Aggressive birds are attacking parkgoers in West Chester.It's happening at Voice of America Park, park officials said, adding that it's not uncommon this time of year.The protective red-winged blackbirds may be prone to attack if people get too close to their nests.Kelly Barkley, supervisor of Community & Park Connections, urges parkgoers to keep their distance from the nesting red-winged blackbirds."They are very territorial," she said. "They're a little bird. They're kind of loud and powerful and they scare people because they do swoop and they will try to peck at your if you're coming close to their nesting area."The males are the angry culprits."They are protecting the nests of their mate and future young," Barkley said.Barkley said the birds are usually more aggressive late spring into mid-summer. The birds have brilliant red stripes down their wings.Experts say they like to next close to water and tall grasses. The park has signs asking visitors to be aware of surroundings."If you see them circling over a grassy area, the last thing you want to do is go toward them," Barkley said. "Just keep walking and keep your distance."

Aggressive birds are attacking parkgoers in West Chester.

It's happening at Voice of America Park, park officials said, adding that it's not uncommon this time of year.


The protective red-winged blackbirds may be prone to attack if people get too close to their nests.

Kelly Barkley, supervisor of Community & Park Connections, urges parkgoers to keep their distance from the nesting red-winged blackbirds.

"They are very territorial," she said. "They're a little bird. They're kind of loud and powerful and they scare people because they do swoop and they will try to peck at your if you're coming close to their nesting area."

The males are the angry culprits.

"They are protecting the nests of their mate and future young," Barkley said.

Barkley said the birds are usually more aggressive late spring into mid-summer. The birds have brilliant red stripes down their wings.

Experts say they like to next close to water and tall grasses. The park has signs asking visitors to be aware of surroundings.

"If you see them circling over a grassy area, the last thing you want to do is go toward them," Barkley said. "Just keep walking and keep your distance."