If you know anything about catbirds swooping down on people and dogs, please stop here

[Samantha]

I am almost a prisoner in my house because I have these two catbirds outside which swoop down on me when I go out the front door. Once the bird actually clipped my shoulder. I have taken to acting like a crazy lady about this situation because it has gone on for three days now and I am clueless how to handle it. I am scared to death of these birds. I went out this morning, and one of them chronically hovered around me trying to dive onto my body (or something!).

I do know they have a nest two bushes over from my front door. The baby birds have hatched, and these two birds take care of them. I am sure they are swooping down on me to discourage me from approaching the nest, but believe me, I make it a point to steer away from that bush. Additionally, the next bush over some robins have a nest. The catbirds are constantly going after the robins tending their young. There are a lot of scuffles and screeching all over the place. I also saw one of the catbirds go after a squirrel walking down my driveway, it was small and I thought the catbird was going to get the better of it. Thankfully, the squirrel managed to get away.

But the bottom line here is I feel ready to break down over this situation. I of course need to go out and water my flowers and lawn, wash my car and take my dog Cheyenne out several times a day.

If you have any experience with catbirds and know how I can deflect them from swooping down on me (and/or my dog) when I exit my house, please, please, please volunteer that information now.

Thank you in advance for any advice you might have to offer.

Cheyenne thanks you as well.

Sam

PS I can't move the bird's nest. That is the only suggestion I have received from my neighbors, but I just can't do it. I want to leave that nest alone.

[ret5hd]

1. Safety goggles and a healthy dose of ignore?

I can't see how they could really hurt you unless they poked you in the eye.

[ashling]

58. Didn't you see Hitchcock's The Birds?

[Arkansas Granny]

2. FWIW, catbirds only stay in the nest for 10-11 days after hatching, so you might not have this

problem for very long. I don't have catbirds, but I have mockingbirds that act like this (they're in the same family), but I've never known them to injure anyone.

[Samantha]

3. Thank you so much for the information

One of my neighbors was actually bold enough to pull the branches aside and take a peek at the nest. There are 3 small birds in it, and they have their feathers already. He said it usually isn't long once a baby bird gets its feathers that the mother will push it out of the nest. The really funny thing is that the birds made no effort to attack this guy as he inspected the nest. He's a great big guy, fearless about all things, I guess.

So maybe the birds are about a week old, and I only have to be careful another week. But in the meantime, I do have to go out and do some necessary things. So I am still hoping someone will give me some specific advice about how to deflect them.

Thanks again,

Sam

[irisblue]

4. umbrella when you go out

i had a jay couple of years ago that nested over my parking place, it was assigned parking so i had no real choice. an umbrella, the bigger the better will make you bigger, taller and give you a little more safety. poor cheyenne how did the dog respond to the swoop?

[Samantha]

6. I have been carrying an umbrella, one of those pop up things, with my hand on the button

so it will expand rapidly. My boyfriend laughed at this. I did also take a swipe at one of the birds when it was diving at me, and it curved away in flight. So this is a good alternative.

But I am so broken down after three days of dealing with this, I feel I can't take it anymore. I know I am a wimp, but there it is.

We are having a terrible heatwave here in DC, and I need to water my dogwood tree and flowers. I can't manage that, and they are drooping before my eyes.

I carry Cheyenne when I walk out and she doesn't understand. So far neither of the birds have gotten near her, as they have Scooter. Scooter's owner thinks this is funny when the bird goes after his dog, but personally I see no humor in the situation.

I just want someone to suggest something like a color I could wear or an offensive smell I could dose on my clothes they these birds would find naturally repellent. Don't know if anything like that exists.

Thanks for responding to my thread. I need all the advice I can get.

Sam

[irisblue]

9. sam, walk out under the umbrella. bird buzzes it, not your head

i had a dearly loved golden who had a totally luxurious coat. occasionally a brave bird would "help" themselves to nesting material while it was still attached to duke. duke would jump and snap, once he caught one, retriever that he was, he had a soft mouth.... he was a great dog.
if you leave the house under cover, the bird won't get close to you. do you notice a time of day the birds are more active? can you leave the hose on a slow drip, i understand about those drooping plants.

[Samantha]

12. The big thing about the hose is that I have to crawl into the bushes between the two nests

to turn it on. Now that would really make them mad. So far I have filled up big water pitchers and gone out at night because it seems birds must sleep at night. The dogwood tree however is something I have been nurturing three years now and it really is drooping. It needs a good dosing all over.

I thought about walking out under the umbrella and one of my neighbors started laughing at the idea. (But this is the neighbor that also laughed at the catbird going after his dog, which I thought was very insensitive).

I guess I am overly sensitive, I don't want people thinking I have gone off the deep end, but I don't want those birds around me either. I guess I need to develop better coping kills about these things.

Thank you so much for your advice. I think the accumulation of advice I have received on this thread is helping me to bolster my resolve.

Sam

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

5. Baseball Bat ... I'll bet it's just like hitting a curveball.

[Samantha]

7. I thought about a baseball bat, but I am only 5'1" and don't have much of a good swing upwards

I also wonder if I really make them mad, if the attacks will intensify. I am ignorant on the subject of birds, but as I mentioned above, the internet research I found was not helpful.

