Red-Winged Blackbirds Create Startling Encounters in Winnetka and Wilmette

Teri Weber often enjoys her strolls on Sheridan Road in Winnetka, taking in the glimpses of Lake Michigan. Recently, she experienced an unexpected encounter with red-winged blackbirds. As she walked, two birds suddenly swooped down at her. “The first one came from behind, and then the second one came toward my face,” Weber recounted. She ducked, waved her hat, and screamed as she attempted to fend them off.

Weber is not the only one facing these dive-bombing birds. Her social media post about her experience received 50 responses, with at least six other locals sharing similar stories. Nancy Davidson, a Wilmette resident, encountered the birds while on her regular exercise walk. “I was completely surprised,” Davidson said. “The bird came out of nowhere, flew into my head, and I left immediately.” She only learned about the species this year.

JP McNamara, Marketing and Communications Manager for the Wilmette Park District, notes these birds are common in Illinois during their nesting season in spring and summer. During this time, male red-winged blackbirds become territorial, protecting their nests. McNamara explains the behavior aims to deter potential predators, not cause harm. “Actual physical contact is uncommon,” he stated. This behavior usually subsides when the nesting season ends and young birds leave the nest.

According to Bridget Kiernan, a horticulturist at the Chicago Botanic Garden, this aggressive behavior by male red-winged blackbirds is typical during this time. The Garden has observed an uptick in such behavior recently, a normal occurrence. “Red-winged blackbirds are good at what they do,” Kiernan remarked, noting their territorial nature has aided their success. These birds often nest near water areas, golf courses, and urban lagoons.

Chicago resident Leah Pietrusiak has also faced the dive-bombing experience near Humboldt Park. She shared this on social media, finding others with similar experiences. Pietrusiak’s first encounter with these birds was two decades ago. During a recent walk, a bird swooped down on her, leaving a lasting impression. “I felt it for like two, three hours afterward,” she said. Now, she wears a hat during her walks in the park.

Even though the bird attacks are seasonal, Weber believes local officials should prevent nests from being built in public areas before eggs are laid. Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and the Illinois Wildlife Code, it’s illegal to remove nests once eggs are laid, so early intervention is crucial.

To protect themselves during a dive-bombing incident, Kiernan recommends wearing a wide-brimmed hat and shielding the head and neck. Recognizing the birds’ warning calls can alert residents about entering a bird’s territory. “Red-winged blackbirds are very vocal,” Kiernan said. With this understanding, residents can either give the birds space or choose a different path.

Residents can listen to the National Park Service’s audio of the red-winged blackbird’s sounds at nps.gov/yell/learn/photosmultimedia/sounds-redwingedblackbird.htm.