Does enyone know how to stop birds tapping on windows?

In the past it has been during the spring and I would suppose that during the nesting season they see their reflection and become territorial.

The first time it was a Hoopoe which didn't tap but sat on the sill hooping (at close range these things are loud!)
The second time it was a Blackbird
This year it has been a Woodpecker

The Woodpecker has by far been the most persistant and is still doing it, a far harder tap and has also destroyed my flyscreens the other 2 stopped once nesting had finished. What is most annoying is that they always start at first light.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Prob the wrong thing to do...but I had to smile when I read this...:)

varnagirl wrote:

Prob the wrong thing to do...but I had to smile when I read this...:)

I suppose it does save a fortune on alarm clock batteries
But in the summer before 5 in the morning does test the patience

Try a big fluffy cat...a childs toy, not a real one!!

GeshiSimon wrote:

varnagirl wrote:

Prob the wrong thing to do...but I had to smile when I read this...:)

I suppose it does save a fortune on alarm clock batteries
But in the summer before 5 in the morning does test the patience

Take it you used to be a Townie then....?

Actually not, until I moved to Germany in 2006 I lived in the countryside all of my life. Just never had a Woodpecker hammering on my window first thing

there is only one part of the house i dont want birds near ..so i have a big plastic owl sat there...they dont come near !

Good Idea I'll look for one next time I'm in town, thanks

Sorry Bazz, missed your post earlier, will also try that. The windows they tap on are a fair distance apart so one or both methods may work in keeping the little darlings away. Many thanks to the both of you.

I don't claim the idea as my own...a mate in the UK had a problem with pigeons using the roof rack on his car. About a dozen of them would roost there, day or night...imagine the mess! He tried all sorts of devious tricks to get rid of them, with no luck until someone suggested the cat idea...the problem just flew away!!! He says that he used to change the position of the cat every couple of days, but now he doesn't bother.

Poor little thing wants to come in Si, just open the window and let him in

Berni, Been trying to find a bird cage, to your suggestion, as soon as I can I will let him in and bring him to you.

GeshiSimon wrote:

Berni, Been trying to find a bird cage, to your suggestion, as soon as I can I will let him in and bring him to you.

On your bike mate!