This is a public-safety post.
If you happen to be wandering around Iona Regional Park, which is just North of Vancouver International Airport (a rather long shot, I know), beware of a very aggressive Red-winged Blackbird that resides in the park.
I was taking photos of a Yellow-headed Blackbird next to another photographer who was doing the same thing. When that bird flew off and landed at a nearby location, I turned and headed slowly to where that bird was located. As I was walking I felt a something bump noticeably into my back, and could hear a bird's wings flapping. I turned swiftly around and saw this Red-winged Blackbird fleeing and then landing on a tree, as captured in this photo below.
The other photographer explained that the bird had been harassing her after she refused to share her sandwich with it. For some reason the bird started attacking me instead. Altogether I got bumped into one more time, and buzzed twice. >:-( (FWIW - the numerous other Red-winged Blackbirds in the park minded their own businesses and left me alone.)
Here's another view of the bird.
If you happen to see this specific bird, be sure to keep your distance from it. And remember - sandwiches seem to trigger its aggressive behaviour.
If you happen to be wandering around Iona Regional Park, which is just North of Vancouver International Airport (a rather long shot, I know), beware of a very aggressive Red-winged Blackbird that resides in the park.
I was taking photos of a Yellow-headed Blackbird next to another photographer who was doing the same thing. When that bird flew off and landed at a nearby location, I turned and headed slowly to where that bird was located. As I was walking I felt a something bump noticeably into my back, and could hear a bird's wings flapping. I turned swiftly around and saw this Red-winged Blackbird fleeing and then landing on a tree, as captured in this photo below.
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
The other photographer explained that the bird had been harassing her after she refused to share her sandwich with it. For some reason the bird started attacking me instead. Altogether I got bumped into one more time, and buzzed twice. >:-( (FWIW - the numerous other Red-winged Blackbirds in the park minded their own businesses and left me alone.)
Here's another view of the bird.
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
If you happen to see this specific bird, be sure to keep your distance from it. And remember - sandwiches seem to trigger its aggressive behaviour.