Editor's note: If you wish to have an interactive experience, listen to this playlist on Spotify while reading this article.
This is Meg-o.
We've been having a little problem with a Mockingbird near our apartment in Knoxville. When we walk Meg-o the bird dive-bombs us.
At first I was all like:
Then I was all like:
And now I am all like:
I need to make it stop so
- my dog isn't traumatized/terrorized
- and I don't look like this to the other people walking on the street:
Here's some information about Mockingbirds. Note this in the behavior section.
“When its songs don’t warn off trespassers, its aggressiveness is a quick deterrent. Dogs, cats and squirrels are savagely pecked.”
What do you recommend I do? I would like for us to live in harmony.
Here are a few considerations:
- The bird isn't there every time we go outside.
- The bird is out at various time during the day.
- The bird's territory is wide enough that it covers Meg-o's restroom spots (i.e., Meg-o isn't going to be able to hold going to the restroom long enough for me to completely avoid the area and even if she could, we'd still have to walk through the bird's territory)
- My dog is not aggressive (at all).
- My dog was attacked by another dog this year, so she has lost some of her confidence.
- There are generally other people around. They see me yelling and waving to deter the bird, but don't see the bird.
- I really don't want to hurt the bird.
I don't want the situation to turn into this:
What would you do? Prior bird experience is preferred.
Editor's note: The initial, leading recommendation is a jacket for the dog, an umbrella or this:
The umbrella hat, both practical and stylish.
Editor's note: The recommendation has been modified. The current leading recommendation:
- umbrella hat
- a cat on a 10 foot pole
- me singing
Like this:
Walking Meg-o while singing, wearing an umbrella hat and carrying a cat on a 10 foot pole to deter the dive-bombing mockingbird.
Whether or not I will be listening to the playlist while singing is still under consideration. I don't want to miss the bird's warning song.
Editor's note: This disguise is currently under consideration. I don't want to look crazy, but I think I am okay with Meg-o looking crazy...