This might sound crazy, but that's okay, because I have pretty much admitted here they are driving me crazy, I wonder if they are after my hair. I have long auburn hair, pretty bushy curly, and I read they like to pick the hair off cats because it makes a soft lining for the bird's nest. I can see that. And they are always hovering around my head. Do you think there might be anything to that?

Sam

PS If so, I might have to start wearing a helmet with my hair tucked underneath.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

8. The birds won't hurt you. They just want you to think they will.

They aren't going to land on you and peck you with their beaks or tear at you with their little bitty talons. Their only motive is to scare you away from their nest. I think the umbrella idea is the best one - use the umbrella and keep in mind that the birds can't actually harm you.

[Samantha]

10. Are you absolutely certain of this

I will take your word for it if you say yes. But they do peck on Scooter's back.... I don't want them pecking on my dog Cheyenne or me.

Thanks for your response.

Sam

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

11. I know a number of bird watchers

and I've never heard of anyone ever being injured by a small songbird, even though they get strafed from time to time. Maybe somebody else has heard of an actual injury - but I did a quick Google search and couldn't locate anything, though bird attacks like you described are very common.

[Samantha]

13. Is a songbird the same as a catbird?

My next-door-neighbor told me these catbirds swoop at everything that moves. They really do not like cats at all because they are predators of birds, but they are dumb birds that think everything that moves is a cat. Sorry, that is how he put it.

Sam

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

14. A catbird is one of many types of songbirds,

a group which also includes robins, finches, sparrows, wrens, cardinals, bluebirds, etc. The general category of songbirds is also known as the perching, or passerine birds. Catbirds got their name not because of their dislike of cats (it's fair to say that most birds are not fond of cats) but because they have a call that sounds like a meow.

[Samantha]

15. Very interesting and good to know

The two main catbirds do perch a lot on the "no parking" sign at the curb and they stare in the direction of the front door, which is close to the bush which harbors the nest. But it is strange to think they are attacking the robins, which as you point out are in their family. The robins have a nest also the next bush over. The young have hatched in both nests. Some of those attacks by the catbirds on the robins are definitely unprovoked, but the robins do fight back. It is a lot of noise and it causes me distress this is going on in my front yard.

And thanks for clarifying how these birds came to be named catbirds. Makes sense. The young ones in the nest seem to be making that noise a lot.

Geez, you are a wealth of information. Thank you.

Sam

[Samantha]

18. Look what I found! What do you think about this?

"3

Treat any currently popular hangouts with a liquid bird repellent. Combine 2 tbsp. white glue, 2 tbsp. garlic powder, 2 tbsp. ground pepper and 2 qts. water. Mix until well blended and drench any leaf litter or shrubbery that seems favored by the catbirds, as this is where they are most likely to forage for food. Contact with treated areas will give any nearby fodder an unpleasant taste that the birds will find unappetizing.
4

Launch a counterattack. Purchase a large squirt gun or water cannon. Select one that shoots up to 70 feet. Fill the canister with a combination of water and Tabasco sauce. When the catbirds start to screech, shoot them. When their living conditions become unpleasant enough, they will move to greener pastures.

Read more: How to Get Rid of Catbirds | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5097614_rid-catbirds.html#ixzz1wGuDU7Db"

From: http://www.ehow.com/how_5097614_rid-catbirds.html

I had wondered about a squirt gun but didn't know if I got the bird too wet if it would be unable to fly (I am really dumb about birds). But this suggestion about water and Tabasco sauce I think is very interesting. I don't want to kill them, I just want them to be afraid of me!!!

What do you think about this?

Sam

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

19. If they move away their babies will die.

[Samantha]

21. I don't want their babies to die

I thought the "repellent" would just repel them from me, not make them move entirely. Sorry I gave the wrong idea. I am thinking you don't recommend any of these approaches.

Sam

[sarge43]

17. TVO is right, Samantha.

They aren't going land on you and peck. They're threatening because they perceive a threat. If you're concern about them hitting your face, wear a broad brim hat -- a straw gardening hat works fine.

If you want to go to "Of course you know, this means war." mode, face them and wave your arms around, hat in hand is even better. That appears very threatening. It works for me when the swallows are diving bombing me while I'm puttering in the garden. Worth a try.

The other posters are right. As soon as they kick the kids out and change the locks on the doors, they either leave you alone or move out.

Try this for Cheyenne. Clip a mylar balloon to his collar on about a foot of string. Birds fear shiny. Think of it as a WWII anti-aircraft blimp.

[Samantha]

20. Well, that is a very interesting idea -- the mylar balloon

Where are these sold? I can look it up, of course, but thought you might readily know.

Sam

[sarge43]

23. I should think any place that sells party supplies n/t

[TuxedoKat]

43. Agree with this

The birds can be aggressive but they are just trying to intimidate you to protect their nest. I've never had one harm me or heard of anyone hurt by a Mockingbird. Their babies will be grown and out in a few more weeks and then they will leave you alone. Actually, we don't have Mockingbirds here and I really miss them! I described in another post how beautiful their song is, please listen for it to appreciate another side of them. They are big mosquito and other bug eaters so there are other benefits to having them around.

