Why do birds do this?

[old_tv_nut]

You're walking down the sidewalk, say, and you startle a bird in the nearest tree. Instead of flying directly away, it flies ahead to another tree on your path, and then repeats several times as you advance. Is this the bird equivalent of a thrill ride? Is it their neighborhood watch?

This morning, besides the usual small birds, there was a hawk in one of the trees. When I got close, it did the same thing as small birds (but only once), then sat in the second tree while I passed by five feet away, and a few seconds later flew across the street.

 

[pappylon]

Why do birds suddenly appear?

 

[scuba]

Probably drawing you away from it's nest.

 

[old_tv_nut]

Probably drawing you away from it's nest.

I thought of that, but the question is, why do they go the way you are going instead of some other direction?

 

[Erik Tracy]

Well, there is something to the saying 'bird brain'...

 

[Farmhand]

Are you eating French fries when this happens?
But really, I've seen the same thing. They could be leading you away from a nest, could be just moving out of your way but not far enough to relinquish territory to a rival. Or they could be hoping you drp a French fry.
A similar question is, Why do critters wait until the Very Last Second to cross in front of a moving vehicle?

 

[KingBubba]

A threat in view is easier to avoid than the threat unseen.

 

[Blast]

Why do birds suddenly appear?

Every time he is near?

 

[Alobar]

I have seen owls do that a lot. Eagles too. They will go a few hundred yards ahead and wait, and after a few times they double back behind you..

 

[SuperjazzyJa]

Why do birds suddenly appear?

....every time you are near?

 

[stereofanboy]

Most birds ignore me, the exceptions being bluejays, whom I ignore.

 

[Hyperion]

Why do critters wait until the Very Last Second to cross in front of a moving vehicle?

I have wondered about this too, the only thing that comes to mind is that they hope to catch a flying insect startled by the 'bow wave' of your vehicle.

 

[1970's Fan]

....every time you are near?

He he I'll have that tune in my head for a while now .
Btw, I was just saying to wifey that I hadn't seen any posts from you for a while. So glad you're back.

 

[1970's Fan]

I love the friendliness of robins and thrushes. Years ago, a robin followed the wife and me all the way to the other end of town as we were going to the car hire place to get a car for a trip when we didn't have a car.

 

[modge]

Birds only nest in the spring, not all year round.

 

[Erik Tracy]

Birds only nest in the spring, not all year round.

But Mockingbirds stake out territory all year long.

F'in mocking birds.

 

[CKDC]

The bird is looking for another opportunity to take a dump on your head.

 

[bowtie427ss]

He works for MSM and is leading you away from the real point of interest.

 

[Splatter Pak]

If it's a Damned Old Jay, he's probably keeping an eye on you for Old Scratch.

 

[4-2-7]

They listen to The Ramones

bird bird bird, bird is the word, bird bird bird, bird is the word, bird bird bird, bird is the word....

see three times