Just my two bob's worth. We have at least two families of Magpies around
our house and garden, they've been here for years. Never once have they
swooped us, in fact , just the opposite, they tend to land and watch us
closely, probably waiting for handouts. We can approach quite closely
and talk to them , but they only respond with a few squawks and gurgles
- never say anything.
T.
-----Original Message-----
From:
On Behalf Of Steve
Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 6:10 PM
To: ; 'Colin R'
Cc:
Subject: The Cyclist's Defence Against Swooping
Magpies
Steve......Thanks for saying what I was thinking. The people that don't
take Magpie attacks seriously are those that haven't been hit yet. I
took some solid contact to the side of the head while cycling once and
came off the bike. A bit unsettling when it comes out of the blue. I too
remember the young boy here in Brisbane that lost his eye. Cheers Steve
Murray
-----Original Message-----
From:
On Behalf Of
Sent: Thursday, 20 August 2009 4:24 PM
To: Colin R
Cc:
Subject: The Cyclist's Defence Against Swooping
Magpies
G'day Colin et al.
Your experience is one of luck I suspect. In Canberra when I rode along
a couple of the major streets every day I was harassed by magpies each
spring. One drew blood when it raked my cheek below my helmet. The
risk of being unsettled enough to veer into traffic is not negligable.
Here in Hamilton there is a regular nest half way up a steep hill I
can't avoid. I go up this hill slower than some and the offending bird
has enough time for 3-4 swoops. Again I reckon the danger of crashing
is greater than the direct danger from the bird.
I think a Brisbane cyclist lost an eye to a magpie a few years ago.
Unfortunately, from the bird's point of view we are leaving his
territory as a result of the attack and this reinforces the behaviour.
It doesn't seem to be inherited fortunately. If the agressive male is
killed or otherwise leaves, the new male may or may not be agressive.
I've not been swooped yet this season but it won't be long.
Cheers
Steve
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