Fine feathered fiends: city's blackbirds spoiling for a fight

Mating season brings increase in attacks on humans

- FRANCINE KOPUN

Red-winged blackbirds are one of the most abundant birds in Canada, and their trilling song is a sure sign that spring is here to stay. Some say being attacked by one is, in fact, a rite of passage for many birders.

Moris Metyas is familiar, by now, with the attack pattern of the redwinged blackbird.

“They stand in the tree, watching left and right, like a thief,” said Metyas, who has been attacked several times this year, working delivery for a pharmacy on Queens Quay West, opposite the Toronto Music Garden.

“Then they decide which one to attack,” said Metyas, who has been ducking the birds for a couple of weeks.

“Doesn’t matter what you have on your head. Could be a hat, could be a helmet, could be a turban — everyone gets caught.”