[TuxedoKat]

16. Mockingbirds do this too

I've seen them do it plenty of times. Never heard of catbirds (which look very similar to Mockingbirds) do this, but I don't doubt it.

[Samantha]

22. I think my neighbor was wrong telling me these were catbirds; I think you are correct

I found this picture at this website:http://oklahomabirdsandbutterflies.com/index/index/pg/6

This bird looks a lot like the two out front. The really distinctive thing is the tail. It has black and white "stripes" for feathers. The bird is actually very distinctive looking.

Sam

[TuxedoKat]

41. Well

another way you can tell is by their song. In the evening they will perch somewhere safe and sing their heads off for quite awhile! They have a long, wonderful song, mimicking calls of other birds that they string together among their own calls as well. Pretty amazing and special.

[Samantha]

46. I have always heard this and have been listening to their sound

but truly No Song. We have been under a terrible heat wave here in DC for a couple of days and I am wondering if this might make them act a little crazier and perhaps not feel like singing????

Sam

[TuxedoKat]

49. Hmmm...

I don't know, but I remember every night in the summer in MD (just outside of DC) hearing one or more serenade us at night. It is quite remarkable to hear them warble on for several minutes. Maybe they don't do it when they are busy with their fledglings? Too tired perhaps!

Here is one's song on you-tube. Like music to my ears. The person who made the recording says the Mockingbird starts singing around 1000PM. I think I remember them singing that late as I would be lying in bed and hear them. If your windows are all closed with AC on you probably won't hear them.

Another bird song I've heard only in MD is the Whipoorwill. You have to go a bit out in the country though.

http://www.soundboard.com/sb/Whippoorwill_sounds.aspx

We have some pretty interesting birds up here where I live (upstate NY), including Pileated Woodpeckers -- quite a site to see one. Since I've memorized their call I see them much more often. Yesterday my next door neighbor said another neighbor saw a Bald Eagle! That would be really something to see one in my backyard!

[Samantha]

50. I listened to the whole video

Last edited Sat Jun 2, 2012, 12:14 AM - Edit history (1)

But I was really focused on the picture, thinking those are definitely the birds in my yard. I noticed the striking white streaks on the birds' wings right away.

One of the things I did not mention when I posted this thread is that two days before all of the antics broke out, I was in the front yard mowing the lawn with my sunglasses on. Suddenly, a couple of feet in front of me on the edge of the yard, I saw an usual brown "bump" on the grass. I couldn't imagine what it was. As I approached the spot, it suddenly hit me it was a baby bird. I let go of the lawn mower handle right away, and approached the spot quickly. It was in fact a baby bird, but it was not moving. Its beak was pointed straight up the air. Because of the heat, I thought I should try to drop some water into the beak; perhaps the heat had stopped the baby bird in its tracks -- it was dying (or had died) of thirst. I ran and got some water and started dropping small amounts into the bird's peak. It moved just a little. I dropped some more. It moved even more. I dropped some (just a little) on the bird's back, wondering it the little guy (or girl) was dehydrated. Then I put a few more drops into the beak. Now the bird was definitely moving and distinctly alive.

One of the pictures in your video of a baby bird looked exactly like that baby bird!

I ran to a neighbor's house to ask for help. I had no idea what to do next. I had heard, as has been mentioned on this thread, the notion that if human hands touched a bird, the parents would no longer have anything to do with it. I now know that isn't true -- but not then.

The first neighbor brushed me off saying the mother had probably pushed the baby bird out. I said, "Well, I can't just do nothing." I then went to another neighbor's house. He was leaving but said over his shoulder he didn't know anything about birds but he could do some research on the net when he came back.

I went to a third neighbor's house and begged, "Please help me. I found a baby bird that I thought was dead, but after giving it some water, it is moving around. I have no idea what to do now. Can you come down and take a look?" And so she did. She said we should put the baby back under the bushes, the mother would hear it chirping and feed it. And so she picked it up, put it under the bushes, I put a water dish next to it, and so we waited. Pretty soon, that little bird was walking around as if nothing happened. I was so happy.

Low and behold, an hour or so later I went out to check on it. It was at the lawn's edge getting ready to cross into the next-door-neighbor's yard. I was very concerned one of the cats would have the baby bird for lunch. So I ran to another neighbor's house. This neighbor came down, picked up the bird, saying we have to find the nest. It is probably in one of those five bushes, I told him. He found it in the second bush in which he looked, and he gingerly placed the baby back in the nest. There were two others in there.

So once again, I was happy, thinking all is right in the world and I finished the lawn.

Since all this commotion has broken out, I wonder if that mother had pushed that bird out of the nest for some reason and was ticked off to find it right back there. The bird we returned to the nest was larger than the other remaining two, and there was hardly room for all three.

What do you think?

And thanks again for posting this video. I will try to open my window tonight at 10:00.

