Have you ever been attacked by a red-winged black bird?

[adachi]

I got dinged in the back of the head four times at High Park near the duck ponds on Wednesday. It was very embarrasing because the bird really targeted only me, maybe because of my camera. The male let others pass by. It's ironic, the other people in the area were there for other purposes, jogging, leisurely walking along etc. I think I was the only one with a camera. The funny thing is I couldn't care less about red-winged black birds, i was just passing by, I've no interest in photographing them.

Have any of you ever been harrassed, attacked before by these guys before?

A

[Kin Lau]

Harrassed, yes. Swooped at, yes. Actually hit by one... not yet.

[Dr. John]

There was a news story in the last year or two about a RWB attacking passersby and making direct contact.  I think it was somewhere in the west end, but not necessarily in High Park. Someone also posted a photo of a RWB attacking a swan (direct contact).

-John

[Kin Lau]

Someone also posted a photo of a RWB attacking a swan (direct contact).

That would be me ... it's in my gallery.

[Axeman]

Haven't had the pleasure of that yet although I've heard tales before...but recently a pair of robins (Turdus migratorious...I get such a kick out of that...)  nesting on my property have become very aggressive towards me...not my wife, daughter or others...just me....no direct contact but I fear its coming....they've come awfully close...

[Al Johnston]

I was attacked a few years ago when I was riding my bike past some cat tails where they were obviously nesting.  After several direct hits on the back of the head I started wearing my helmut.

[Bird Brain]

Have any of you ever been harrassed, attacked before by these guys before?

A

Yes.  Earlier this year at Lake Aquitaine here in Mississauga, a male Red-winged Blackbird swooped down and pecked the back of my head!   :shock:  I really don't need another hole in my head, thanks.   :lol:   It didn't hurt, just startled me more than anything.  Guess I've got a hard head as there was no injury.  haha.

Every year at this lake, the blackbirds attack everyone and everything - including dogs and squirrels!  I've witnessed them pecking both and going after one dog's tail in particular.  

A lot of people have resorted to walking around the lake carrying umbrellas when the blackbirds are nesting.  I lucked out this year and saw babies!

Probably why the male was trying to drill some holes in my head.  Sorry, guy - you're not a Pileated Woodpecker and I'm not a tree!

 :roll:

They also tend to almost fly right into people's faces here.  Cripes!  They attack from the front and from behind!

[Anonymous]

Been dive bombed a couple of times when near their nesting sights...that is, until the Peregrine I was watching took it out.