Problems with birds in general
 Nest in inappropriate place
If possible, allow the babies to mature until they can fly, then remove the nest. If there are babies in the nest, the nest can be moved a short distance and the parents will most likely continue to care for their young. Most birds and their nests are federally protected and should be left alone until the babies have left the nest. If no eggs have been laid in the nest, remove all nesting materials as they are put in place. Screen the area where the nest is being built to prevent further nesting. |
Bird stalked by dog or cat
Keep pets indoors until the bird is old enough to fly or has left the yard. If the bird appears injured or you know it had contact with a dog or cat, take it to the nearest rehabilitation facility. A fledgling may be placed in a large open box that the parents can enter to feed, but with sides high enough to prevent the fledgling from hopping out. Place the box in a bush or tree so it is off the ground. |
Bird hitting window repeatedly
During mating and nesting season, birds defend their territory against their own reflection, thinking that the reflection is a competitor. Birds do not usually injure themselves with this behavior, but it can be a nuisance to the resident of the home. This will last until the bird has secured its territory. Cover the window on the outside to take away the reflection. Do not use reflective film on windows. |
| A temporary method of breaking up the reflection on a window: Fill a spray bottle or plant mister with soapy or salty water, and spray the outside of the window. The water will leave a film as it dries that will no longer reflect. You can still see out (although it does look like you need to wash your window) and light still comes through. If it rains before the territorial behavior has ended, you'll have to reapply the soapy/salty water, but it's a quick, cheap and harmless solution. |
Birds diving or flying at people or pets
These are usually blackbirds or mockingbirds defending their territory when there is a nest in the area. They see you and your pet as predators and they want to protect their family. These birds rarely make contact or cause injury. If you know where the nest is and no eggs have been laid yet, you can remove the nest; hopefully the birds will nest again somewhere else. If there are eggs or babies in the nest, it should be left alone. Use another entrance to your house if possible and keep your pets indoors. Wear a hat or carry an umbrella when approaching nest. |
Birds acting "drunk"
Birds that look drunk, stagger or fly low with difficulty are not drunk. They gorge on berries and become too heavy to fly gracefully. The berries are not fermented. |
