How do I keep birds from flying into my windows, or pecking at shiny things on a car like chrome and side-view mirrors?
Usually, the birds that fly into windows are seeing a reflection of the place where they want to be, like trees, flowers, shrubs, or sky. Impede this reflection by putting things in the window sill or by hanging mylar strips just outside the window. The birds will see the moving strips and will not be tempted to fly into them. Male birds may peck (or attack) reflections in shiny objects such as clean windows and mirrors. They are extremely territorial, especially during nesting season, and birds in general are not incredibly smart. If a male sees his reflection in a window, he will perceive it to be a rival male and will promptly attack in an attempt to drive him away. That he runs into glass, that the rival bird never leaves — these facts have no effect on him. The only way to stop him is to make his reflection disappear — put a bag over the side-view mirror, park your car somewhere else out of his territory, tape some paper or plastic wrap over the window or the mirror when the car
