Nature's Angry Bird?

[Gloria]

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/2016...down-on-humans

If you're walking, jogging or riding a bike anywhere in Chicago this spring or summer, don't be surprised if you see the black bird with red and yellow wings flying right at you. The aggressive birds, protecting their nests, are commonly known to swoop down on humans, and even try to grab their hair.

The attacks aren't a new problem. In 2013, red-winged blackbirds terrorized visitors to Grant Park.

The Tribune in 1999 called lakefront jogging a "contact sport" after several red-winged blackbirds zeroed in on unsuspecting runners.

"My experience is that they'll scare the heck out of you, but they usually won't hit you," John Bates.

[dapjwy]

I love red-wing blackbirds. I'm hoping to attract them to nest in the yard. I didn't know they were so aggressive defending their nests--I've had tree swallows do the swooping dives though.

[Kildale]

Took a few pictures of them today. Getting into the mood , calling for the females. Not aggressive yet but will bomb you when the nesting starts.

[dapjwy]

Nice, Kildale.

I tried getting some shots of one in our yard perched at the top of the pussy willow. I only wish it were clearer.

I'd love to have them nest here. I'm hoping once I have the pond and wetland put in that they should find our property prime real estate.

Nice to have some added incentive.

[havalotta]

Oooo Nice red car doors!
Can't wait for their return!

[katjh]

Originally Posted by havalotta

Oooo Nice red car doors!
Can't wait for their return!

They're back here, Hava! Get rid of that snow and I'll send a few your way .

[Kildale]

We manage to have them the year round. This is the female taken a few days ago when I took the male image.

[linrose]

I only see them when they come through with other blackbirds while migrating in late winter. I've never seen that much color on the wings though, wow!

[linrose]

I think they live closer to water and we have none nearby. I used to see them all the time in upstate New York where I grew up hanging out in the cattails in wetland areas.

[Gloria]

We saw a red winged black bird along the bike path yesterday afternoon. One male just sat in a leafless tree and watched us. The color shows less until it does that puffed up thing to impress the female or warn away others. I like hearing the shrill trill they make in spring. Many years they nest in the Lurie garden on the lakefront. That section of the garden is cordoned off for a few weeks to keep from disturbing the nest.