Since March 1 and continuing through about June 15, birds have been migrating from their wintering grounds in the South to the breeding grounds across the northern United States.
For the past few months, sightings reported by residents include geese, northern cardinals, sparrows and Iowa’s state bird, the American goldfinch. As locals recall their unique history with birds during this time of year, one species in particular has stood out.
“On walks during the spring, they’ve swooped down at us more than once, which can be very startling if you’re not paying attention,” teacher Maureen Dyer said. “They’re surprisingly bold and seem very protective of their territory this time of year.”
The species is Agelaius phoeniceus, the red-winged blackbird.
French teacher Madame McCunn shared a similar encounter. “First of all, I was telling you about the blackbird swarming down,” she said. “Must’ve been a nest somewhere in the area, and that Red Winged Blackbird scuffed the top of my hair. That’s how close I got.”
Stories like these are common across the United States. People often claim to have been “attacked” by the birds. According to Audubon’s bird guide, male red-winged blackbirds are highly defensive of their nesting territory, often attacking larger birds in the vicinity. Humans, when perceived as intruders, appear to be no different in their targeting reticle.
Senior Vella Batdorf described an incident that made her family more aware of their surroundings.
“My mom came back from a run and she was in pain, holding the back of her head,” she exclaimed. “She told my family that she was running by a bush and a bird came out, chirped at her and swooped down and attacked her head.”
Since then, her family has been extremely wary of the red-winged blackbirds.
“I’ve learned their sounds and where they are likely to be nesting and everything just so I can avoid them,” Batdorf added.
Red-winged blackbirds arrive in northern states each spring, settling in meadows and fields where they breed. Females build nests to raise their young, and because of these sensitive areas, “bird attacks” are a common phenomenon for people spending time outdoors.
However, despite the occasional run-ins, birds as a whole have a positive impact on communities.
“First of all, the bugs they eat do good things for the environment,” McCunn said. “I have a bird book. When a species arrives for the first time, I put it in the book. The Baltimore Oriole comes in May…It’s not like a zoo; they are free to come and go. The fact that I can put a feeder out in my yard, I love that.”
Birdwatching is not just a hobby for PV French teachers, but one that has surged throughout the United States in recent years. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 96 million people—nearly one-third of the United States—engage in birdwatching.
In fact, birdwatching is driving many businesses to shift how they operate. Some tourist companies have begun opening earlier in the year to accommodate migration patterns that attract enthusiasts.
Additionally, birders contribute over $100 billion dollars of annual revenue on equipment like binoculars, feeders and cameras. This industry has made a surprising impact on American culture.
Birds continue to hold a meaningful value to humans, and laws such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 have helped protect them and their habitats, sustaining diversity and population growth.
More than some may realize, birds serve as a powerful symbol of freedom—the freedom to express, to protect, to migrate and to live. Although they may both startle and entertain, their songs continue to liven communities and uplift the world.
“A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song.” – Maya Angelou
