It's that time of year again!
Outdoor Ontario

It's that time of year again!

Bird Brain · 14 · 4570
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Bird Brain

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on: May 13, 2010, 05:36:09 PM
Hi everyone.

This morning I was walking around Lake Aquitaine.  2 male Red-winged Blackbirds attacked from the rear and pecked the back of my head!   :shock:   It's that time of year again and today was a case of "double whammy!".

There are dozens of male and female RWBB's currently at the lake.  At the moment, the males are completely nuts and dive bombing everyone and everything!  

Jo-Anne  

Lake Aquitaine:  SE corner of Glen Erin Dr./Aquitaine Ave., behind the Meadowvale Community Centre.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Bird Brain »
Jo-Anne :)

"If what you see by the eye doesn't please you, then close your eyes and see from the heart".

Howieh

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Reply #1 on: May 13, 2010, 09:25:58 PM
You must be getting very close to some nests. There are lots of nesting RWBs at Oakbank pond but even when I get close to a nest they usually just make a lot of noise and don't come too close to me.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Howieh »

Bird Brain

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Reply #2 on: May 14, 2010, 09:22:48 AM
Hi Howieh.

It's an odd experience/feeling.  First you can hear/feel the wings fluttering behind your head, then the back of your hair gets fluffed up.  All of a sudden there's a "ping" off the back of your head.  It actually doesn't hurt, just startles you a bit.  Then the RWBB will fly to a nearby branch, look at you and "laugh"!   :shock:

I'm sure today's New Moon isn't helping matters.  :lol:
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Bird Brain »
Jo-Anne :)

"If what you see by the eye doesn't please you, then close your eyes and see from the heart".

Moira

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Reply #3 on: May 14, 2010, 12:28:59 PM
Are you kidding me Jo-Anne?  Yikes!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Moira »

Bird Brain

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Reply #4 on: May 14, 2010, 06:28:54 PM
:shock: Moira ... it happened again today!   Probably a combination of nesting birds, New Moon and perhaps my shiny hair due to using Pantene shampoo?  :D  My mom was visiting today and they were trying to get her too!  The RWBB's hover first then attack.  You should see when they go after the squirrels and dogs!

This head pecking happens every Spring here at the lake - last year I got pecked in March, usually it happens in April.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Bird Brain »
Jo-Anne :)

"If what you see by the eye doesn't please you, then close your eyes and see from the heart".

MEGHAN

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Reply #5 on: May 17, 2010, 06:56:49 PM
Hey Jo-Anne,
Not even the Herons are safe.
I watched this guy get to close to a RRBB and he made himself know...Hit the Heron on the back of the head and popped the fish right out of its mouth.
Did I laugh!!  :lol: It was so funny. The Heron didn't even know what hit him. Just started "honking" in anger at the fact his lunch just got away.
This is the only shot I managed to get. Laughing way to much to get "the" shot..would of been a classic one though.
Meghan
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by MEGHAN »
"Birds are a visual treat that reaffirms the joy and goodness of living. Birds are also the most elegant expression of life”.
Roger Tory Peterson


http://www.flickr.com/photos/luv2brd/

Bird Brain

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Reply #6 on: May 17, 2010, 08:48:02 PM
Hi Meg ... that is absolutely hilarious!   :lol:
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Bird Brain »
Jo-Anne :)

"If what you see by the eye doesn't please you, then close your eyes and see from the heart".

MEGHAN

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Reply #7 on: May 19, 2010, 04:43:16 PM
Jo-Anne
I thought you'd like it.
After being konked in the head I figured you would appreciate it.   :lol:
meghan
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by MEGHAN »
"Birds are a visual treat that reaffirms the joy and goodness of living. Birds are also the most elegant expression of life”.
Roger Tory Peterson


http://www.flickr.com/photos/luv2brd/

Bird Brain

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Reply #8 on: May 19, 2010, 07:55:53 PM
:lol:

Meg ... I should get a t-shirt that says "I've been konked!" with photo of male RWBB on it.  Ha Ha!  :D
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Bird Brain »
Jo-Anne :)

"If what you see by the eye doesn't please you, then close your eyes and see from the heart".

MEGHAN

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Reply #9 on: May 19, 2010, 08:18:02 PM
:lol:  :lol:  :lol:
How funny would that be??
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by MEGHAN »
"Birds are a visual treat that reaffirms the joy and goodness of living. Birds are also the most elegant expression of life”.
Roger Tory Peterson


http://www.flickr.com/photos/luv2brd/

Bird Brain

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Reply #10 on: May 19, 2010, 08:23:19 PM
It would have to go on the back of the t-shirt as well since they always attack from the rear and peck the back of one's head!   :lol:

Lately, the secret to dealing with these guys ... toss them a 1/2 peanut.  Keeps them occupied for awhile and lets a person walk by in peace.  :D
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Bird Brain »
Jo-Anne :)

"If what you see by the eye doesn't please you, then close your eyes and see from the heart".

Moira

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Reply #11 on: May 20, 2010, 01:40:10 PM
Jo-Anne & Meghan:  Just seeing this string now.  You guys are hilarious.  Lesson from the GBH to you Jo-Anne - don't eat your lunch there :)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Moira »

Bird Brain

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Reply #12 on: May 20, 2010, 05:09:11 PM
Quote from: "Moira"
Jo-Anne & Meghan:  Just seeing this string now.  You guys are hilarious.

:lol: Thanks.  Must be something in the air in Mississauga.  haha.  

Quote
Lesson from the GBH to you Jo-Anne - don't eat your lunch there :)
I will be sure to eat my fish (and chips) indoors!  :D
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Bird Brain »
Jo-Anne :)

"If what you see by the eye doesn't please you, then close your eyes and see from the heart".

shorebird

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Reply #13 on: May 20, 2010, 09:34:53 PM
Out of curiosity, I'm wondering if it ever happens in nature that a territorial bird like the blackbird meets another species equally hard-headed. For instance, could a red-winged blackbird ever hold its own against, say an eastern kingbird, if both met, and waste a lot of time in a brawl?

Or do aggressive territorial birds generally mutually avoid one another?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by shorebird »

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