A southeastern Pennsylvania homeowner described robins (called "robin red breasts") creating messes on a back porch and repeatedly flying into kitchen windows, despite pie plates, pinwheels, and fishing line webs.
Understanding the Two Distinct Problems
Problem 1: Window Strikes (Territorial Aggression)
- Cause: Male robin sees reflection, perceives rival
- Timing: Spring breeding season (March-July)
- Behavior: Repeated strikes on same window
- Solution: Eliminate reflection
Effective Window Treatments
- External screens/netting: 1-2" gap from glass
- Tempera paint patterns: Vertical stripes 4" apart
- UV-reflective decals: Visible to birds, clear to humans (CollidEscape, WindowAlert)
- One-way transparent film: Opaque outside, clear inside
- External shutters/sun shades: Deploy during peak hours
- Interior lighting: Bright lights reduce reflection contrast
Problem 2: Porch Roosting/Nesting (Fecal Accumulation)
- Attraction: Covered porch = shelter; ledges = nest sites
- Health concern: Histoplasmosis risk from accumulated droppings
- Legal note: Active nests with eggs/young protected by MBTA
Porch Solutions
- Porch screening: Most effective permanent solution
- Bird slope/ledge deterrents: Angled PVC or metal (Bird-B-Gone, Nixalite)
- Parallel wires: Monofilament 2" apart across roosting areas
- Motion-activated sprinkler: For open-sided porches
- Regular cleaning: Enzyme cleaner; PPE for droppings removal
Timeline Expectations
- Window strikes: Usually cease when breeding season ends (July) or sun angle changes
- Porch use: May persist year-round if shelter available
- Nesting: 2-3 broods/season; each cycle ~5 weeks
What Doesn't Work Well
- Pie plates, CDs, pinwheels (habituation within days)
- Plastic owls/snakes (static = ignored)
- Fishing line webs (inconsistent spacing; birds navigate gaps)
- Ultrasonic devices (birds hear similar range as humans)
Immediate Action Plan
- This week: Install window collision prevention on problematic windows
- This week: Thoroughly clean porch with enzyme cleaner; wear N95 mask
- This month: Screen porch or install ledge deterrents
- Ongoing: Monitor for nest building; remove incomplete nests daily
- Next spring: Pre-deploy window treatments by March 1
Health and Safety
- Droppings cleanup: Wet-spray with disinfectant; double-bag; wash hands thoroughly
- Children's toys: Wash with bleach solution (1:10) or replace
- Histoplasmosis: Fungal spores in dry droppings; avoid creating dust
The original answer correctly identified both the territorial window strikes and the porch roosting as separate issues requiring different solutions. Screening the porch and breaking up window reflections are the most reliable long-term fixes.