Sam

[TuxedoKat]

51. Some thoughts/info

Last edited Thu May 31, 2012, 09:43 AM - Edit history (1)

I found this website -- it has info on what to do if you find a baby bird, feathered or not. It also tells how to find a wildlife rehabilitator in your area, if ever necessary. As as aside, I've used them before for injured baby squirrels and turtles. You can also google wildlife rehabilitators to find them too. I'm sure there are dozens in your area.

http://www.marathonwildbirdcenter.org/baby_birds.html

I think in your case that baby bird was getting too big for the nest so the parents pushed it out of the nest, or he/she jumped out himself. Baby birds usually live on the ground near the nest for a few days while they are perfecting their flying skills, so I think this is what happened here. (They say something similar at this website). The parents continue to feed and protect (!) for quite awhile and can hear their babies from two blocks away (I didn't know that last part - very interesting). I think you did a good thing getting the baby bird out of the sun and giving it a water dish, although I have seen baby birds doing this too (sitting on ground with mouth opened skyward). I know too, how brutal DC weather is this time of year, so I don't think it hurts to get the bird out of the sun, it may have indeed been suffering dehydration, but also its better protected from predators in the bushes too. It sounds like unless one is trained it is not a good idea to put water in its mouth as it could get into its lungs. Sounds like no harm was done in your case though and perhaps you saved the baby bird's life.

I'm sure you will hear those mockingbirds singing eventually as they are ubiquitous in your area. Anyway, I sure hope you do, they are pretty special.

Edited to add:

Just found this story which explains why/when mockingbirds sing. It also mentions Whippoorwills, nice article. Wow, I'm learning so much about these amazing birds, because of you -- thanks Sam!

http://www.birdwatching.com/stories/mockingbird.html

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/northern_mockingbird/lifehistory

[Samantha]

52. I just got home and checked my email to see if you had read my post

I am pretty tired but I wanted to tell you that I heard the mockingbirds singing tonight. It was quarter until 9 and I heard exactly the same kind of melody as in the video. Here's the strange thing. I live four blocks from the back of the metro. When I entered the station earlier today (it is gigantic) as I walked toward the gate to literally enter where the trains are, guess what I heard? I couldn't believe it. Mockingbirds are inside the Greenbelt metro station. I am just hoping there are no nests there because if so a lot of passengers are in for a big, big surprise!!

I scanned the text of your reply and was very interested in what I read. But I have to stop and do some things (including taking Cheyenne out!) so I will be back later tonight to check out the links you supplied. And thank you so much.

I am truly amazed at how much I have learned on this thread, and I am so glad I posted it. I wasn't even sure anyone would respond, and look at all the info.

Also interesting, last night I went in to the backyard and heard mockingbirds behind me. I do believe they are all over this area!!!

It has been a pleasure reading your posts, TuxedoKat, and I am sure we will be "talking" again.

Sam

[TuxedoKat]

53. When I got up this morning

Last edited Fri Jun 1, 2012, 08:12 PM - Edit history (1)

I was happy to see a reply from you and I'm happy you finally got to hear some Mockingbirds. In one of those websites I learned that they can learn over 200 songs (!) and keep learning new ones all their lives. I think that is pretty amazing. They certainly are interesting birds. I've been interested in birds since I was a child but never knew that about them. In case you are interested in trying to hear Whippoorwills at night I will PM you where I heard them years ago in your area.

It's been a pleasure talking to you too! I will be looking for your posts now that I've gotten to "know" you so well.

[Samantha]

54. Hey, we have been under a tornado watch/warning in the DC area so I am staying off my computer

But I wanted to quickly tell you that I live perhaps a mile or so away from the Beltsville Agriculture site you mentioned. I am not even sure it is a mile. What a coincidence! Also, I visit Ocean City from time to time because my best friend of 40 years has a condo on the beach and a small house there her Mom left her. So you mentioned two places I pass by or frequent often.

I have been wondering about those Whippoorwills since you mentioned them earlier. I want to make it clear that I am pretty ignorant about birds, but I am proud to have learned as much as I have about Mockingbirds. I now realize I need to learn the sounds other birds make so I can distinguish between them. Additionally, I need to study more pictures of different birds. I know quite a lot about politics, government, training dogs, but I am ignorant about birds. I do love all animals.

But once again, quickly because I need to shut down my computer, I wanted to mention that when the heavy rain stopped for a moment this evening, I stepped out onto my small porch out front to survey how much water was running down the street. We also have flash flood warnings in effect. I was thinking about the birds and wondering if they hide in the bushes when we get heavy rains and high winds. I was thinking if their wings got too wet, they probably could fly very well! But really, I was just wondering ... I have no knowledge about these things. At that time, there wasn't a bird in sight.

Then I saw her. Waterlogged she turned the corner and headed into the bush where the nest is located. I started thinking, I guess it doesn't matter what the weather is outside; her offspring must still be fed. What dedication these birds must feel toward their young. It is amazing to ponder.

I stepped back off the porch and shut the door. No need to be a distraction at this time to the Mockingbirds.

More later, after the storm.

Thanks for all your contributions to this discussion. They have been invaluable.

