|
Frigging magpies!
I've only been living in this country for just over a month (can't believe it's a month already!) and before we came here I was a little bit nervous about mozzies and spiders etc but it turns out that they don't bother me, it's the frigging magpies that I'm now terrified of!
When we first arrived and were staying with the in-laws, I was about to go out for a run and MiL said don't go across the paddock cos the magpie will swoop you. So I had to learn all about the evil birds. I went a different route and was fine, but another day got dive bombed by one when running further out of town. It didn't actually touch me but I was terrified. But the in-laws live out in the sticks so when we moved into Brissie I thought we'd be fine. But went for a walk around the park at the end of our road and I got attacked! OH didn't, but I did and it actually slammed me in the back of the head and with a big sharp beak like they've got it bloody hurt like hell. So now I'm too scared to run in the park - it's proper terrified me, so much so that now walking around anywhere and I hear any kind of bird, or even see a leaf fall from a tree, my heart stops and I'm a quivering wreck! This is so not like me..... Went for a bike ride along the river yesterday and by the South Bank got swooped again! So I read on a cycling forum and all these poor cyclists have been attacked in the face (pouring with blood, eyes pecked etc) like something out of a horror film. I'm thinking of locking myself in the house until half way through November. And I was so looking forward to going out running and cycling here! :( |
Re: Frigging magpies!
We had our first magpie encounter last month when we spotted a large one eyeballing us and I mean REALLY staring at us:eek:
It was only because of what I had read on here that I knew what to do. We turned round and stared back at this bird that was now on the ground looking up and making moves towards us. After a couple of minutes of staring at it, the bird started to make its calling noise to us and came even closer, but it had stopped flapping and was just cocking his head to the side. He 'walked/flew' with us till we got to the crossing, making his calling noise but didn't look quite so hostile. I have been told to stare them right back in the face, how true that is I dont know but it worked for me.:o |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Put an ice cream container on your head and draw two eyes on top. It apparently stops them swooping but you end up looking pretty stupid.
They will soon stop as they only swoop if you are near the nest in spring time. |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by Professional Princess
(Post 6861714)
We had our first magpie encounter last month when we spotted a large one eyeballing us and I mean REALLY staring at us:eek:
It was only because of what I had read on here that I knew what to do. We turned round and stared back at this bird that was now on the ground looking up and making moves towards us. After a couple of minutes of staring at it, the bird started to make its calling noise to us and came even closer, but it had stopped flapping and was just cocking his head to the side. He 'walked/flew' with us till we got to the crossing, making his calling noise but didn't look quite so hostile. I have been told to stare them right back in the face, how true that is I dont know but it worked for me.:o |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by melbournegirl
(Post 6861718)
Put an ice cream container on your head and draw two eyes on top. It apparently stops them swooping but you end up looking pretty stupid.
They will soon stop as they only swoop if you are near the nest in spring time. |
Re: Frigging magpies!
I think my son woul sympathise with you there, he gets swooped regularly and it frightens the life out of him.
I'll tell you a story. Back in the UK we had a bird that would constantly fly into one of our windows. And i mean CONSTANTLY, like 50 times a DAY. I don't know whether it was trying to protect what it thought was its own territory and saw its own reflection in the window or what. But our windows were a mess because of this bird. UNTIL I printed out a sillouette of a hawk, cut it out and stuck it in the window. It never came back again, not even once! So you need a white T-shirt with a hawks sillouhette on the back. Job done! Jazzys ;) |
Re: Frigging magpies!
What with the Plovers too....leaving the house can be pretty risky....blinkin stupid birds that nest on the ground I'm amazed they're not extinct aleady :p
;) As for the Magpies, learn where they are nesting and avoid (sometimes there are signs up) or wear a big hat! |
Re: Frigging magpies!
If you are walking wear a wide brimmed hat tilted back so they can't peck your face or ears. Also listen for the calls it is a kind of a falling tone.
If you see them on the electricity pole give them a good stare to let them know you are aware of them. I got swooped on my bike but if you raise your hand above your head it will put them off. If you are walking carry a stick and wave it around from time to time. I have given up cycling for a while until the end of January. In Gladstone they seem to attack in streets where are few houses / more industrial areas which are quiet at weekends. |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Got done last year by one, cut me just under the eye:curse:
|
Re: Frigging magpies!
