Wild Birds Information

We have a cardinal pecking at our windows. Why is he doing it and what can we do to stop him?

Cardinals defend their territories aggressively. This cardinal is seeing its reflection in the window. Hopefully this behavior will only last a short time. If it continues, and it is driving you to distraction, you will need to kill the reflection of the window. There is no "stylish" way to do this. Use paper, garbage bags, whitewash or soap, whatever it takes.

After covering the problem window, the cardinal may move to another window and another window. I don't have any answers about what to do about this persistent behavior.

Cardinals are not alone in this behavior. We have a black-crested titmouse that insists on pecking at the car rear view mirrors. It perches on the bottom of the mirror casing and just pecks away!

There is no point in e-mailing me about this problem. I can not help beyond telling you to try the idea above or to try chasing the bird away in person. Be persistent and try not to get angry enough to have a heart attack!

The copyright protected animated bird above is one of the male Wilson's warblers which visit my creek during spring and fall migration. You can visit my page about him and see more photographs. Wilson's Warbler

I have a nest in a hanging basket at my front door. What should we do?

You must be wanting to avoid destroying the nest or, I presume, you wouldn't be asking. Good! It would be best to leave everything well enough alone for the few weeks the nest is used. Keep nearby activity to a minimum and make it quick. The birds will be out of that nest as quickly as possible and you will get a unique opportunity to observe nature up close.

A nesting bird is attacking my family. What can we do?

Try to be patient for a short while longer. The birds will be out of that nest soon. Avoid getting too close. Wear a hat or head protector when you can not avoid the area. Good luck!! Try to enjoy your front seat view of the miracle of life! Keep a sense of humor about a once-in-a-lifetime crazy experience.

Our nest seems abandoned by the mother bird. She was there for two weeks and now she is gone. Should we be worried?

Most likely, the mother is just visiting the nest less often. Once the nestlings have hatched, she will be visible much less often. It only takes a few seconds for the adults to sweep in, feed the nestlings and take off to look for more food. The bird that has been incubating the eggs needs to regain strength and restore its diet.

I just put a feeder (and/or bird bath) in my yard. Why are no birds coming?

Sometimes it takes birds quite a while before they use a new feeder or bird bath. If after ten days, no birds are visiting, think about moving the unit to another location in your yard.

Some bird is singing relentlessly early in the morning (or late at night) and we can't sleep!! How do I get rid of this bird?

I don't have any suggestions. Hopefully, this bird will quickly pass through whatever season is causing this behavior or move to another location. Even if you succeeded in chasing the bird out of a particular tree, it would probably choose another location equally close. There is no miracle cure that I know of for this difficult situation.

Don't recognize that bird in the (copyright protected) animation I made? It is a common yellowthroat. Learn more about it at the USGS website: Common Yellowthroat

Where have all my birds gone? They were visiting my feeders on a daily basis and now they're gone.

Birds will visit feeders less during certain times of the year. During spring and fall my regular birds disappear for several weeks. In spring I assume they are feasting on all the caterpillars and the newly abundant insects that have been difficult to find over winter.

There can be a seasonal shift in bird populations that is not as pronounced as "normal" migration to Latin American countries. Just as this behavior can make some of your regular birds disappear for weeks, it can bring some new faces into your area.

DON'T JUST ASSUME - TAKE A GOOD LOOK!

During spring and fall migration, don't take that "red bird" for granted as a cardinal just because you catch a glimpse of red. Make sure it isn't a tanager or a painted bunting!

Maybe I'm just looking for an excuse not to weed my yard but is it true that weeds are good for birds?

If the weeds are producing seeds and/or attracting insects, chances are the birds will love your weedy spot. Many species of wild birds will appreciate it. Consider dedicating a certain portion of your yard to natural weed growth. Don't forget that hummingbirds also will benefit from the tiny spiders and insects that are easily available.

A patch of "weeds" isn't going to work in the front yard of most neighborhoods but backyard seedy patches can be disguised by other plants, a short picket fence, etc. And don't be shy about spreading the word. Get others to leave some dying seed heads for the birds.

Why does this one pushy hummingbird keep all other hummingbirds from eating at my feeder?

Hummingbirds are notoriously aggressive and possessive about their food sources. You can try providing additional feeders close together or spreading the feeders apart but you will not be able to stop hummingbirds from exhibiting this aggression. You have to accept it as part of their survival skills.

How to attract wild birds:

1. How to Attract Wild Birds - Introduction
2. Water Features
3. Backyard Habitat - Protective Cover & Nesting
4. Feeding Wild Birds

Other sections of wild bird pages:

5. Wild Birds FAQ ------- (you are here)
6. Wild Birds Disease & Dangers
7. Injured Wild Birds - Links to Help
8. Wild Birds Photographs - ID Help
9. How to Attract Hummingbirds

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