Sam

[Samantha]

57. So when the heavy rains abated, I stood at my living room window looking out

I saw one of the mockingbirds fly into the bush in front of me, but not in the usual spot of entry. After a few moments, I saw the bush move. I believe at that point the bird must have exited. At that moment, I saw a small furry head. It looked like a baby bird. I continued to stare from my vantage point of being close to the bush but behind a big window. I kept focusing on that spot and soon saw the outline of the baby's head. It was calm, alert but quiet, as if waiting. The surprising thing was that there was no nest under the baby bird. I could not help but wonder if this was the same bird I had rescued earlier. The nest itself is in front of the bush, just a short distance down from the top. This baby bird is to the side, bordering close to the rear, of the bush.

What was the bird waiting for, I couldn't help but wonder. Is it getting ready to jump out, as you mentioned they sometimes do, or is it ready for the Mom to push it out? I really would like to know.

Tomorrow I will try to check from the same spot to see if the "stand-alone" baby bird still resides in the same spot. I am hoping it is able to withstand the strong winds out there.

And it it does survive to grow to maturity, will it hang around my household for years to come? And will it too one day be swooping at me to protect a nest? This inquiring bird watcher wants to know!

Sam

[TuxedoKat]

59. Hey

I didn't have time to answer your post yesterday but I was wondering something similar about how to attract Mockingbirds to your yard. If you wanted to discourage them, you could take away things that attract them. I was reading the link below and read that among many things they like are Pyrocantha trees. My mom has one in her front yard right next to the house that Mockingbirds nested in one year. I will have to check and see if they grow up north here. This AM I heard alot of activity from some Pileated Woodpeckers (they make a sound like (cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk-cuk). I heard them and looked outside and there was a huge one on a branch outside my window. They are relatively shy birds but my neighbor has a huge suet feeder and they visit it quite often. I need to get one of those. Hummingbirds are fun and easy to feed. They aren't that shy of humans but won't attack you.

http://www.birdsforever.com/mock.html

Funny story, I was talking to friends of mine in MD yesterday and we got on the subject of Mockingbirds somehow and one of them told me how he heard a Mockingbird that ran the gamut of mimicking eight car alarm sounds in succession! I would love to hear that.

[Samantha]

61. Hi TuxedoKat -- yesterday was a very interesting day

When I went outside early in the morning, I saw 4 small birds on the roof of my house. There was an adult Robin perched on one end of the roof, and an adult Mockingbird perched on the other. Then three other small birds joined the 4 already there. I was amazed at how many altogether were sitting there perched on my roof. Then they one-by-one they flew off to the nearby power and telephone lines (the same perch the Mockingbird parents had used when they were swooping me). These birds seemed to know exactly how to fly and it was so neat to observe. I felt so happy to think the time for the attacks would be over.

Later in the day, I saw three small birds crawl out of the top of the bush the second one over from my door. They flapped their wings a couple of times, and took right off. It was amazing to observe. 7 on the roof and 3 emerging from the bushes later suggest to me there might have been at least 3 nests among my five bushes.

Today, I heard one more chirping baby at the bush on the end. I also should have mentioned that another day I had seen both an adult robin and an adult mockingbird entering the same bush (2nd one from my porch) but at different points. So perhaps inadvertently the robins and the mockingbirds had nests in the same bush, as well as others out there, and that was what all the fighting between them was about.

So there are at least 11 newborn birds that I know of that were born in my bushes. I had read that mockingbirds like deep cover for their nests. I am thinking that when this whole "training" session for the new guys is over, I should trim all 5 bushes, way, way back. Take away that deep cover.

I am going to come back and check out your link later, but I thank you for posting it. It occurred to me I have to take some preventative action for next year when I looked at all those baby birds and wondered if they too would be nesting around my property and swooping me next year!!! I have heard more singing, and it is wonderful as you mentioned before. They are fascinating birds.

Knowing all this, I put two containers of fresh water out there anyway because it is really hot. I saw one baby bird approach it and sit on the edge. That too made me feel happy. Another things, these markings on these birds are simply beautiful. I kept looking at the one crawling out of the bush and from the safety of my big front window, had a very close look at him or her. I simply could not believe how beautiful it was. Next year, when I start drawing and painting again, I think I will do a picture of a baby Mockingbird.

Sam

[TuxedoKat]

63. Hello again

Sounds like a bird bath might be a nice addition to your landscape! I remember one year both Mockingbirds and Cardinals nested in that Pyracantha tree/bush in our yard, so I guess some birds will do that. All this talk about birds inspired me to get some more birdseed and bird feeders for my yard today. I'm going to order a platform feeder so it is easier for the bigger birds to get some food safely, although, a few big birds (a Mourning Dove, Bluejay, Red-Winged Blackbird, Starling and regular Blackbirds) have been going on my feeder that is designed for smaller birds like finches and chickadees. That is because on one side the perch got lost and I stuck a small branch in it so birds could still use that opening and the bigger birds are taking advantage of it.

I like drawings of birds, I have done a few myself!

[Samantha]

64. Are you too bashful about your drawings to scan one and send it to me?

I would love to see one. Maybe you could post one here for everyone to enjoy?

