It’s that time of year again here in Australia and our Aussie Magpies (not the same as EU/UK magpies) are on the attack! I was pre-warned these two might be a little aggressive. I didn’t expect them to be THIS aggressive. These are definitely the worst I’ve ever come across. They’re really on top of their game! 🤣
Six Tips for Dealing with Swooping Magpies:
1 – If you’re in a group, don’t ride at the back. Let someone else take the hit! 🙂
2 – Cover your ears – They love a good ear scratch.
3 – Cover your neck – Another scratch zone.
4 – Sunglasses – Although they almost always attack from behind. Protect them anyway.
6 – Make eye contact – They won’t swoop or come too close if you’re looking at them.
6 – Raise a hand – That’s usually all it’ll take to keep them off your back, literally.
Cameras Used:
Handheld – Insta360 GO 2: https://amzn.to/3PZzOCE
Helmet Cam – GoPro Hero 10: https://amzn.to/3Ky5Btn
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#magpie #Australia #bicycle
I’ve only been harangued by Swainson’s Hawks here in south-central Washington state, USA. Arm and hand up were the most effective deterrent. I’ve loved your videos, think very highly of you, and am very grateful for all I’ve learned from you. I’ve been using front and rear facing GoPro Cameras, Hero 10 and 9 respectively, on my rambling road rides on my 2019 Cannondale Synapse — mostly to document motor vehicle and dog aggression against me. Run time is problematic, even with an external battery. My Hero 9 remains flakey, cutting out yesterday on a 3-1/2 hour ride after 16 minutes, 21 minutes, and 1-1/2 minutes (restarted at ride breaks when I found it had quit, then gave up). New memory cards, formatting, different power banks and cables,…, to no avail. My rides are usual about 3 hours, from 2 up to about 9 hours. I carry an external battery in my Tailfin top tube bag with USB-c power cables to each GoPro camera using power pass-through doors. I’m thinking of trying an Insta 360 mounted downward at a 45 degree angle on at my handlebars (As suggested here: https://youtu.be/Jz9eb3LNfF4?si=4es4OqM7-R5o35v1). I’d sure appreciate any suggestions or guidance you would provide. If no from you, perhaps there’s someone you know of with relevant, trustworthy advice.