Q. A bird is attacking me every time I walk through my yard! What do I do?
A. It’s spring and with that comes warmer temperatures, renewed plant growth and a new nesting season for birds. All things most of us look forward to following winter. But this rosy view can be kiboshed if you’re out for a nice walk or spending time in your yard when all of a sudden you’re getting dive-bombed by a bird.
The bird typically means you no harm as it flies close to you, sometimes really close! It is instead trying to protect its eggs and/or fledglings from a potential predator – you! While you mean the bird and its young no harm, this is unknown to the bird. The good news is that this protective and territorial behaviour typically wraps up after the young have fledged and have perfected their flying skills.
Some birds are more known for this behaviour than others. Northern Mockingbirds, swallows, hawks, crows, robins, Blue Jays and Red-winged Blackbirds are a few that take their nest protecting very seriously. Below are some tips to help you get through this period:
- If possible, take a different route or path to wherever you are going in your yard. Hopefully by giving a larger perimeter around the nest site, the bird will see you as less of a threat.
- Wear a hat to provide an extra layer of protection.
- Walk with an opened umbrella to discourage an encounter.
While spring is prime nesting time for birds, there are some species that have multiple broods so this protective behaviour may stop and then start again into the summer months. It should also be pointed out that many bird species, including their nests and eggs, are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act.
