How can I stop birds attacking my windows?

Generally birds attack their reflection in a window during their breeding season. They are seeing another bird encroaching on their territory and they want it gone! In some cases the behaviour can get very extreme, with the bird attacking the reflection for most of the day. Not only can it drive you crazy, but when it becomes obsessive, it is bad for the birds too.

In most instances, the birds will simply do it a couple of times and move on, but if it is persistent then you need to remove the trigger for the behaviour – the reflection. You can try:

• Cling wrap or cellophane on the outside of the window
• A bird silhouette (like a hawk or owl) stuck on the window
• A rubber snake in front (remember to move it)
• A CD or other mobile hanging in front of the window
• Soaping or dirtying the outside of the window

Remember is illegal to capture or harm a bird, its nest or its eggs, even with the best intentions. The bird should never be harmed in order to stop it attacking its own reflection.