Robbery From Above
By Capt. David Owen, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka

In 1963, Alfred Hitchcock directed the movie “The Birds,” which became a classic horror film. The story was centered upon unexplained attacks by birds within a small California coastal town.

Here on board Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, we do not have flocks of non-predatory birds attacking humans, but some of the native avian inhabitants have become rather skilled thieves.

I was walking along Nimitz Street a couple weeks ago when I witnessed a large crow swoop down and grab the ice cream from an unsuspecting individual. All that was left behind was an empty paper wrapper as the thief flew off with his tasty frozen treat.

It’s not just crows either. Leave an unattended carton of french fries or a bucket of chicken over at the Berkey Field area and they will likely become a mid-air snack for either the seahawks or seagulls.

As of this date, I’ve received a couple reports of minor injuries by these quick snatch artists to include requiring tetanus shots, and a few tears having been shed by the occasional child who suddenly lost a portion of their happy meal.

As birds of prey, seahawks do have some pretty sharp talons, so it is wise to take that into consideration when you are eating outdoors.

As temperatures start to heat up, so will the grills. Therefore, please maintain situational awareness and look to the skies - there are winged thieves above you!

Thank you for the heads up.

Jess

Years ago, when I was living on the 9th floor of Ichiban tower, I had a Seahawk swoop down and snatch a spray bottle right out of my hand. Left me with some nice scratch marks from his talons, and a sore cheek from the smack in the face I got from his wing. Not sure why he needed the spray bottle, but geez... he could have just asked!