Thanks to Alfred Hitchcock, I’ve been terrified of birds since the early 1980′s when I caught his frightening piece of movie “magic” on television. Since the scaring incident, I’ve not been a fan of the winged beasts in any capacity. Well, I can tolerate chickens because we raised them when I was a child so I have no fear of chickens as living creatures or the main
component in my Willow Tree. All other birds, however, freak me out.
Then I moved from the city of Providence where the main type of bird is what we call City Chicken (aka pigeons) out here to central Rhode Island where everyday there’s a new species of something living in my yard. I decided to try to become one with the little birdies all over the place and I bought a clear bird feeder that has suction cups so I stuck it to the main kitchen window and prepared to take pictures of my new flighty friends.
For weeks nary a feather was near my feeder and I was getting upset. Then one day I came home and there were literally scores of birds around the yard and they scrambled when I got out of the car. I started to take their snubbing of my birdfeeder personally. Then 3 days ago I was in the kitchen and I looked up and there was a small bird eating out of the feeder! I was over joyed. Over the next few days I got the opportunity to sip a cup of coffee and watch nature atwork. It was beautiful. Then I was reminded of the viciousness of nature.
Today, while sitting at the kitchen island watching the birds I noticed a bird eating out of the feeder very aggressively, almost
violently. Another bird would come and try to eat and he would peck at the bird and the poor thing would leave hungry. This happened to several different birds and there was Big Fatty Greedy eating up all the food. I got up and tapped on the glass so he would fly away. I was hoping this would give the other birds a chance to eat.
What happened next was like a scene from Lord of the Flies. It was a battleof epic proportions when Big Fatty Greedy wanted his spot back but the group of birds (now known as the Little Wing Angels) wouldn’t let him. He then kicks it in overdrive and much like Jackie Chan fighting off 6 men, Big Fatty Greedy kicks their butts, reclaims his spot, and then dares the other birds to try to take him. Although he sitting there now – still eating – I have a feeling the other birds are plotting something dastardly. Yes, dastardly.
What I learned today is that:
1. My fear of birds is still alive and kicking and with good reason
2. Not all nature is cute
3. Big Fatty Greedy vs. Little Wing Angels Round 2 is coming to a theater near you… well, a theater near me!
"Are you feeling lucky, Punk?"
Regina Foster Bartlett is a mother of two teenagers who recently married her soulmate and believes her favorite wedding gift was the addition of four stepchildren and four grandchildren! She’s a confessed tech-nerd who loves all things social media. She’s also a published freelance writer and she’s been blogging since before blogging was cool. She's the voice behind the radio broadcast and writer behind this blog. Always on the lookout for interesting stories she can be reached by emailing: regina@reginasuniverse.com or using the Contact form by clicking the link above. 
Birds are like people. Makes us think over and over, why can’t everyone just get along!
I agree, birds can be frightening! Especially the big ugly ones!
Hope all is well there girl! Steer clear of the birds!
Take care,
Joy
Do you guys get Humming Birds there? Those are nice to watch and they’re very well behaved. They drink from sugar-water feeders, so regular birds don’t bother with them.
I had a tiny little yellow Humming Bird come in the house one day and the poor little guy couldn’t find his way out. He kept flying against the skylight window like a stupid fly. We eventually captured him after he ran out of steam.
It was amazing to hold the tiny little bird in my hand and feel his strong heartbeat. The heat coming off that thing was incredible! It was half the size of my thumb, but he was really strong and very brave. We set him free and he flew off into warm summer day. =o]
Awww… we definitely get hummingbirds out here but I’m leery of the feeders for them because rumor has it that they attract bees. They are so darn quick and I can’t believe you had the opportunity to hold a living hummingbird in your hand. That is awesome. Glad he survived. I have another bird story that is coming soon. You just reminded me of it!
I’m so glad you understand Bird Fear. So many people think I’m crazy. All is well here and I hope your move went well.