Residents throughout the Skokie and North Shore area need to be aware of nesting Red-Winged blackbirds, which are very protective of their nests. The birds are only aggressive during nesting season, and only within a few houses near their nests, so avoiding the area is an option. Reports of dive-bombing blackbirds have been reported on East Prairie Road between Church and Dempster Streets, near Greenwood Street, and possibly other areas. To protect yourself, wear a hat, or use an umbrella. The aggression will stop when the young leave the nest, approximately four to six weeks after hatching. The Village of Skokie Animal Control staff will post caution warning signs in areas where a ‘specific problem location’ is reported. To report aggressive birds, email info@skokie.org or call Animal Control at 847/982-5970.