Swooping Magpies

[JohnH]

It is spring here in Australia, and at this time of the year cyclists, runners and walkers have to face swooping magpies. Magpies are native birds that are highly protective of their eggs, nest and young and will often ‘swoop’ unsuspecting passers-by if they feel threatened.

SwoopingMagpie.gif

Here are a couple of interesting videos of some experiments with different ways for cyclists to protect themselves from swooping.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wHreVKg ... r_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES_n4DgJ ... r_embedded

I use cable ties on my helmet. My experience is that they don't stop the swooping completely, but the birds tend to stay a bit further away.
I am surprised at the suggestion that removing your helmet helps. I remember years ago when walkers were advised to put on a cycling helmet to protect themselves.
(PS In Australia helmets have been compulsory for cycling for over 20 years, and are almost universally worn.)

[Sundog]

Brings to mind the true story of a (US) birder on her first trip West. Some time after crossing into Colorado, a big black long-tailed bird with a white belly and iridescent blue-green wings swooped past her car.

She thinks "Wow! What was that?! That unusual bird will be one of the highlights of my Western trip!" and takes her eyes off the road to see where this magnificent new bird will land. Her car ends up in the ditch, but she's thankfully unhurt. After leaping out of her car with her binocs and noting the numerous field marks, she continues on her journey, deciding to look that bird up at the first rest stop.

Of course she sees hundreds if not thousands more American Black-Billed Magpies during the course of her trip.

[steveh]

It is spring here in Australia, and at this time of the year cyclists, runners and walkers have to face swooping magpies. Magpies are native birds that are highly protective of their eggs, nest and young and will often ‘swoop’ unsuspecting passers-by if they feel threatened.

SwoopingMagpie.gif

Here are a couple of interesting videos of some experiments with different ways for cyclists to protect themselves from swooping.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wHreVKg ... r_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES_n4DgJ ... r_embedded

I use cable ties on my helmet. My experience is that they don't stop the swooping completely, but the birds tend to stay a bit further away.
I am surprised at the suggestion that removing your helmet helps. I remember years ago when walkers were advised to put on a cycling helmet to protect themselves.
(PS In Australia helmets have been compulsory for cycling for over 20 years, and are almost universally worn.)

Hi John

Simple £2.49 on line, would protect from the guano as well (just don't cycle too fast!!)

[Sundog]

And, if you run your dog alongside:

dogbrella.jpg