Signs posted outside Meinders School of Business warn students about Mississippi Kite birds.
The signs read: “WARNING: Mississippi Kite attack birds are currently nesting here. Please avoid this area.”
“I was leaving Meinders one day this summer and there was a sign on the door warning me of the birds, which I thought was hilarious,” said Eleanor Nason, economics senior. “I was texting my sister about it as I was walking to my car when one of them swooped down and hit me on the head.”
Mississippi Kite birds are long-winged raptors with gray bodies and long black tails. They live in the southern United States during the summer where they breed, before migrating to South America for the winter.
The birds are known to attack during nesting season, especially in suburban areas. They rarely harm humans, but they dive within inches of their victim, often emitting a shrill alarm call to attract other kites, who sometimes join in on the harassment.
The birds usually nest in loose colonies, consisting of a rather flimsy platform of dead twigs, lined with green leaves.
After the Mississippi Kite babies leave the nest, the attacks almost always stop.
“In past years, there were several attacks, including a maintenance worker who went to the medical clinic, but my signs have helped prevent recent attacks,” said Trudi Cunningham, administrative assistant in Meinders.
“They come to the same trees every year. I know they are protecting their young, but the Mississippi Kites are a pain in the butt. If you see one, scream and run.”
Some students feel differently, arguing that the birds are an enhancement to the campus, rather than a menace.
“The Mississippi Kite is a majestic raptor,” said Alanah Hosford, cell and molecular biology sophomore. “It is such an honor to have them nesting at OCU.”
Hosford was not the only student with a positive opinion of the birds.
“I was privileged to view the Kites with binoculars, a remarkable experience,” said Laura Jardine, cell and molecular biology sophomore. “Anyone with doubts about these birds’ place on campus should take a moment to stand back and enjoy the unique beauty of our avian friends.”
State regulations and the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 protect Mississippi Kites, so officials cannot legally remove or transport the birds or their nests.
At least during the warmer months, the Mississippi Kites are here to stay.
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