Sanctuary Suit is Settled

The Mayacamas Sanctuary Settlement

Birds of Great Brittain

Madrone Volunteers

The Transportation Ballot Measures

Thank You

A Walk on the Wild Side

Observations

Midweek Walkabout Results

Pee Wee Report

Things To Do

Pee Wee Audubon

October Birding in Sonoma County

Through the Garden Gate: Backyard Birding

Welcome New Members

Fewer Ducks

Future Pee Wee Events

Through the Garden Gate

Backyard Birding

by Judy Brinkerhoff

If you have problems with birds crashing into windows, here is a technique that seems to solve the problem.

I noticed that vineyards sometimes use fluttering mylar strips to scare away the birds. The mylar is sold on a long roll, is about an inch wide, and is flashy red on one side, silver on the other. I found a masking tape made by Scotch Brand called "Long-Mask," which adheres to the window but doesn't leave a gluey mess. I cut appropriate length strips of mylar, and fasten them at the top of the window with a small piece of the masking tape.

The strips flutter in the breeze, and warn away the birds. I also purchased several cutouts of hawk silhouettes from a nature store and glued them on the windows. They may be helping, but I believe the mylar strips are the active working force here. I have had no bird crashes in several years!

One friend remarked about the fluttering strips, "I knew you were into the '60's, Judy, but aren't you taking this psychedelia a bit too far?"

Oh, well. The effect is rather festive, and if it works for the birds, it matters not to me...psychedelic or no.