We had been seeing people on bikes that had put many inverted tie-wraps on their helmets and we could not figure out why! So, as usual, our kind Guru of everything Aussie, a.k.a . Anthony, sent us the following information:
For most of the year magpies are not aggressive, but for four to six weeks during nesting they will often defend their territory vigorously. People walking past may be seen as 'invaders' of the territory, prompting the magpies to fly low and fast over the person clacking their bills as they pass overhead.
The experience of a magpie attack can be quite alarming, but it is usually only a warning. Only occasionally will a bird actually strike the intruder on the head with its beak or claws. If this unusual behaviour persists, there are ways of reducing the risk of physical injury to humans.
If a magpie swoops at you:
Walk quickly and carefully away from the area, and avoid walking there when magpies are swooping (elementary my dear Watson!).
Make a temporary sign to warn other people (personally, I'm getting myself out of there!).
Magpies are less likely to swoop if you look at them. Try to keep an eye on the magpie, at the same time walking carefully away (ah yes, that true protective armour when it comes to the animal kingdom...eye contact!). Alternatively, you can draw or sew a pair of eyes onto the back of a hat, and wear it when walking through the area. You can also try wearing your sunglasses on the back of your head (o.k., so that one is my favorite!).
Wear a bicycle or skateboard helmet. Any sort of hat, even a hat made from an ice cream container or cardboard box, will help protect you. Or, (this one was not in the article, but was admittedly figured out by a lot of people!) put 2 dozen inverted tie wraps sticking up from your bicycle helmet to confuse the birds!).
Carry an open umbrella, or a stick or small branch, above your head but do not swing it at the magpie, as this will only provoke it to attack (I think this one is a might risky...in my book it's a thin line between holding above your head and giving the impression that you are attacking!).
If you are riding a bicycle when the magpie swoops, get off the bicycle and wheel it quickly through the area. Your bicycle helmet will protect you. Hopefully!
...and this is my suggestion, wear ear plugs because the critters are mighty LOUD!
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