Hi all
I find this strange - I have been cycling, several times a week, to work
since 1991 from the southern suburbs of Brisbane to Springhill (north
side) and, currently, to the city. I have been swooped by a magpie once
in all that time, not far from my home. The entire episode lasted about
5 seconds and caused me no more concern than riding through a puddle of
water - in fact that is more of a hassle!
In most cases cyclists are going too fast and are almost immediately
out of range of the magpie's territory or death from the sky! I am
amused by the folk who ride around with, as Laurie described, wire ties
sticking out of their heads - if your cycle helmet is not strong enough
to defy a magpie - get a new helmet, cause it won't last long if you
land on your head in the road!
Now, if they were Wedge-tailed Eagles or Skuas (aka Jagers) it might be
a different story! But let's get real here - they rarley actually touch
you and I think are more surprised themselves when they do!
Good biking and birding to all!
Colin.
On Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:36 +1000, "L&L Knight" <>
wrote:
> One approach is to fit a legionnaires style helmet cover. The
> Queensland Cancer Council sells brightly coloured covers that have a
> long visor at the front and a substantial flap at the back. You can
> further magpie proof your face by wearing wrap around sunglasses (you
> can get safety sunnies if you want shatterproof ones). I have also
> seen cyclists who have fitted wire ties to their helmets to make it
> difficult for the maggies to swoop/land on the helmet.
>
> The bottom line, is that a properly attired cyclist can ignore
> swooping pies and ride steadily out of their territories.
>
> Regards, Laurie.
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> birding-aus.blogspot.com
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--
Colin Reid
So many birds, so little time......
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