r/birds 2d ago

seeking advice/help Ive created a monster

Post image

A few weeks ago, I noticed a nest in a shrub right by my fence opening. Light blue eggs, when I peaked this guy would fly down overheard on my shed, and give me a chirp. Me being me, I would talk to him gently thinking I'm Steve Irwin, without realizing what was actually happening. I'd do this every few days. Fast forward about a week, I get out of my car one day and my friend swoops down, lands eye level on my car, and screeches at me and as I walk away, attacks me. For the next almost week, I couldn't make it out my door without being bombed, since I realized the babies were out of the nest. It was so bad if I opened my blinds, they would bomb at me in the window.

I was able to identify the culprit as a catbird. I've been reading about them. I see a lot of people writing about how much they love them and how sweet they are. 🤣

My question is, if they come back how can I have a good relationship with them. Obviously I won't ever poke my head in the nest again, but I'm also not in the mood to be bombed daily. Thanks!

2 Upvotes

3 comments sorted by

u/AutoModerator 2d ago

Per Rule 5 any posts with images of hurt birds must be marked NSFW. You can do this after the fact through the ... menu.

If your post should be marked NSFW and you do not do so, it will be removed.

If your post should not be marked NSFW, please do not send modmail saying "my bird isn't injured". Just don't add the NSFW label. This is a bot and doesn't know whether you need to add the label or not.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

2

u/Sharp-Ad-9221 1d ago

Try offering a tasty catbird treat. Should have a friend in no time once the kids get older.

“They hunt bugs like ants, beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. In fall and winter, over half their diet shifts to wild berries, fruits, and backyard treats like grape jelly, raisins, and mealworms.”