Angry Birds

I have to admit that the only electronic or online games I play are things I could do without computer or phone, too: crosswords and solitaire games. Even so, I’m aware of the game called Angry Birds. I’ve no idea how to play it, but when we were considering buying a new TV some of the screens had Angry Birds playing on them instead of regular television shows.

I didn’t really want to experience angry birds, though.

I’ve mentioned this on Facebook, but since it’s continuing to concern me I’m talking about it here, too. As anyone who’s even vaguely aware of me knows, I love animals. That includes birds. But I eliminate from that list the birds that have been attacking my beloved dogs in our backyard!

Yes, I know it’s spring, and those mockingbirds undoubtedly think they’re protecting their nest. But they don’t have to intimidate my poor Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, especially Mystie, the younger one who, before, considered herself a bird dog.

Before, Mystie would run around our backyard chasing whatever birds happened to be there eating seeds or insects. Once, she even caught one, but I separated them before anyone got hurt.

There’ve been occasional buzz-bombings before, but this year it’s a constant problem. Two mockingbirds plant themselves on utility wires above the gravel area that my two pups prefer as a restroom. They make their chirpy noises--and then they swoop down. I’m fairly sure they’ve made contact with Mystie, and possibly with Lexie, too.

Good thing we keep a broom nearby. Yes, Mama Linda now goes out with the dogs and waves that broom at the birds so they stay away, at least most of the time.

And, yes, Mama Linda’s writing is getting even more interrupted by requests to go outside since I have to go with the pups and stay alert. I think the birds recognize me now, too, since they’re more inclined to stay on their wire and make irritated noises.

I’ll be glad when spring is over and the baby birds I assume will hatch--if they haven’t already--and fly away from their nest. Then the parents should, too.

By the way, when I did post on Facebook about the bird attack, I got a lot of comments. I learned that this isn’t at all rare. In fact, it’s fairly common, especially with mockingbirds and a few other species.

No one mentioned parrots, but I could have. I guess, in general, this isn’t a good year for me to associate with birds. We went to a dinner party a week or so ago at a home where a small parrot was the pet. He was cute and obviously spoiled--and when he decided to perch on my arm I let him. At least I did until he pecked his sharp little beak onto my skin...

How about you--what’s your relationship with birds this year?