Many years ago, as a youngster, I was riding my bike on the edge of the small town where I grew up. Basically in these small Midwest communities, you are in town on one side of the road, and in the country on the other side. This ride was my first experience with a Red Winged Blackbird. Initially I thought they were kind of friendly…one would follow along as I pedaled…chirping and offering up a robust hello! Until he dove at me and plunked me on the head. I would come to find out that Redwings are notoriously protective of their nesting grounds…and apparently for some of them, it doesn’t matter how large the perceived intruder might be! In the end I came away impressed with their gusto…they don’t offer up much of a punch, but they can’t be faulted for giving it their best shot.