At 6am every morning, we wake up to a pounding at one of our windows. A cardinal (you know those red birds) sees itself in the reflection of the window and since they are territorial, "attacks" his/her (I think the redder ones are actually males, but maybe someone else knows) likeness in the window, and for the next 15 minutes, pounds against the window. It lasts until he/she knocks itself out . . . what a great wakeup call . . . this has been going on for over a year, yes, that's right, over a year . . . we have tried different things, we have put up cardboard to block the window, but it moves to window next to the other one . . . and putting up cardboard is probably not a good long term solution. I have stood outside at 6am, to serve as a scarecrow (one of my better jobs let me tell you), and it works!!! well, until the first day I dont stand at the window.
This reminds of a neighbor from many years ago. My neighbor had a problem with his pool. You see, a flock of ducks (is it a flock of ducks, oh well, you get the point) decided to make their home pond as his pool. He tried everything and to no avail, when finally, another neighbor suggested putting up an inflatable alligator in the pool. And guess what? It Worked! The ducks never returned.
Now, there are a few takeaways . . .
1) Sometimes what you think is an enemy is not . . . you might be your worst enemy
2) look for long term solutions, not just for a short term fix
3) Simple solutions are usually the most innovative
see you next time!
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The Cardinal is Kentucky's state bird. We have a pair (male and female) living in the woods behind our house. As is typically the case throughout the animal kingdom, the male of the species is much more brilliant and attractive in appearance while the female has a more dull colour. I would suggest putting up something that moves, possibly a windchime outside the window. Or you could always erect a scarecrow, they don't complain about the 6am wakeup calls. ;)
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