Hallson Gardens

We have a resident cardinal that has been with us since early last spring. At some point, I think april, he started to peck at the windows. I mean EACH window on the east and north sides. There are bushes and or tree branches near these window. He sits on them, then jumps to the bars between the upper and lower pane and pecks at the glass. This is STILL going on.

I am not talking the ocassionally nutty chasing of a reflection here. I'm talking daily, hourly for the last 8 months! He starts just after sun up and doesn't quit till just before sundown. He has taken breaks throughout the day, I'm guessing to refuel. I was certain months ago, he would break a beak with all the incessant tapping. You can hear it throughout 1/2 the house. Unfortunately he doesn't mind if the blinds are open or closed, the cats nearby, or the drapes pulled. Dh nearly soaped our OWN windows last time he was home, but we didn't have any smelly enough!

What a makes a bird do this? I know during mating season, they'll chase or attack their own reflections, but this has been for 8 months! I'm considering leaving the window open and putting him in a cage for the winter to make his stop! What makes them do this? IS he prehaps a nutty cardinal? Thinks he's a pecker or what?

I found this site talking about your problem...hope it helps!
http://www.birds-n-garden.com/wild_birds_FAQ.html

Thanks muffy. I knew that, but what I wondered is what would make one continue it into the winter months? I'm really thinking he's just off his rocker and can't get back up into it! Weird bird. I even quit feeding them about 2 months ago again this year b/c I didn't want to encourage them to stay this year as we are still paying off major medical bills. I have some feed for when we get a ton of snow and their feed lots are covered in feet of snow, but dang...this guy just doesn't get the hint. Guess maybe some good old irish spring is going to be bought tomorrow