It has happened three times in the past two weeks. Birds have fatally hit the window near the bird feeder. They have not died quickly but slowly, twitching on their little backs, trying to upright themselves and be whole to fly again.

The first was a young something-or-other and we chalked up his hitting the window to inexperience in flight. Yet the second was an adult robin and about a half hour ago a cardinal hit.

We installed the bird feeder in order to feed the birds not kill them.

My daughter, bird lover extraordinaire said, not unkindly, "Mom, it's not like your windows are so clean."

The only thing I can figure is that they were all males and they did not ask for directions.