Man, those things… better make sure your Aussie accent is good & strong…
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They probably call these magpies in some countries. Your one has got about as much in common with the aussie one !
If you’re going to feed them I say don’t do it while you’re at home otherwise the bastards will never leave you alone. I have lost too many afternoon garden snacks to count to moments of inattention. They will walk straight in any open door at my place thanks to what I assume was years of pampering by the previous residents.
It’s almost as though they knew Spring has begun and so has the swooping
Got my first one yesterday in Taylor
Two more today on the Majura bikepath
Can confirm the hand trick works, thank you!
Seen on the side wall of a house during my street orienteering walk, this afternoon. These folk like their birds! I’m a bit jealous - very nice way to finish a wall.
In fact it seemed a bit wasted, on the side of their house that they’d rarely see, instead of the front wall or a courtyard wall.
Lovely! Whenever I get attacked, I immediately stop, get of the bike and look in the direction of the bird. Then walk my bike slowly out of sight. If I’d knew there was a swooper, I’d get off the bike and walk past it. I have never been attacked while off the bike. And as someone who grew up in Europe, those Magpies are a real horror for me! I’d never risk to just keep riding and getting attacked again and again…
I’ve just been made aware of this important research program
Pretty snazzy perm…
I wonder if my Cookie Monster helmet cover would work? That doesn’t look silly / conspicuous at all…
Only one way to know. You could also contribute to the ongoing research into magpie behaviour…
There’s quite a few on my regular routes that have been getting bits of Clif bar and other assorted snacks year round. It’s a shake down but has worked well over the years.
If only Tippi Hedren had heeded that warning.
Old enough to know the context… ![]()
Around Brisbane I’ve not been swooped these past two years at any of the sites where they put up those ‘swooping bird’ warning signs; I’ve only been swooped in other locations without the sign. Maybe the magpies have learned to read?
Anyway in my experience it’s always near parks and such where their interaction with humans typically include school kids chucking rocks and people walking dogs off leash. Feeding them is a good idea but be careful about what you give them. That will protect you personally as they will remember your face. But nesting season only lasts a month typically I just suck it up for the few weeks.
Jeepers! They even swoop trains!!??
We’ve been swooped by a couple in Melrose showground and along the road into Melrose town.
At least at my station in Melbourne (Newport), it is more magpie larks that “swoop” around the station platform.
There is apparently a magpie nearby the station that swoops but never experienced it




