Re: the bluebirds, I have installed louvered blinds outside against the windows.  I could adjust them to open, closed, and in-between from inside the house, as long as I didn't mind leaving the windows open a crack.  Your neighbors would have to get outside and adjust them.  But it worked for me and after just a couple of days of curiosity, the bluebirds ignored the windows and blinds entirely--they were too busy with nesting.

I have another behavioral question.  The tenant at my house outside of Poolesville has been 'befriended' by an adult Rock Dove, who follows her around the yard, pecks on hosue windows frantically to get her attention, sits at the back door waiting for her, rides on the roof of her car!  It seems to have bonded with her.  What would cause this behavior?  She has done nothing to encourage it.  A flock hangs out at the farm across the road, but have paid no-never-you-mind to my house at all...any thoughts?

Nancy Dunn
Baltimore




----- Original Message ----
From: "" <>
To: 
Sent: Thursday, April 5, 2007 7:00:07 PM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Bluebird behavioral challenge for homeowner


Here's something for you bird behaviorists to mull over.
My down the hill neighbor has of late been won over by our missionary zeal for feeding -- and creating yards compatible for nesting -- birds.  They have been filling a tubular feeder with appropriate seed and had recently put up a Bluebird box.  
All of us were pleased to see that a pair of Bluebirds had been attracted to their yard, and to their box this week.  However, their appearance has been accompanied by a challenge, as of yet unmet and unsolved.
My neighbors have a virtual wall of glass overlooking their backyard from their living and dining room areas.  This pair of bluebirds are continuously attacking their reflections in the glass (mostly male, with occasional female backup) during the morning and evening hours.  They consulted with the staff at the Backyard Naturalist, in Olney, MD, who suggested they hang a tarp over the glassed area they were attacking.  
They did that.  The Bluebirds simply moved to the uncovered glass area and continued their aggressive behavior.
Aside from being concerned about how much time and energy the birds were spending attacking their reflections, my neighbors are concerned that the pair is speckling their glass with feather down and spittle and leaving fecal material all over their deck.  The deck, incidentally, was recently rebuilt and is the pride of the husband.....
My questions are these:  Are there any recommendations as to what additional measures might resolve this situation, and am I correct in telling them that the behavior will be self-limiting as the pair is distracted by nest building and rearing of their brood?  Or, will they likely not select my neighbor's  birdbox because they were discouraged by their "competitors"?
Answers and suggestions would be appreciated, off line if you prefer.
Thanks.
Jay and Diane Jones