I have more to tell you, but little time now. Talk to you again soon. I have a question for you.

Sam

PS I have a lot of blackbirds flying around now. Can you tell me three or four to look up so I can see if I can identify them?

[TuxedoKat]

66. Well

these drawings aren't that good. Just some pencil sketches I copied from other drawings in bird books. I would send you one in a PM if I could figure out how to do it, but I'm not very computer literate.

Blackbirds, huh? Well the most common ones I can think of are the Red-Winged Blackbird -- all black but with a red and yellow patch on its wings, best seen when it is inflight. Brewer's Blackbird -- all black but with a little yellow circle around its eyes, and Cowbirds, black but with a brown head. I think Cowbirds are blackbirds. They are about the same size.

[Samantha]

67. I thought from a distance they look like blackbirds

but I am not that familiar with that many different species of birds to even guess. I also do not know if blackbirds are prevalent in this area.

I understand about your saying your drawings are not that good, mine wouldn't be at this point either, I am very out of practice. But for your future information, if you have a printer/scanner, you just lay something down on the inside cover of the printer/scanner as if you were photocopying it. Then you press the scan button. (I am giving you the simple way, not the orthodox more difficult way.) Once your computer detects a scan, a program pops up on your computer screen. At this point you see a picture of what you have scanned. If it looks okay, you save the picture on your hard drive. Then you just attach the saved document to an email. There are also icons on the scanning software that allows adjustments. You can just point to the different icons to see what they do.

Here is the question I wanted to ask you. Since it appears most of the babies are out of the nests (my current count is 11 altogether, mockingbirds plus robins), a different atmosphere exists outside in my front yard. The first day after they were flying around, I continued to carry my umbrella, but no mockingbirds swooped at me. The second day, I was sitting on the porch talking to someone standing at the end of my sidewalk. One of the mockingbirds flew at my legs and brushed them in a very light way. It totally startled me. But this was a different kind of swooping than those before. It was a very light touch with no threatening motions preceding it. I took the whole thing as sort of an apology (I know that sounds crazy, probably because it is). But it was just so easy in nature. Since that when I have gone outside sometimes they look at me but just fly in the opposite direction. It is obvious that whole attitude that was present for almost a week has evaporated because I am thinking the nests are empty. Could this possibly be right?

It has been great fun talking to you. I checked out some bird baths on line last night and saw one called the songbird's bird bath. I was going to email it to you, but I didn't because personally, I liked the name but not the bird bath!!! It would have been appropriate thought, right?

Sam

[TuxedoKat]

69. I think that

is a great attitude to have about the Mockingbirds. I've read that Crows can recognize people after seeing them just once, so I wouldn't be surprised if the Mockingbirds recognize you. They would probably still swoop at you if you got too close to a nest though, but maybe if you keep feeding them and giving them water they wouldn't. I read that they like raisins and dried mealworms in that link I sent you. I'd like to get one of those platform feeders to see if I could attract some to my yard that way. OK, I'll see what I can do about the drawings.

Re birdbaths, there are simple ones you can make from things around your house. For example, an empty soda can with a small hole in the bottom, filled with water and hanging from a tree will attract birds. I guess you could even put a bowl under it to catch the water. We have a big depression in our driveway that collects water (we've had alot of rain lately) and yesterday I saw a Starling bathing in it. We live on a lake, but I'm thinking to put some more water closer to the house to see what kind of birds it will attract.

http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/howto/birdbath.htm

http://lifeonthebalcony.com/make-your-own-bird-bath-its-easy/

http://www.solarbirdbath.net/make_a_bird_bath.html

This one looks fun and easy. I'll have to keep my eyes open at the Dollar Stores for something like the dish used in this one:

http://littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/2012/01/easy-bird-bath-to-make.html

[TuxedoKat]

65. Hello again

Sounds like a bird bath might be a nice addition to your landscape! I remember one year both Mockingbirds and Cardinals nested in that Pyracantha tree/bush in our yard, so I guess some birds will do that. All this talk about birds inspired me to get some more birdseed and bird feeders for my yard today. I'm going to order a platform feeder so it is easier for the bigger birds to get some food safely, although, a few big birds (a Mourning Dove, Bluejay, Red-Winged Blackbird, Starling and regular Blackbirds) have been going on my feeder that is designed for smaller birds like finches and chickadees. That is because on one side the perch got lost and I stuck a small branch in it so birds could still use that opening and the bigger birds are taking advantage of it.

I like drawings of birds, I have done a few myself!

[Corgigal]

24. man I can relate

here is a youtube video of what we had to go through last year with a mockingbird who nest right outside our front door

I just walked around with a broom, when I had to go get my mail and she still went after my son and hubby. Knocked my husband baseball cap off his head. This year, alas we have a new one. Probably one of the babies from last year.

[Samantha]

25. That looks exactly like the ones hanging out around here

And they do have that pattern of moving from one perch to another.

You know I don't want their young hanging around here next year, so I guess I should just have those bushes either trimmed way down or taken out.

Thank you so much for responding and posting that video. It is really helpful to hear from someone who has been through this. So I know I am not crazy now!

