Oh, dear, I have a bird problem! I found a female cardinal dead by my back sliding glass door. Even though I have things hanging on the door so birds won't do this, I guess this one made a mistake. :-(
Anyway, there's now a male cardinal that hangs around the back door all the time, and keeps flying into the door!!! Not hard, just jumping up and bumping into it. Does he think his mate is "in" the door? Do they mate for life? This is so sad to watch!!! :-(
Any ideas............? TIA! Susan in VA
Susan, Cardinals and other small songbirds do not mate for life. However, from the bird behavior I have observed, cardinals seem to be more affectionate with their mates, males feeding females from the bird feeder, etc. It sounds like the male is in mourning. It is sad. I think I would try putting up a picture of a hawk or owl to see if that would scare the cardinal away. Patti
Hi Susan,
I had the same thing happen a few weeks ago. I was in my studio making beads when I heard a loud bang on the window. When I looked outside to see what it was, there was a little red female cardinal lying dead on the ground. The most awful part is that the male watched me bury her. I was upset about that all week. I had a dark curtain in my window, and I think they see the reflection of the sky and trees in the glass. If the male bird that's hanging around now is immature, (possibly one of her male babies) maybe he's hungry and asking the bird he sees in the reflection for food. Maybe a little wild birdseed would help.
I hate to say this, but with the prevalance of bird flu, it's important to take these to your local health department for testing. Place the bird in a plastic bag, bag that, put it in a paper bag, and then in your freezer until you can get it there.
It's sad when a bird dies, even sadder when a person dies. Taking a dead bird to your health department can help prevent another tragedy.
Eeekkk! I never even thought about that! I think this little bird just got carried away chasing bug and hit the window, but if it happens again, I would certainly consider taking your advise.
Susan, I'm so sorry to hear about the cardinal. I have budgies, and even they fly into the window (from the inside). You can always try the advice on this webpage:
It is for that reason that I have had to stop hand feeding the robins. It was quite a thrill when I got one come to my hand. With this bird flu that threatens, common sense prevails and no more hand feeding wild birds. Shirley
In message , "Dawn >^..^
Thanks, all! Susan in VA
Susan and others -- that is a sad, sad story but as always, I am touched by the humanity exhibited on these boards. Proud to know you.
Becki
Ditto.
You're very welcome Susan. A big thanks to you for caring so much too!
Best, Christine
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