Mockingbird dive-bombs clinic patients

VENICE, Fla., June 14 (UPI) -- Workers at a Florida emergency medical clinic say a mother mockingbird has been dive-bombing patients as they leave the clinic.

Administrators at Gulf Coast Medical Group's Emergency Clinic in Venice said they have roped off the main entrance to the building after the mockingbird built a nest near the door and began dive-bombing patients in the parking lot, The (Sarasota) Herald-Tribune reported Tuesday.

Medical workers said the dive-bombing began late last week when a patient came in and told them the bird had put a hole in his shirt.

Kathy Carbone, an urgent care manager, said the mockingbird hasn't caused any serious injuries.

"The patients are kind of laughing about it," Carbone said. "We've had fun with it."

The Wildlife Center of Venice said the area near the nest will remain blocked off until the baby birds hatch and leave the nest, which officials said could take about four weeks.

"People call us the most about mockingbirds," said Peg Magee of the Wildlife Center. "They are notorious for being assertive and protective parents.