Sam

[ret5hd]

26. Let me tell you how dangerous these birds are:

A few yrs ago i was remodelling our bedroom and replacing the 60+ yr old windows with new. Right outside one of the windows was a mockingbird nest. We had one old window completely removed when daddy mockingbird flew in the window screeching his disapproval, perching on the ceiling fan, flying around the room, perching on the closet door top edge, screeching, back to the ceiling fan, screeching. Did I mention the screeching? Then in comes momma mockingbird, coming to rescue her mate using the only weapons she had: swooping and more screeching. Our 3 cats made a stratregic evacuation of the area and went out the kitty-door to the back yard.

After closing the bedroom door to keep them from the rest of the house we managed to catch one then the other with our hands and put them back out the window. They screeched a lot in the very short time they were being held (2-3 steps across the room)
but did not peck even once.

In other words: all screech&swoop no bite.

[Corgigal]

27. well thats good to know

but that bird did go for the head and she did knock things off my hubbys cap. I have a new one now, and I cut back some of the brush in the front but now she is using the one im my garden 3 feet from my front door. The egg is the nest and hasn't hatched but when the baby is born I will be carrying a broom again for a month. The post lady, who was alarmed at first when she saw us going out to get the mail carrying a broom, now thinks its funny.

[Samantha]

28. That is a pretty scary story to me

I probably would just keel over if they got into my house. You are indeed a brave soul. But that is good information to have, that given the chance to peck at you when you caught them, they did not.

Thanks for posting your story. I have learned so much from this thread that I did not know before I started it. First of all, the birds are not catbirds, but mockingbirds. Next, there are several deterrents but it is better to wait the situation out, coping the best one can. I will continue to carry the umbrella and carry my dog in my hand until we get to a safe spot. Third, have those bushes trimmed way back when the young are out of the nest so that the cover these birds prefer to build their nests under is just not there. Fourth, when ever a difficult situation arises out of my field of knowledge do not bother to ask the neighbors; post a thread in the DU lounge!

You guys are very knowledgeable about all things I believe.

Sam

[ret5hd]

29. If mockingbirds were a danger to humans, they would be the ones with TVs and rmote controls...

and we would be the ones sleeping in trees.

[Samantha]

31. Really good one, ret5hd

It has been a pleasure to meet you here in the Lounge. I am going to have to stop by here more often. I have been here ten years but spend most of my time talking about politics. This is a whole 'nother world here, isn't it?

Sam

[Duer 157099]

30. Hold the babies hostage

(kidding! sort of)

I had a wonderful experience with a mockingbird when I rescued it's baby that a cat had knocked out of the nest. I took the baby inside and would bring it outside in a box for the mother to feed, which she did. She never attacked me. She seemed to understand the situation, that I was caring for her baby. I even took the baby bird on a few day trip that had already been scheduled, and the mother was still there at home when I returned, ready to feed the baby still. When the baby was ready to fly, the mother was there to teach it. This was a several week relationship and not once did the mother try to intimidate or harm me.

So, maybe take the nest inside?

[Samantha]

32. Wow, that would solve the problem, but I am not a brave soul like you

That is a great story you shared. Thanks.

Sam

[rug]

33. Don't go upstairs.

&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLDFDEC776F0BA418C

[Samantha]

34. Believe me, I thought about this movie several times the last three days

And then you had to go and post a visual....

Thanks, rug.

Sam

[XemaSab]

35. Can you go out the back door?

[Samantha]

36. No, the back door is a side door that is contained within a separate apartment I rent out

That apartment has its own separate entrance, and I never use it. I have thought about crawling out the bedroom window, however!

Sam

[femmocrat]

37. Super-Soaker (giant squirt gun)!

We had mockingbirds attacking us the same way. We would defend ourselves with super soakers! They are nasty birds.

[alphafemale]

38. Well. I had a bird actually snatch a french fry from me as I was eating it.

I actually felt the little claws on my lips.

It was at a waterfront restaurant.

Didn't break the skin or anything.

The people at the neighboring table saw it and freaked out.

The waiter saw it and freaked out and was super apologetic. As if he had anything to do with the manners of the birds.

I thought it was funny as hell.

[Samantha]

39. I find that amazing

I have never heard of anything like this before. I wish I had more of your attitude ... "I thought it was funny as hell."

Sam

[alphafemale]

72. Well it WAS funny.

Bird REALLY wanted a french fry I guess.

Enough to fly between the hand and mouth of something about 200 times its size.

She got wot she want.

[Samantha]

74. You know what else is amazing

Periodically I come back to this thread when someone posts something. The responses and information supplied to my original thread are just fascinating. I have learned so much about birds. Who would have thought that? I have spent most on my time (10 years) here at DU discussing politics, I am a political junkie, but birds? I am ignorant on the subject. This whole thread has been fascinating to me, and I have learned so much I just want to thank people like you and many others for taking the time to share their stories and their wealth of information.

Sam

[haele]

70. A group of us were sitting at an outdoor patio restaurant - a guy had just gotten his T-bone steak -

- only person at his table - and he decided to get up and go to the bathroom right after the waiter put it down in front of him.

