April 13, 2021
I have to admit I’ve always loved robins. What’s not to like? Harbingers of spring. That adorable red-orange breast. The way they hop along the lawn stopping to listen for worms and grubs under the service. All in all, they are in my top ten birds.
So yesterday when I began my encounter with this guy, I was a little taken aback, but let’s start the story from the beginning (ish).
I haven’t been spending much time in the literacy center of late, but yesterday afternoon I was determined to shelve returned books and generally tidy up.
As I neared the K/L section near the window, I hear a thud as if something hit the window. When I turned, this guy, our robin was casually sitting on this branch of the crabapple tree right outside the window in our learning courtyard.
Hi, robin! I thought, leaning close to the window to admire him. Yesterday was chilly and he puffed himself out. He looked right in the window. I smiled to myself considering him to be good company and continued about my way, sorting and shelving books.
I continued to hear this thud every few minutes, but when I turned, I just say the robin dropping to the ground. At first I didn’t connect the robin to the thud. Then I saw him strike the window with his claws. Again, I thought perhaps he was trying to light on the top of the window or the gutter above and missed. Maybe he was trying to sit on the white plastic surrounding the window.
But then… it continued happening. Over and over again, the robin struck the window. Is it making a nest?
What is going on?
Does he look angry? Do birds actually have anger?
Busy with my tasks, I continued and when I turned off the lights and went home, I didn’t give it another thought.
But this morning,
I dropped my coat and handbag on the table, turned on the lights. I caught a glimpse of the robin through the window and then,
The robin attacked. Over and over throwing itself against the window. I was on a zoom call when I finally said, do you mind holding a moment, this robin is attacking my window. I have to see what’s going on.
I went around the hallway and unlocked the courtyard door. On the way, I said to the occupational therapist, did you hear that robin throwing himself at my window?
I went outside. The robins was casually sitting in the tree.
What’s up? I said.
No response from the robin.
No sign of a nest in the gutter or on the ledge of bricks above my window. The sun shone and all seemed right with the world.
I returned to my call. But I could hear it. The sound of bird claws striking the window.
What is this???
An internet search suggested that he sees his reflection and thinks he is attacking a rival. Ok, well that’s the one window I do not have a shade for, so plan B.
Thud.
Thud.
The next advice says to put up gel clings or stickers on the window to break up the window view. So…
I sent an email.
and this
The lovely butterfly was dispatched to the window. Mr. Robin did not appreciate this. He then began to throw himself at the window in earnest… (sigh) I took down the butterfly.
The window/bird incident was the community talk. I received more advice, some visitors to view the angry bird, but not much success.
This afternoon as I write, he is not to be seen, but there’s always tomorrow.
Further research…
Superstitious Beliefs about Birds Flying into Closed Window from the internet.
In some cultures, it is a sign of impending doom when a bird hits a window.
… Other traditions believe that the bird hitting your window is just a messenger.
Some believe the bird carries a goodwill message, while others believe it’s a message of death.
So generally, according to all traditions, a bird hitting your window signifies change.
Change?
As Sheryl Crow says, a change might do me good.
