The Mad Chaffinch

For the past two Springs we have been subjected to the bizarre behaviour
of our friend above. If I said that he has flew at the patio window a 1000 times
I would be underestimating. Anyway here is the answer.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chaffinches and many other birds are territorial and when they establish territories in the
spring they become aggressive and chase off intruders. Unfortunately, they don't distinguish between their own reflection in a window (or car mirror) and try to chase that off. The solution to the problem is to eliminate the reflection. Misting the outside of the window with a very weak detergent or soda solution will eliminate the reflection but will also impair visibility for you. Awnings, eave extensions, and window screens will eliminate all reflection and stop the collision problem. Hanging ornaments may also help. But they will stop when nesting begins. Roger Lederer at www.ornithology.com