Red-winged blackbird: Threat or menace?

Hi, everyone: This is John Keilman with the Chicago Tribune. I'm doing a story about the annual assault of the red-winged blackbird, and I'm looking for people who have good recent stories about tangling with these bad-tempered birds (I have some stories of my own), or who can tell me where I can find a good spot to get photos and videos of blackbirds doing their thing. Thanks very much!

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Permalink Reply by Ken on June 21, 2017 at 3:06am

The south and north ponds (especially the boardwalk around the south pond) in Lincoln Park are great places to see and photograph red-winged blackbirds in action. I am around both frequently, and they are quite active (although its been a couple of years since I've been attacked). I used to walk the south pond daily, and had to wear a hat to protect against the one bird that really did not like me!

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Permalink Reply by John Keilman on June 21, 2017 at 3:56am

Thank you, Ken. Lincoln Park does seem to be a hot spot.

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Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on June 21, 2017 at 2:19pm

The North Branch trail up to the Botanic Garden in certain areas where the trail goes thru forests for long stretches.

The the Skokie Valley Bike Path, between Lake-Cook Road and Rockland Road.

This seems to happen in the early part of summer. I suspect the have nests near the ground and they're protecting their territory. Sort of like an inverted cone and it's only when you intrude in this territory they want you gone. To avoid the attack, go fast.

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Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on June 21, 2017 at 2:33pm

http://www.thechainlink.org/forum/topics/blackbird-of-grand-ave?id=...

The Blackbirds of Grand Ave are notorious. I'm too terrified to go back and check if they've returned this summer.

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Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on June 22, 2017 at 4:18am

Good article on this subject:

https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20170622/lincoln-park/red-winged-bl...

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Permalink Reply by Jaik S. on June 22, 2017 at 8:50am

This is a magpie attack, but still worth referencing, even if it's just for humor.

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Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on June 23, 2017 at 12:48am

http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/890/article/p2p-93923394/

Sharing the article that John Keilman wrote on 6-22-17.

The article mentioned that, "the birds don't typically touch humans". The blackbirds of Grand Avenue in the recent past whacked you hard on the head/ helmet numerous times.