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

[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.