Everyone picks on Silvio, even the birds
So, I'm walking down the street with Silvio, minding my own business when I notice a very loud mockingbird sitting on a wire directly above me. I remember thinking his/her chirping sounded like a car alarm.
Sil stops to sniff a nearby tree and when he's finished we continue on, but I realize the mockingbird is now sitting on a FOR SALE sign right in front of me.
We take about five steps pass the bird when it swoops down and hovers over Silvio's back. Of course, I am shocked and my reaction is to pull Sil toward me (but Sil was apparently to interested in what he was sniffing because he never noticed the crazy bird.)
I thought for sure the bird was going to peck at his ears or something. Thankfully, it didn't attack.
I've never seen anything like that before and I was just wondering if that is normal? I assume the Mocking birds are protecting their eggs. And I have seen mockingbirds fight with each other. But to pick a fight with a dog is impressive and crazy.
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
Comments
Oh yeah that's normal. I guess you've never had a mockingbird nest in your yard. No bird, I mean no bird, protects it's nest like a mockingbird. Luckily it's only temporary.
Posted by: KCK | May 20, 2008 12:09 PM
Hey Angie -- yeah, KCK is right. Mockingbirds are dive bombers. Shrikes, too. I used to let my previous cats outside a lot more and the birds would go after them relentlessly, pecking them on their heads and backs. One cat had a peck wound become infected and required vet treatment. Another good reason to keep cats inside as much as possible -- better for the birds, better for the cats.
Posted by: Diane Lade | May 20, 2008 12:48 PM
Hey guys,
Yeah, never knew that mockingbirds were so crazy! : )
Posted by: angie Brennan | May 21, 2008 7:52 AM