Grackles...One Woman's Observation

by Mari
(Austin, TX )

Grackles have become an army of one. Upon sunset they congregate and begin descending through the Austin sky, creating massive black clouds as they move left, right, up, down. They perch where there is any space on a traffic light, telephone wire, buildings, trees, etc.

Once when we were downtown, my daughter counted 35 sitting at the traffic light as they stared down at us.

She's six and asked me, "Mommy, what do they want?"

Recently I had to switch HEB's because the one we frequented has become so unbearable due to the Grackles.

I find myself prepping my kids in the car before venturing into HEB (aka Grackle Country), "Okay kids... remember-- DON'T LOOK UP, HOLD YOUR BREATH & RUNNNN!!"

Sadly, I've come to the point where I can't explain the actions of Grackles to my kids.

My kids ask me why do the Grackles eat fast food, especially KFC? Response: They love Orginal recipe??

Why do they poo on everything? Response: They can't find the toilet?

HEB is not the only rest place for these birds, but, MAN it sure does seems to be one of their favorites.

So if you're new to Austin or just visiting, here are some tips: don't park under any trees, don't touch any bushes that "seem" to have off white leaves, don't look up if there are dark clouds flying above, and the last tip... if it's too late and you're stuck at ground zero RUNNNNNNNN!!!!!!