Originally Posted by Daytrip

Just so you Brits know, I'm talking about the kind with feathers and beaks.

Why do bicyclists freak birds out so badly? Every time I ride near a bird or flock of birds, they take off as soon as I approach. Presumably they perceive me as some kind of a threat. Seems like a waste of energy to me. Birds ain't stupid--they ought to be able to figure it out.

With the exception of dogs, most domestic animals don't care about cyclists. Wild animals like deer are wary, but rarely flee at the mere sight of me coming down the road.

Is there an ornithologist in the house?