Magpies can be an absolute nuisance come springtime, and local cyclists perhaps understand the fear of these swooping black-and-white bandits better than most. Magpie season: Why Australians hide from birds every spring. Magpie Swooping- an Australian Phenomenon. That’s when magpies become increasingly territorial, with sightings of swooping magpies even saying they will go out of their way to seek and attack a victim. Mr Owens, who filmed the video several weeks ago in early October, was riding a local rail trail alone at about midday when the attack occurred. Magpies swooping cyclists – do they deserve to be shot? A small percentage of birds become highly aggressive during breeding season from late August to late November – early December or occasionally late February to late April – early May, and will swoop and sometimes attack passersby. Just over a foot in length, magpies can cause quite a bit of damage with their sharp beaks and sudden attacks --, So far this year, there have been 1,570 swoopings nationwide, resulting in 189 injuries, according to the community-run. View photos. To stay safe during swooping season, cyclists are advised get off their bike during an attack, and to keep calm instead of flailing -- which may come across as aggressive behavior and provoke the birds further. Pedestrians and cyclists targets of swooping magpies Duration: 01:25 24/09/2020 Pedestrians and cyclists have become the targets of swooping magpies as breeding season arrives. Swooping magpies are as certain as the footy finals in Melbourne in spring and are no joke. We are of course talking about magpie swooping season, and standing on the precipice of it, here's what you should know about what's coming. Magpie swooping season occurs each year across the country in September and October, during Australia's springtime. A swoop can catch you unawares and, occasionally, magpie swoops can even cause injury. The 76-year-old man suffered serious head injuries and later died in hospital. I speak of that insidious, swooping bird of prey—the magpie. ... cyclists are encouraged to wear … He then crashed into a fence post, was thrown to the ground, and suffered serious head injuries. Tory Brexiteers slam EU's 'contemptuous treatment' of Britain after Macron and Merkel REFUSE... Covid and Christmas are to blame for this chaos - NOT Brexit, writes ROSS CLARK. EXCLUSIVE: 'They had been living in perfect harmony.' Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Swooping magpies are a common threat in Australia during spring and often cause injuries to cyclists and pedestrians, but fatal incidents are rare. 'Unfortunately the area he waits is near where you have to cross over a road and slow down to watch out for traffic so you can't just put your head down and fly along to get past him,' he said. Police, posties, cyclists and pedestrians - all potential targets for magpies need to be on alert as swooping season has begun. Smaller - especially younger - people, lone people, and people travelling quickly (i.e., runners and cyclists) appear to be targeted most often by swooping magpies. A cyclist who filmed himself being attacked by a crazed magpie 10 times in 20 seconds believes the bird has pursued a three-year vendetta against him. The 'Covidarchs' awash with YOUR tax millions: From the pigeon controller to the yoghurt maker, they're the... Betrayal of care home families: Firms are STILL refusing to let desperate visitors hug their elderly loved... Risk of dying from Covid-19 in British hospitals has HALVED since the peak of the crisis in spring, SAGE... Is YOUR area next for Tier Three? Magpie swooping season occurs each spring when hostile male magpies are known to attack people, and particularly cyclists, as they defend their eggs and nests. Music teacher Leigh Owens was cycling in his hometown of Wonthaggi, Victoria, earlier this month when the aggressive animal began repeatedly dive-bombing his head and clawing at his helmet. Mr Owens, 55, claimed the feud has lasted three years – with the territorial bird attacking him dozens of times each year during its mating season. Try dismounting and walking your bike past a swoop area as cyclists seem to be seen as a particular threat by magpies – swooping of cyclists tends to start about twice the distance from a nest than it does for pedestrians! 'I see him every year at the same time and at the same place – he waits for us, usually in a tree. An inventor has engineered a series of helmet attachments to test the best ways to stop magpies from swooping. Published: 11:06 GMT, 25 October 2017 | Updated: 13:05 GMT, 25 October 2017. Magpie swooping season occurs each spring when hostile male magpies are known to attack people, and particularly cyclists, as they defend their eggs and nests. Mr Owens, who filmed the video several weeks ago in early October, was riding a local rail trail alone at about midday when the attack occurred. Swooping magpies are as certain as the footy finals in Melbourne in spring and are no joke. While the guy in the video is amused, magpie attacks are obviously quite dangerous, as startled cyclists can lose control and crash. "These are birds that are trying to be good dads and protect their young. Usually if we're in a group it will be the last one of the group who gets swooped. 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The comments below have not been moderated. Swooping season is dangerous for cyclists. The Undoing's Noah Jupe, 15, netted an eye-popping $600k for his role in the thriller... as well as a three... Sheep farmers are staring down the barrel of crippling 48% No Deal tariffs on British lamb 'that will kill... Oh what a Carry On! Despite the crisp August air, distrusting magpies have begun swooping cyclists again around Woonona Beach. Getting Away from Swooping Magpies 1. Cyclists should always wear a helmet, and they can provide double protection during the swooping season. An Australian phenomenon, magpie swooping is a yearly occurrence, and it is back! Australia's Magpie Swooping Map 2020! Make eye contact with the magpie. Australia's social website to track aggressive swooping magpies in your area. Signs in some areas warn passersby of swooping magpies. It appears that they don't like cyclists helmets and will swoop to frighten the cyclist (often very effectively). Usually if we're in a group it will be the last one of the group who gets swooped,' he said, 'A lot of cyclists go around with cable ties attached to their helmets at this time of year and there have been stories of kids having to have stitches in their heads,' he said. It's at this time of year that cyclists of all persuasions take on a slightly unhealthy pallour, and get a bit wild around the eyes at the prospect of solo rides: magpies are unabashed cowards and will rarely attack a large group. Woman claims she’s found a... Large group of migrants harass British lorry driver in Calais, Prince Harry surprsies previous winners of WellChild Awards on Zoom, Care home resident breaks down after recognising daughter's voice, King Covidiot! Avoid hotspots. Magpies are territorial and when they are nesting (August / September / October) they defend their nest. Updated 0857 GMT (1657 HKT) September 16, 2019. A five-year-old … The result of a butcher bird attack on my friend Wayne. 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