No Mirror’s Safe From Rampaging Woodpecker

Vehicle owners around Sullivan, N.Y., are covering their side mirrors in an attempt to outsmart a woodpecker who apparently thinks his reflection is an enemy and attacks.

Tim Taylor, who owns Thruway Auto Glass, said he replaced 30 smashed mirrors last year and 18 this year because of the bird, which has claimed the area as his territory. During breeding season, male woodpeckers aggressively defend their turf, even against imaginary foes, said bird-watcher Benjamin Burtt.

“People come in pretty mad,” Taylor said. “One guy’s been in here three times already because he keeps forgetting to cover up the mirrors.”