Bang, bang, bang – something was knocking into the window downstairs. When I got there, I saw a robin hopping up from the ground into the window pane. Then, he flew off.
This scene has repeated itself over and over during the last month. I know birds occasionally will fly into windows. We’ve seen AND heard them do it. But, repeatedly band on a window and flew away?! Now, that’s just weird!
It happens daily now. I haven’t been able to figure out why. I’ve looked for a nest, eggs, or anything that might induce a fury or be perceived as a threat. Nothing. I’ve found nothing.
Except what is making the noise. This morning I found our guest house cat watching the window with interest just as the banging dissipated. Any thoughts on why this bird is banging on our window?
The other “weird” bird occurrence happened yesterday. It involved a hummingbird! Each year we hang a hummingbird feeder outside our kitchen window. It hangs over our deck in a partially sheltered area under the roof overhang. It gets a fair amount of action, enough to make hanging it each year worth while.
But, yesterday was a cold and wet day. The day before was in the low 70’s. Yesterday, was about 30 degrees cooler. And, the day before that was cool as well. We noticed that the hummingbirds were sitting on the deck rail. Just sitting. There were three of them. The rail was wet, stilling having rain drops accumulating. We’ve seen these tiny birds seek shelter in our hydrangea bush but never just sit on the deck rail.
Soon two of them flew off. But, one stayed and moved to an Adirondack chair just below the feeder. There he/she sat and sat and sat. I had to wonder what was going on. I was sure it had something to do with the cold weather. Anyway, he/she sat there most of the morning, getting up to fly away only to come back, take a sip at the feeder and sit again on the chair.
Finally, I got a clue as to what was going on. I think the tiny hummingbird had found a place to stay warm or, at least, warmer. Our house vent sits approximately 3 feet down and 2 feet over from where the bird sat. Every so often I’d see a waft of steam float towards the deck rail and chair where the bird was sitting so oddly for long periods.
Once it warmed up, the hummer was gone!
The Apples in My Orchard 