Hi all,
Although it is a common occurrence for "yard birds" such as cardinals and robins to have an identity crisis with themselves by persistently fluttering against a mirror or window, I have never observed a neotropical bird having this self-inflictied, allusional problem.
That being said: For the last 3 days, there has been a Yellow-throated Vireo at my home acting this way. The activity started Monday afternoon when the bird persisted almost constantly "banging away" for an hour while not leaving a 15 x 30' rhododendron clump.Towards the end of the hour it was either perching on a sill or perched in the rhodendron about 3 to 6 feet away. It was never seen to leave the shrubs for almost 3 hours.
About 1/2 the window is completely shaded, the other half (to the northeast) is partially shaded. The window faces due east.
It then left the shrubs only to reappear (and flutter) for several minutes off and on over the next two hours. Yesterday it visited by the picture and side windows by both fluttering in flight and while standing on the sills. It only stayed for about 10 minutes and didn't return (as far as I know).
Today in both morning and afternoon (10 to 3) it visited several times but again did not remain for more than 5 minutes each with about 10 minutes or more between visits.
Since this activity has been occurring over a period of 3 days, I am assuming this bird is on territory. BTW, this is a FOS and new yard bird for me.
Roger Troutman
rural Lexington, Richland County Ohio
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