Page 13 - July 2020 Wheel Final

WHEN BIRDS

“ATTACK”
By Rashawnda Atkinson

Have you ever had a bird swoop or
dive-bomb you here at WAL?

Several residents reported that
they’ve encountered seemingly ag-
gressive birds who’ve traded their
sweet chirping for diving and
swooping at them as they’re walking
around WAL! So far, residents re- It’s natural for some birds to “dive” at “intruders” to protect their young.
port that the dive-bombs occurred
on the Upper Terrace near the park- protective and exhibit this behavior or avoid the areas altogether. Active
ing lot, in the circle area near the throughout their nesting season from nests with bird eggs or chicks can’t
back gate and between the Tennis January – August according to FWS. be removed without a permit from
Courts and Building Two. Swallows and some raptors are also the FWS and irrefutable evidence of
known to guard their young this its health and safety hazard to birds
Please try not to take it personal way. or humans. Empty, inactive nests do
though, as the U.S. Fish and Wild- not require a permit for removal.
life Service (FWS) says it is natural What can you do?
scare tactic some birds use to protect The FWS recommends using your So get your umbrellas out, travel
their young from harm’s way. open umbrella to protect you in the through the tunnels, take the scenic
Mockingbirds in particular are very areas where these birds are nesting route or watch out for those birds!

July 2020 Wheel Page 13