25 August 2014

Swooping birds of 2014

| Pork Hunt
Join the conversation
15
swooping-magpie-250814

Hi Rioters,

Since no one else has done it, I thought I’d start this years thread.

I went for a bicycle ride from Queanbeyan to Fyshwick and back on Monday 25 August.

Once there I did a lap of the COC area and was the victim of one very half hearted swoop opposite the phone exchange.

Do other readers have the hot goss on swooping birds they wish to share with others?

Join the conversation

15
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest
rigseismic672:21 pm 29 Aug 14

last year I took a decent hit outside the Deakin telephone exchange (or secret squirrel office if you like). It resulted in 3 stitches to my ear. When I reported it to TAMS the Ranger called me and asked for photo evidence- which I duly obliged by sending him- the result was a small sign at each end of the ‘attack area’. What do TAMS do if someone relly gets hurt??? luckily I was wearing a cap and glasses, which were knocked off my head.

Holden Caulfield said :

Roksteddy said :

There was one where I used to live that didn’t care if you were looking or not. He struck my son just under the eye and sliced his eyelid. That one had to be put down.

I’m sorry to hear that.

That must have been a very tough decision for you and your family.

Haha. Well played Sir

This website seems like a good idea

http://www.magpiealert.com/

briggles said :

or best, get a dog – in my experience, maggies go for the mutt over you [and my rottie took no notice]

That might work, my dog did once snap a bird out of the air…that was in her younger days though…sadly she is far too old, fat and lazy to run now.

modestysmock10:42 am 26 Aug 14

Yes, well this year I’ve taken a different approach and tried feeding the birds around my house (Aranda). I’ve even taken to putting my helmet on when feeding in hope that when I ride around they’ll recognise me. All i’ve achieved is an angry bunch of birds crapping all over my balcony demanding food at 6am… every day. Is it worth it? Yesterday I got swooped.

Holden Caulfield10:42 am 26 Aug 14

Roksteddy said :

There was one where I used to live that didn’t care if you were looking or not. He struck my son just under the eye and sliced his eyelid. That one had to be put down.

I’m sorry to hear that.

That must have been a very tough decision for you and your family.

Madam Cholet said :

Wasn’t there a video on RA a while back that demonstrated that the magpies actually didn’t swoop a non helmeted bike rider, and swooped the helmeted or contraption headed ones?

You are probably thinking of this one:

http://youtu.be/9wHreVKgOT4

All magpies are different though. Some only swoop when you aren’t looking, some don’t care. Some only swoop posties. Some, like one where I live, only swoop dogs and leave us alone.
There was one where I used to live that didn’t care if you were looking or not. He struck my son just under the eye and sliced his eyelid. That one had to be put down.

Hosinator said :

In all seriousness invest in a party mask….

Nup. In all seriousness, invest in a tennis racquet. Ace!

Madam Cholet7:17 am 26 Aug 14

Wasn’t there a video on RA a while back that demonstrated that the magpies actually didn’t swoop a non helmeted bike rider, and swooped the helmeted or contraption headed ones?

I think I had a half hearted swoop carried out on me last week when leaving my office by two magpies. They kind of just glided by, but probably lower and closer than would be normal. I consider in between a few high rises in the city to be an odd place to be even half heartedly swooped.

In all seriousness invest in a party mask, something that looks like a human face. I attached one to the back of my helmet and the maggies keep away. Last season I didn’t get swooped at all, fingers crossed the same for this season.

briggles said :

The maggies in Monash have started getting a little ‘swoopy’…I need advice on where else I can run as I gave up last year until swooping finished and I don’t want to do that again. Tips please!

run with ausbradr’s beta test hat? there’s an untapped market, aus… or else a running machine in a gym? or best, get a dog – in my experience, maggies go for the mutt over you [and my rottie took no notice]

A peer reviewed scientific study undertaken by the CSIRO found that cable ties were ineffective, however wearing an afro wig over your helmet is highly effective.

see: http://youtu.be/ES_n4DgJDHs

The maggies in Monash have started getting a little ‘swoopy’…I need advice on where else I can run as I gave up last year until swooping finished and I don’t want to do that again. Tips please!

Not so much goss, but the inventor in me is looking for a way to refine those wacky looking cable-tie encrusted helmets, into sleeker models that are just as capable of keeping swoopers at bay. Good to know it’s the season for beta testing one!

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.