As soon as the door closed behind him, two sea-gulls from a nearby lamp pole swooped down. One got the entire baked potato, the other got the steak that was probably a quarter of his weight, and they both flopped off to the rockwall with their friends and their booty.

I figure it was about a 10-12 ounce T-bone. The waiter hadn't even left the patio yet, and, like the rest of us, was laughing his ass off on his way back to the kitchen.

Moral of the story - take care of business before you get your food.

Haele

[Samantha]

71. Wow, thank you for sharing this story

I have loved reading stories in this thread like this. Some are so remarkable.

Thanks for posting it.

Sam

[alphafemale]

73. For a time. In the early 70's a fellow named Richard Bach had people enthralled...

..by seagulls.

heh.

Nasty screaming, scheming, thieving, shrieking things.

Yeah. That one youtube was funny. They weren't Your Doritos from Your store 15 times a day.

Were they?

[bluesbassman]

40. I used to play golf at this little municiple course near the Salinas airport.

The tenth tee had some birds that would swoop you, but only when you were right at the height of your backswing. I developed a technique where I'd kind of double clutch my swing, and it would fake 'em out so they didn't get too close. Guys who didn't know about the birds were fun to watch though. The birds actually knocked off hats, and an unsuspecting victim would hit the deck. Good times.

Sorry about your troubles though Samantha. I suggest picking up a four wood at a garage sale.

[Samantha]

45. Thank you for your advice and story, bluebassman, but I am not trying to achieve a hole in one!

I just want them to keep their distance. So I think I will stick with the umbrella (please see my post below, if only to view MrScorpio's visual).

Sam

[bluesbassman]

47. I'm really glad that worked Samantha.

I've been an outdoorsman all my life, so dealing with animals and their activities is something I'm used to. I hope you didn't think I was being flippant, just being silly.

Sounds like you have called their bluff!

[MrScorpio]

42. Yes, I can see where this can be a problem:

[Samantha]

44. Thank you, MrScorpio

I needed that.

Actually, I am doing a lot better with the birds today. I took to heart the words I read here that these birds would not actually peck at me; they were just trying to make me be afraid of them. So I decided if they were putting on a show, so would I.

Umbrella in hand, I confidently left the house last night, but carrying my dog Cheyenne with my left-arm and the umbrella in my right hand. I waited until one dove at me and I raised the umbrella and pushed the button so that it would fly open in a burst, acting as a shield. I waited until the last minute.

These birds have just been eyeballing me today. I walk out the front door, they stare at me, I stare back but shake the umbrella at them. They fly off in another direction.

I am still intimidated by them but I try to look confident and go on my way.

So I think the advice I got on this thread has made a new person out of me in just one day. I have all the DU'ers who contributed advice to thank for it.

With love and affection, I have collectively named this group the Bird Brains -- intended only as a salute to their knowledge and wisdom about birds.

Sam

[XemaSab]

48. Glad things are better

It will be over with soon.

[kimi]

55. Wow, fascinating thread!

I used to live in Rockville MD - & I know that you've found that you have Mockingbirds, but my family had a kinda cool experience with a catbird mom once. I was in our basement & kept hearing a baby bird crying. Couldn't figure it out, but I went out on our deck, & there was an adult catbird there. She looked at me, hopped towards the edge of the deck, then kept looking back at me & chirping. It was like she wanted me to follow her. Sure enough, I did, & then heard the baby chirping under the deck, in one of our window-wells for the basement; it couldn't get out, confused maybe. Had my smallest son crawl under the deck & scoop the baby out. The minute he emerged from underneath, mama bird swooped at him, but didn't hit him, just kind of freaked him out. He put baby bird down & both disappeared into our bushes by the deck. Happy ending!

For years afterward, whenever I worked in the garden, a catbird (maybe the same mama bird) would sit on the fence or work in the garden with me, talking to me often. I always thought that was cool. I've been a bird fan ever since! They are a lot smarter than we give them credit for IMO.

[Samantha]

56. Well, this is a neat story

but I guess these catbirds can change on a dime. First she wanted your help, you and your son saved her baby, then she swooped the son, but showed her gratitude toward you after the rearing of the baby was over by hanging around your garden and talking to you.

Today, I came into my back room to check my email and I heard something at the window. The shade was pulled. So I raised it and low and behold, one of the mockingbirds was sitting on the sill looking in at me! Later, one was sitting on the sill of the window in the living room, looking inside, checking everything out.

Go figure. These birds are unpredictable, admirable in many ways, unforgiving though if they suspect you are a threat to the nest. I am thinking perhaps people who find their yards perpetually inhabited find exactly the proper middle ground to walk, but it must take time and patience....

I will try to let you know!

Sam

[Enrique]

60. i used to get divebombed by redwing blackbirds

it happened in spring and early summer and I was told it was males becoming assholes during mating season.

[Samantha]

62. In my experience, I am just going to say

That type of behavior is not confined to our small feathered fowl friends....

Sam

[flamingdem]

68. The beautiful thing is that they are communicating

and you can respond in a way that makes sense to you

humans and birdies, living together, it's mostly nice