they can give some advice about your rockin' robin.
Calli |
Zoesky1
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 1432
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 7:15 am: |
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Well, he's at it again today....but I will call Raptor Trust later on. Poor guy. I wish he'd give it a rest. It's got to be exhausting.
(Figures it was a guy thing!) |
Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 108
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 8:52 am: |
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Please let us know what the people at the Raptor Trust had to say. Hope they can suggest something to save your pane and the robin's pain!
Calli |
Soda
Supporter
Username: Soda
Post Number: 3741
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 11:33 am: |
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Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 109
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 1:05 pm: |
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Oops, I inadvertently gave you the wrong area code for the Raptor Trust--- I think it is 908
Sorry, (force of habit)
Calli |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4688
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, April 15, 2006 - 4:15 pm: |
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Maybe you can pull the shae down or close the blind? That way the Robin might not realize it's the same window? Or as SODA mentioned, a cat might work. I can lend you mine! She LOVES watching the birds! We have a bird feeder hanging from a tree right outside our dinning room window. Se will sit there for hours watching the birds. When she moves, they all fly away.
Another thought. Do your windows have screens? Can you open the window? At least that way the poor Robin will hit the screen instead of the window. Iw will also take away any reflection the bird might be seeing. |
Tom Reingold
Supporter
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 13677
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 10:21 am: |
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The bird could injure or kill itself, so do what you can.
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John Caffrey
Citizen
Username: Jerseyjack
Post Number: 182
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 8:52 pm: |
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The paper bird is the way to go.
Best, if you can duplicate the shape of a hawk.
JC |
John Caffrey
Citizen
Username: Jerseyjack
Post Number: 183
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 8:53 pm: |
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The paper bird is the way to go.
Best, if you can duplicate the shape of a hawk.
If you can't manage that, I believe the Great Swamp gift shop sells cutouts for that purpose.
JC |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4718
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, April 16, 2006 - 10:52 pm: |
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Zoesky
Anything new on the Robin? |
Zoesky1
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 1433
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 10:06 am: |
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Well, left a message for Raptor Trust on Friday, but then had to go away for the long weekend for Easter, and haven't heard anything back yet. This morning (first day back) there were TWO robins doing it -- he picked up a friend! My friend joked that the second robin was his shrink observing him (although that doesn't explain why Shrink Robin would engage in such foolhardy behavior too!).
Unfortunately, the window has no shades or blinds on it, nor does it open (it's a big ornamental type of window....one of those floor-to-ceiling kinds, although it has panes). Because it's behind a big rhododendron bush, I leave it uncovered to let the greenery show from outside.
I will call Raptor Trust again this morning. |
las
Citizen
Username: Las
Post Number: 1612
Registered: 10-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 10:10 am: |
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Tape a piece of paper to the outside of the window so they can't see their reflection. This is just heartbreaking. |
Zoesky1
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 1434
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 11:34 am: |
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Spoke to Raptor Trust this morning. They were very helpful and knew immediately that it was indeed territorial behavior. They suggested what everyone else is saying -- put something on the outside of the window. There is a product called Bird Saver that they sell, which she said might also be available at a wild bird feed store (there's one of those nearer to me than RT, so I might try there first). Worse comes to worse, my kids and I can make hawk cut-outs tonight.
Someone mentioned a cat -- I have a cat and a large dog who hang out in front of this window all day long, but neither of them have been able to discourage the robins.
Anyway, I will try the cut-outs tonight when get home from work. I can't believe TWO robins are doing it now. Thanks for all the suggestions! |
Calliope
Citizen
Username: Calliope
Post Number: 119
Registered: 3-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 6:16 pm: |
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I am glad the people at the Raptor Trust were helpful. Let's hope the cut-outs do the trick! Good luck---and I hope it ends happily for you and your feathered friends!
Calli |
John Caffrey
Citizen
Username: Jerseyjack
Post Number: 188
Registered: 11-2005
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 7:57 pm: |
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By the way, Raptor Trust allows visitors and also needs donations. Good place to take kids.
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MeAndTheBoys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3551
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 8:24 pm: |
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Great place to take the kids and get up close to some amazing birds! |
joel dranove
Citizen
Username: Jdranove
Post Number: 376
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 8:29 pm: |
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On Sunday, a beautiful female cardinal flew into a large window here.
It was stunned, plunked itself down onto the dirt, and sat there.
Yours truly, yes, me, gently picked it up, checked its vital bird signs, placed into a shoe box with some crumpled paper and two wide bottle caps, one with water, the other feed, and set her on top of our patio table.
The bird, who I shall call Claudia Cardinal, spent about an hour recovering, then took a few bird steps, perched on my forearm, flew a few feet, fell, was returned to the box, and left alone for about a half hour.
Then, Claudia got her druthers, and flew off.
For real.
We have a cell phone picture of Claudia with me, and I don't know how to transfer it to this site.
jd |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 4735
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 8:49 pm: |
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Joel-
You need to send the photo to yourself in an email. How sweet for you to help the bird. |
jersey Boy
Citizen
Username: Jersey_boy
Post Number: 536
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 11:55 pm: |
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What would happen to birds and gerbils if we didn't have shoe boxes? This is to say nothing of the diarama industry.
J.B.
I should be asleep, I'm just posting to post. I have nothing productive to add. |
sk8mom
Citizen
Username: Sk8mom
Post Number: 439
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 7:20 am: |
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There was a thread like this same time last year. I found 2 dead ones by my picture window in the kitchen. Various theories, one of which was that they don't realize it's a solid object. Maybe pulling down the shades during the day would work? |
beppolina
Citizen
Username: Beppolina
Post Number: 128
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 7:38 am: |
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My sister has a doofus robin in her backyard who does this every spring. Her solution this year was to tape a shiny helium balloon left over from her son's birthday party to the inside of the window. It bobs around unexpectedly -- so it's unpredictable, and the robin can't figure it out. Problem solved.
Silly birds. But I do love waking up to them (singing, not banging into windows) this time of year.
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