(StatePoint) If you’ve ever noticed a bird attack your windows, you may wonder why this strange behavior is occurring. Beyond the potential disruption it might cause your family, repeated attacks can be harmful to birds. Understanding the problem however, can help you put a stop to it, and better protect the birds nesting on your property.

The Problem

Many birds will stake out a territory, perhaps by your home, and vigorously defend it. If a territorial bird discovers its reflection in your window, it may perceive this reflection to be another bird competing for its territory and mate, compelling the bird to attack. This attack of its own reflection can take the form of pecking or scratching at your window, as well as flying up and banging into your window. When repeated, these actions deplete a bird’s energy and put its health and the health of its nesting young at risk. Though this can occur at any time of year, it happens most often in spring, with males.

A Solution

You can help stop this problem from occurring. One good solution designed to do so is Stop Bird Attack, a removable, white coating that may be sprayed on any window. It eliminates the bird’s window reflection, calms the bird and stops the attack. Effective for Northern Cardinals, American Robins, California Towhees and other territorial birds, Stop Bird Attack is made by WindowAlert, a brand that also makes bird window decals and UV Liquid products that help prevent bird strikes (another common hazard to birds). More information can be found by visiting www.windowalert.com .

Take It a Step Further

While you are at it, consider other dangers to birds that you can eliminate on your property. For example, by swapping out conventional pesticides with essential oils, you can ward off pests in your garden without putting birds at risk. You might also try keeping pet cats indoors or in an enclosure to prevent them from attacking birds.

“While your home’s windows can be an unexpected hazard to birds, it’s important to be aware of the easy solutions that can help keep them safe this spring nesting season and beyond,” says Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert.