Black bird???!!?

Question

ok I use to have no problem with black birds, now im not so sure. The other day I was running my usual route when I hear a bird coming awfully close behind me and the next thing I know a huge black bird swoops past my face (right above my shoulder). It was very startling because it was EXTREMELY close to me. But right about the time I just thought of it to be nothing more than a flying bird it comes back around and does it again! Like it was circling me. I was sure it was trying to attack me so I started running away. I eventually thought it was just that one time thing with a weird bird. So when I went on my route the next time (yesterday) the exact same thing happened in the exact same spot. The bird flew out of the same tree and everything! I dunno if its the same bird but why does it do this??!! It is so scary. Obviously im never running over there again. But whats the deal with this big black bird?

Answer 1

It was probably a crow or raven and it probably had a nest nearby. It is very normal for a bird to defend its nest, and large birds will sometimes attack humans if they get too close. I often hike on a state trail where I have been attacked a few times in the same area by a northern goshawk. I'm sure it is defending its nest. It swoops down at me and makes a series of loud, raucous cries. It gets close but has never hit me. I feel privileged to witness such a display.

Answer 2

I agree, it probably has a nest in that tree and is trying to defend it.  Birds can become very aggressive when protecting their babies!  You might want to try another route for a few weeks and give that parent time to get the babies up and out of the nest.

Answer 3

One, black birds aren't big, like you said. It's probably a crow.

Two, it's probably got a nest in the tree you're running by. Change your route until the babies fly away.