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October 9, 2008 at 4:56 pm #588334
WSBKeymasterWe have a problem I can’t solve by Googling.
There is a songbird – I used to know which species this is, kind of a striped body, sizable bird the size of a house sparrow (but NOT that species) – that clearly is in distress.
Since yesterday afternoon, it has been perching in our front yard and flying toward our front windows, not flat into them, but just up to the window like it wants to get in, bumps into the window, flutters a bit (there’s no window ledge outside, so nowhere for it to sit against the glass), goes back to a plant or front-yard fixture, then starts again. I thought maybe overnight it would get over it or go elsewhere – but this morning it’s back at it. Entertaining for the (indoor) cats but I imagine it’s eventually going to hurt itself and die. Any clues? Let nature take its course? This is happening 2 feet behind me as I type so it’s hard to ignore. – TR
October 9, 2008 at 5:08 pm #642944
MargLMemberMaybe it’s seeing its reflection and in fighting mood. You could try taping a shadow of a bigger bird – like a hawk to the window to see if that discourages it.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2366/2309598392_262d708209.jpg?v=0
October 9, 2008 at 5:08 pm #642945
mellaw6565MemberTough call TR – does it appear sick? Some signs: fluffed up feathers, sitting in one place for a long time, etc……
Is it possible for you to catch it? If so, I would put it in a big box with newspaper and see if a vet’s office or animal control will come get it and give it warm support.
October 9, 2008 at 5:16 pm #642946
JeraldParticipantI think it’s seeing the reflection, as the lighting changes with the season. It’s more common in spring for this to happen, as territorial birds start nesting, but it sounds like a year-round resident guarding its turf.
I really don’t think you should catch it. Try calling the Audubon Society for advice.
October 9, 2008 at 5:43 pm #642947
WSBKeymasterThank you very much. We will try the picture thing for starters. The front of our house is pretty much just one big wall of windows so you could be right … although this little guy/gal is certainly incredibly persistent about it. I’ve seen birds of this species around here before but they usually come and go. Maybe I should just stand in the window and look scary too (not hard to do) …
October 9, 2008 at 5:45 pm #642948
flowerpetalMemberNo, don’t catch it, even if you could. If a bird in the wild looks sick; it is likely too late to do much about it. Sick birds mask their illnesses for some time in defense of looking
“weak.” I like the idea of the silhouette of an owl or hawk between the window and the closed blinds or curtain.
October 9, 2008 at 5:56 pm #642949
inactiveMemberNot an expert, s0 my .02 is free :)
Agree with flowerpetal…leave it be. The only legitimate place to take it would be PAWS in Lynnwood. Private vets don’t know enough about wildlife, generally. Besides, it is very possible it wouldn’t survive the drive up north.
You want to block the reflection of itself the bird is seeing. So, if you have a blanket or towel, see if you can figure out a way to hang it up outside. The bird might stop if the light shifts, as Jerald I think mentioned…but the bird might not last for that – not necessarily die, but kind of concussed, as you can well imagine.
October 9, 2008 at 6:00 pm #642950
MargLMemberA few strips of aluminum foil taped to the window so they flutter and flash a bit might scare it off, too.
Don’t use colored mylar – it actually attracts hummingbirds! I found this out using purple and gold mylar threaded thru some netting for my snap peas. Every once in awhile the hummingbird comes by and pokes at them. Silly birds!
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