We see them coming from miles away. We feel their presence on every street, at every park. They haunt our dreams. We know that they are near, even if you don’t. We live in constant fear, but such is the plight of an ornithophobic.

Ah yes, the fear of birds. How many times have I cautiously admitted to this phobia out loud, only to be laughed at, stared at, made fun, having my fears dismissed immediately. “How can you be afraid of birds? You know they can’t do anything to you, right?” No, insensitive listener, it is not me being foolish, it is you, failing to recognize all of the potential threats that birds pose.

First off, birds have been known to attack humans. I, myself, am the victim of not one, but two attacks from geese, one of which occurring only two years ago. And while the sight of me falling off my bike and screaming may have appeared funny to passerby, the look of pure malice in the goose’s eye continues to haunt me. I am not alone though. Many large and predatory birds have an aggressive nature, which may result in attacking humans, potentially injuring them. This has happened before, and even led to multiple deaths. These cases only involved direct contact with birds, however there is also the added risk of disease carried by birds. As many as 60 diseases are commonly carried by birds, waiting to infect humans at any time.

For ornithophobics, birds pose a triple threat. Depending on the bird, they can be found in the air, on land, and in water. Basically, nowhere is safe. They also live in every region on the world. You can never go on vacation and enjoy your time completely free of the anxiety associated with birds. You cannot eat outside at a restaurant and safely keep your feet on the ground. You cannot soak up sun on the beach without cringing every time the shadow of a gull crosses over you. No, being afraid of birds means never really feeling at peace.

All ornithophobics are different. Some may only feel fear in the direct presence of a bird, or certain kinds of birds. Some may feel threatened by all birds. Personally, my friends changed my phone background to a close-up of a bird once, and I threw the phone across the room. Do you know how many awesome photos I could have picked to be the cover photo for this article? Yet, I had to pass over them because I couldn't bear to click on them. Just the mere image of a bird is enough to get my stomach turning and my heart racing. In my psychology class, we learn about how images and associations can cause fear. I don't care what the reasoning is, all I know is that every part of the bird is terrifying, from their beady, maniacal eyes, down to their sharp, spindly legs. I cannot remember what I learned about in class yesterday, but I can recall every interaction I have had with birds since I was five.

Being afraid of birds may not be all bad, as it has taught me some things. I have learned to be sensitive of other people's fears. I think that it is ridiculous that anyone would be afraid of bugs, seeing as how they are so small. Even most spiders can't really hurt you. However, being the recipient of much phobia-mocking, I have developed a compassion for anyone with a legitimate fear. I can step outside of my comfort zone every day. As I pointed out, you really cannot go anywhere in this world without seeing a bird. To me, this prospect is horrifying, but the only alternative is sitting in bed all day. Sometimes I do sit in bed all day, but not because I have succumbed to the fear of these flying rats. No, I wake up and go out every day, knowing that I will be confronted with my greatest fear in life. You don't have to call me a martyr...but you can.

So for everyone who has ever laughed at an ornithophobic, I ask you: have you ever truly considered the threats that birds pose? Have you ever had to come face to face with your biggest fear every day, yet been mocked? Do you really think that you are clever when you ask me if I have seen Hitchcock's famous horror film, "The Birds"? Because no, you are not being clever or provacative. I have been asked that question more times than I can count, and of course I haven't seen the movie, I am not masochistic. And to all my fellow bird abhorrers: you are not alone. Unless there is a bird nearby, because I will absolutely run away and leave you to fend for yourself.