Why is eastern Pheobe trying to follow me into my house? I'm in a wheelchair so want to know if I have to worry or not. (4 Viewers)

[syd2915]

Hi everyone I just started having an eastern pheobe hang out in my backyard a couple months ago. I don't know if it's male or female, but it's always looking at me like it's curious and doesn't know what to make of me. Now it perches within a few feet of me and today it landed on my head for a quick second. I went inside after it flew off and it tried following me and sat right in front of the screen door. I'm in a wheelchair so I can't make a quick escape if it tries to attack me. I assume it's a good sign that it doesnt find me as a threat since it landed on my head very softly but just wanted to know any signs I should look out for and if I'm most likely safe when he/she's close to me.? It also landed gently on my head for a quick second before flying off and trying to follow me inside

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I don’t think you are likely to be attacked, but maybe someone will be able to help.

 

[MiddleRiver]

Awesome!

 

[KenM]

Hi everyone I just started having an eastern pheobe hang out in my backyard a couple months ago. I don't know if it's male or female, but it's always looking at me like it's curious and doesn't know what to make of me. Now it perches within a few feet of me and today it landed on my head for a quick second. I went inside after it flew off and it tried following me and sat right in front of the screen door. I'm in a wheelchair so I can't make a quick escape if it tries to attack me. I assume it's a good sign that it doesnt find me as a threat since it landed on my head very softly but just wanted to know any signs I should look out for and if I'm most likely safe when he/she's close to me.? It also landed gently on my head for a quick second before flying off and trying to follow me inside

Looks like you’ve got a friend Syd, hopefully you won’t find your Phoebe to intimidating.👍

 

[KC Foggin]

Hi everyone I just started having an eastern pheobe hang out in my backyard a couple months ago. I don't know if it's male or female, but it's always looking at me like it's curious and doesn't know what to make of me. Now it perches within a few feet of me and today it landed on my head for a quick second. I went inside after it flew off and it tried following me and sat right in front of the screen door. I'm in a wheelchair so I can't make a quick escape if it tries to attack me. I assume it's a good sign that it doesnt find me as a threat since it landed on my head very softly but just wanted to know any signs I should look out for and if I'm most likely safe when he/she's close to me.? It also landed gently on my head for a quick second before flying off and trying to follow me inside

It sounds as though it was probably raised by a human or a humane society so it doesn't seem to have any fear of you and probably looking out for a free handout of some goodies to eat

 

[syd2915]

Looks like you’ve got a friend Syd, hopefully you won’t find your Phoebe to intimidating.👍

Thanks so much i feel less nervous now. I have alot of birds that come into my yard and I'm used to some of them getting within a couple feet but never land on me haha it made me a little nervous , I think mainly because I wasn't right in front of me when he/she did it maybe? Pheobe needs to do baby steps with me. First the hand then shoulder then maybe the head haha

 

[syd2915]

It sounds as though it was probably raised by a human or a humane society so it doesn't seem to have any fear of you and probably looking out for a free handout of some goodies to eat

That's very cool. Im a little less nervous now, i wish the pheobe could give me a heads up before just landing on my head lol .He/she recognizes my voice because everything I'm in the backyard talking or whistling the pheobe shows up within a matter of minutes.

 

[nartreb]

I have never heard of a phoebe attacking anyone. They often nest very close to houses (look underneath a balcony if you have one), including mine.
I think your gardening is stirring up small insects which are it's favorite food; that's why it's following you.
They often find a perch not far off the ground do they can swoop down to catch insects struggling to fly up from the grass, then return to the perch to rest while they watch and wait. Your head is about the right height.
If the bird gets inside, leave the door wide open and lower all the windowshades, then just wait quietly.