Posts Tagged ‘Birds’

I found this to be an interesting article because I was recently a witness to a robin flying into a window over and over at a client’s home not too long ago. I had never seen anything like it, the bird had caused himself actual damage, and he just kept going. I scared him off, but I’m sure he came back as soon as I left. If you have this problem, the following article is very helpful.

How To Prevent Bird Window Collisions

by Drs. Foster and Smith on April 22, 2010

Written by Beth G. who works in Drs. Foster and Smith’s Internet Creative Department.

For the last 2 Springs I have had nesting robins in my yard that like to fly into the windows. They actually make their way around the house, hitting each window in succession. I wanted to put a stop to this behavior because a) the poor robin may be hurting himself and b) the loud bangs make it hard to sleep past daybreak.

When this first happened last year, I read about hanging silhouettes of flying birds cut out of paper on the windows. I tried that and it really did the trick. Apparently, seeing something in the glass makes the birds stop attacking it. But as soon as I took the paper birds off of the windows, they began flying into them again.

Window decals that prevent bird window collisions.

This year when the robins were back at it again, I decided to try a more aesthetic alternative by buying decals that cling to your window. They come in a variety of styles. I opted for the hummingbird shapes. The birds see the decals more vividly on the outside of the window than we do inside because they reflect UV light.

So, hanging something on your windows really does help reduce bird window collisions, whether it be a homemade version or store-bought window decals. It’s a lot quieter in the mornings now and the robin isn’t using up so much energy flying into his reflection.

A couple of weeks ago, I attended my Georgia Network of Professional Pet Sitters monthly meeting, where Beth Fasnacht of Pet Watch, Inc. gave us an excellent presentation on disaster emergency preparation. Here is a little more of what I learned.

Caring For Birds in an Emergency

Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. In cold weather, wrap a blanket over the carrier and warm up the car before placing the birds inside. During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the bird’s feathers periodically. Do not put water inside the carrier during transport.

• Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content
• Have a photo for identification and leg bands
• If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently
• Try to keep the carrier in a quiet area. Do not let the birds out of the cage or carrier during an emergency
• When transporting house lizards, follow the same directions as for birds

What About Other Pets?

Reptiles

Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase, but they must be transferred to more secure housing when they reach the evacuation site.

If the snake requires frequent feedings, carry food with you.

Take a water bowl large enough for soaking as well as a heating pad.

Pocket Pets

Small mammals (hamsters, gerbils, etc.) should be transported in secure carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while at the shelter. Take bedding materials, food bowls, and water bottles.

Life is life–whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man’s own advantage.
– Sri Aurobindo