I was the victim of two violent assaults this past week, but the perpetrators probably weren’t who you’d expect.

They were red-winged blackbirds.

Around here, the handsome birds typically nest May through July. During this time, the males become aggressively protective of their nests — frequently attacking perceived predators, including humans.

I’d seen examples of this behavior before, but last June was the first time they dive-bombed my head as I jogged along the Fox River. Twice, in fact.

And this year they seem even more intense.

The danger zone: Be careful on the east-side Fox River Trail between downtown Geneva and St. Charles (particularly at the locations noted above). They nest in cattails, bushes and saplings — or dense, grassy fields — close to water. This stretch of the river is textbook habitat.

I’ll admit it’s odd that I haven’t witnessed anyone else get attacked on the path. I tend to wear a bright headband while jogging; perhaps the birds see that and view me as some sort of Swedish delicacy. Hard to say.

All I know is that now, when I see a red-winged blackbird or hear its distinctive trill, my first instinct is to curl into the fetal position and quietly whimper until it flies away.

You may think it’s funny (it definitely is) — but when a wild animal clutches your skull in its talons and screeches into your ear like a banshee, you won’t be laughing.

See for yourself: Here’s a news segment video showing red-winged blackbirds attacking pedestrians in Canada.

If you’ve been attacked by a red-winged blackbird in the Tri-Cities area, I’d love to hear about it (and potentially highlight your story). Just reply to this email or hit me up here.

*Note: I hold no ill will toward the birds — quite the opposite. Love that they’re hanging out here. I’m simply promoting public vigilance.

_{LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT}

Father’s Day is less than three weeks away — don’t let it sneak up on you.

And don’t overthink it, either. Just head to The Little Traveler, where you’re bound to discover the perfect present among the historic store’s constantly refreshed cornucopia of curiosities.

We’re talking everything from tried-and-true classics like grilling gear and cocktail wares to stylish hats, funny shirts and dad-approved grooming essentials.

Before you visit, we recommend consulting The Little Traveler’s 2024 Summer Almanack to get up to speed on hot seasonal arrivals and special events on tap for the weeks ahead.

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🔒 Luxury salon on State: A Geneva committee has recommended nearly $25K in financial assistance for a company hoping to open a Zazu Salon location next to Starbucks in downtown Geneva. Proposal details can be found on pages 10-26 of this committee packet.

☑️ Batavia road project: Construction on a bridge connecting Branson Drive in the Windemere subdivision to the Winding Creek subdivision began on Tuesday and will continue through September.

☑️ Safety enforcement: Ever encounter an e-bike hurtling past as you stroll a local trail? Kane County is launching an e-bike speed-reduction program to minimize those situations.

☑️ Late-night session: Here’s what you should know about the newly passed Illinois budget, including the elimination of the 1% state grocery tax (though local municipalities can still enact their own grocery tax).

🔒 Valuable service: Geneva officials recommended renewing a $35K agreement that keeps a social worker on-call for the police department.

☑️ Keep the change, ya filthy animal: The iconic “Home Alone” house in Winnetka is for sale again — this time for a smidge over $5M. See the listing with photos.

☑️ Nearing a century: Today marks the end of an era for 95-year-old Lincoln Elementary School in St. Charles. The building will be renovated and repurposed for other uses.

🔒 Creativity on display: Hundreds of community members converged on the St. Charles Fine Arts show last weekend, enjoying a variety of unique pieces by local artists.

☑️ STC salute: St. Charles’ Memorial Day program included a parade, special ceremonies and speakers who delivered moving tributes. Check out these photos from the events.

🔒 Community remembrance: Crowds gathered in downtown Geneva for the annual Memorial Day parade and pancake breakfast. Read a recap of the events and see photos of the ceremony.

☑️ Good with the bad: The frequency of road rage shootings has soared in recent years — but a new analysis suggests that Illinois has one of the lowest rates of such incidents in the country.

Gia Mia in Geneva has started featuring live performances on their patio every Thursday at 6PM — a nice little outdoor addition to Geneva’s music scene.

This weekend’s lineup also sees the return of live music to Rudy’s Bar in St. Charles and The James in Geneva. The Hive in St. Charles will also feature music from 10AM to noon on Sunday for its second annual Kegs & Eggs event.

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☑️ Local performer interviewed: Jaker Baker — a successful standup comic based primarily in the Chicago suburbs — shares why he loves performing at Batavia’s Comedy Vault.

✳️ Beauty AND brawn: When the time comes to re-side your home, don’t settle for run-of-the-mill siding. Bring in 212° Construction Group to set you up with James Hardie® Fiber Cement Siding — the best of the best.

☑️ Fun with linguistics: Batavia’s Smarty Pants Cafe has launched a new foreign language learning initiative that will engage the community in-person at the cafe.

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☑️ Community Friday | Fri 5/31, 11:30AM | Valley Sheltered Workshop, Batavia | Start the weekend early with a free local networking event and BBQ!

☑️ Adrenaline After Hours | Fri 5/31, 6-10PM | Harley-Davidson, STC | An exciting evening of food, live music, raffles and more.

☑️ Hickory Knolls Plant Sale | Sat 6/1, 9AM-2PM | Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, STC | Peruse a wide selection of native plants for sale.

🎟️ Kane County Flea Market | Sat 6/1 - Sun 6/2 | Kane County Fairgrounds, STC | Discover unique antiques, refurbished furniture and everything in between.

☑️ Summer Reading Kickoff Party | Sat 6/1, 1-3PM | STC Library | Bring the kids for an ice cream truck, remote control car racing challenge, an inflatable slide, music and more.

🎟️ Lepidoptera & Libations | Sat 6/1, 5PM | Peck Farm Park, Geneva | Enjoy cocktails, food, and majestic butterflies from all over the world.

☑️ Fabyan Windmill Tours | Sun 6/2, 12-3PM | Fabyan Forest Preserve, Geneva | Tours of the historic windmill are now available each Sunday through the end of September.

☀️ Today: High 73F | Low 47F | Sublime

🌤️ Friday: High 78F | Low 55F | Outdoor perfection

🌩️ Saturday: High 68F | Low 59F | Cooler + storms

🌥️ Sunday: High 78F | Low 59F | Warm but clouds

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