Have you ever noticed this behavior of birds when they fly over you? They'll change course to fly directly ove

Question

directly over your head !

When i'm going for a walk, if one or two birds sees me, they will veer over a bit so they can fly directly over me, rather than stay on their original course. Why do they do this??

If it's a large flock of birds, no, they don't do this. And they don't do this if there are a lot of people milling around either.

Basically, if it's one or two birds, and they are already flying in my general direction, they will veer over to check me out right over me.

And no, they don't bomb me with p**p either.

What is the reason for this behavior?

Thanks.

Answer 1

What kinds of birds are doing this?  Sometimes insect eaters, like flycatchers or swallows and sometimes robins, will purposely fly over people because we disturb the insects while we are walking, and it makes the insects easier to spot and catch.  I've also seen these birds follow behind lawn mowers for the same reason.

***Addition***

Robins, starlings,  grackles (and other blackbirds), commonly and actively defend the areas around their nests.  They are among the birds most likely to be observed "mobbing" hawks as they fly over.  They may be flying closer to you to determine whether or not you are a threat.  If you just casually watch them and don't significantly alter your behavior or direction when they come closer, they determine that you are not a threat and go back to what they were doing before.  Mourning doves may also be evaluating whether or not you are a threat - although they are usually fairly timid, they do act as "scouts" and will raise the alarm for the other more assertive birds to spring into action.

Crows and gulls tend to be fairly inquisitive and will often investigate things (both living and non) that are nearby.  Your passing may just spark their curiosity!

Answer 2

Are you an egghead?

(An Egghead is slang for a smart person, a brainiac, usually referring to technical knowledge)

I've heard you are never supposed to explain your jokes, but, I don't usually follow the typical path.