BY SYLVIA CAMPBELL
Here at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, we are beginning to get the usual spring calls regarding birds and windows.
Birds hitting windows happens quite often. The reflection is a continuation of their environment so they are unaware of the imminent danger that is about to happen. Several methods have been tried to prevent this. Images of hawks applied to the window, hanging streamers and sometimes covering the whole window has been tried. One method that doesn’t work is closing your curtains.
If you have ever had a bird hit your window you will hear a loud crash as they are flying at a good speed. I have personally had a bird hit our window breaking it and landing on the floor. The poor bird didn’t survive.
But most birds will live through the ordeal. Usually you will find them on the outside looking like they have had their ‘bell rung.’ Leaving the bird for an extended time is the right thing to do but if cats are present, it is a good idea to place the bird in a small well-ventilated box and putting it in a quiet place. After a few hours you can take the box outside and open it up. Nine out of 10 times, the bird will fly happily away. If you see a wing drooping, you may want to bring the bird into the centre.
Birds tend to have love affairs with windows in the spring. They look at that handsome reflection of themselves and think they have found the perfect mate. You will hear fluttering about for possibly many days but be sure they will tire after a while and move on. I have even heard of birds being amorous to a car mirror.
I’m sure we are all enjoying the sun bringing the leaves out on the trees, beautiful flowers and the sense of anticipation of the birds and animals for rebirth.
Sylvia Campbell, NIWRA co-founder, can be reached at wildlife@niwra.org.