My backyard is both my sanctuary and my little ‘green space’ in the city.  I look forward to being able to return to my summer hangout.  But until the warm weather is here I can patiently only watch spring’s progress in my backyard.  From my kitchen window, which is elevated above the backyard, I have a bird’s eye view to observe all the activity going on.  The buds on the trees are just starting to come out and some of the perennials are beginning to poke up out of the soil.  And the birds are so busy at this time of year.  Blue Jays, robins and cardinals are constantly flying about; looking for mates and starting to nest.  But here is the thing – I have a garden mirror that hangs on a wall in the backyard.  The mirror tucked in behind some greenery gives the appearance of creating visual space where none exists.  My yard is small so this ‘trompe l’oeil’ (French for ‘fool the eye’) is perfect for tricking one into believing that my backyard is spacious.  Same tactic as when a mirror is used inside a home.  But each spring I have to cover the mirror over with a plastic sheet to prevent birds from hurting themselves.  The birds, mostly robins, upon seeing their reflection in the mirror believe it to be another bird that is in their territory.  The bird fights itself to such a length that I have noticed blood on the mirror.  Not nice for the bird!  So I thought I would pass this info on to anyone who may have a garden mirror.  Cover over the mirror during springtime until the birds are finished mating.

A photo of a robin in spring – let’s protect him.

My garden mirror in spring before plant foilage covers over.

My garden mirror in summer somewhat hidden from surrounding foilage.

All images via Modmissy