Anthony Overs wrote about a Kookaburra that keeps launching itself against
windows. Unfortunately, this behaviour is not uncommon, and may result in
broken windows (I know of one house where 10 windows were broken by one
misguided Kookaburra), not to mention excessive wear and tear on the bird. Some
of these Kookaburras were examined by Healesville Sanctuary, and were found to
have enlarged adrenal glands, suggesting high stress levels. It was suggested
that these birds may be exhibiting an abnormally high territorial response to
the "other" Kookaburra in the window. There are several possible options. Do
nothing (always an option, but one that may result in a dead Kookaburra and
broken windows, or shattered nerves at the least). Remove the perch from which
the bird launches itself at the window. This behaviour may not be elicited if
the bird cannot see itself in the window. Smear the window with some coating to
remove the reflection (mud works well, but there may be aesthetic
considerations!). Hang shade cloth from the eaves, to intercept the bird.
Obtain a permit from the relevant wildlife agency to have the bird destroyed.
Place a mirror in the garden, where the bird can find a good reflection without
damaging windows (does not do much for the bird).
There seems to be a common denominator in many of the cases where a Kookaburra
adopts this window-bashing behaviour. That is, the well-meaning residents of
that house, or a neighbouring house, have been feeding the birds. In some
cases, one of the birds being fed begins to attack its reflection in the
windows. A neighbour of mine used to feed the Kookaburra when it tapped on the
window. In this instance, it seemed that the window-tapping (done from the
ground by this bird) was reinforced by being fed. This bird became obsessed
with tapping at the window (we refused to feed it, even though it frequently
tapped at our windows. Over several weeks, it became scruffy, had blood on the
end of its beak, and then disappeared.
The above illustrates just one of many good reasons for not feeding birds (or
other wildlife).
Cheers
Ian
=======================================
Ian Temby, 1999 Churchill Fellow
Wildlife Damage Control Officer
Secretary/Treasurer, Birds Australia Parrot Association
Flora & Fauna Program
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
4/250 Victoria Parade
EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002
AUSTRALIA
Phone 613 9412 4429
Fax 613 9412 4586
E-mail
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