So I need to get me a sombrero, a t-shirt with a hawk on it and carry a stick.... right, got it, thanks people. I reckon I'll easily make new friends walking around our new neighbourhood looking like that! :lol:
|
Re: Frigging magpies!
I admit Magpies are a pain, but the blasted storm birds are more of a threat to my sanity at the moment
Imagine having a few of these calling at the bottom of your garden day and night :curse: http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/nature_con...ls/birds/koel/ |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by tictac
(Post 6861754)
I admit Magpies are a pain, but the blasted storm birds are more of a threat to my sanity at the moment
Imagine having a few of these calling at the bottom of your garden day and night :curse: http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/nature_con...ls/birds/koel/ They are a complete pain in the arse. |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by Scubaemma
(Post 6861751)
So I need to get me a sombrero, a t-shirt with a hawk on it and carry a stick.... right, got it, thanks people. I reckon I'll easily make new friends walking around our new neighbourhood looking like that! :lol:
I only carry the stick in the bushland/park. There are even signs warning of magpie attacks but the trusty old stick has seen me good every time. Some people put flags on their bikes as well. |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by Scubaemma
(Post 6861710)
But went for a walk around the park at the end of our road and I got attacked! OH didn't, but I did and it actually slammed me in the back of the head and with a big sharp beak like they've got it bloody hurt like hell. So now I'm too scared to run in the park - it's proper terrified me, so much so that now walking around anywhere and I hear any kind of bird, or even see a leaf fall from a tree, my heart stops and I'm a quivering wreck! This is so not like me.....
( |
Re: Frigging magpies!
God i wet my self laughing.......it s Australia learn to live with it......:eek:mm
|
Re: Frigging magpies!
My poor dog gets dive bombed by brown birds and now magpies have started.She is black and I think they think she is a big black crow,she just looks a bit confused.When one dive bombed her yesterday I was so angry I made her walk towards it (she did not want to!)but I wanted to show it not to mess with us!It worked and it backed off thank goodness.
My husband is a postie so they have dogs and magpies to deal with.Sue. |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by Scubaemma
(Post 6861710)
I've only been living in this country for just over a month (can't believe it's a month already!) and before we came here I was a little bit nervous about mozzies and spiders etc but it turns out that they don't bother me, it's the frigging magpies that I'm now terrified of!
When we first arrived and were staying with the in-laws, I was about to go out for a run and MiL said don't go across the paddock cos the magpie will swoop you. So I had to learn all about the evil birds. I went a different route and was fine, but another day got dive bombed by one when running further out of town. It didn't actually touch me but I was terrified. But the in-laws live out in the sticks so when we moved into Brissie I thought we'd be fine. But went for a walk around the park at the end of our road and I got attacked! OH didn't, but I did and it actually slammed me in the back of the head and with a big sharp beak like they've got it bloody hurt like hell. So now I'm too scared to run in the park - it's proper terrified me, so much so that now walking around anywhere and I hear any kind of bird, or even see a leaf fall from a tree, my heart stops and I'm a quivering wreck! This is so not like me..... Went for a bike ride along the river yesterday and by the South Bank got swooped again! So I read on a cycling forum and all these poor cyclists have been attacked in the face (pouring with blood, eyes pecked etc) like something out of a horror film. I'm thinking of locking myself in the house until half way through November. And I was so looking forward to going out running and cycling here! :( Must be you Em...I walk in parks at lunch times and see the magpies, but they don't come near me. Shame if it stops you getting out & about.... Catch up soon xx |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Are these your bog standard magpies like you get in the UK? ...why are they so aggressive in Aus ?
|
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by Racht70
(Post 6862240)
Are these your bog standard magpies like you get in the UK? ...why are they so aggressive in Aus ?
|
Re: Frigging magpies!
Our magpies are massive compared to UK magpies
So far so good for us as weve been handfeeding the magpies in our garden and theyve started bringing bub magpie down to see us too. Theyve squared up to the pup a few times and she runs from them - i think it may be different once the cat arrives though. |
Re: Frigging magpies!
They can drive a cat insane , 4-5 will attack a cat at the same time , the cat might get one ,but the others ,go in big time..........some thing to see................:Dmm
|
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by mr mover
(Post 6861926)
God i wet my self laughing.......it s Australia learn to live with it......:eek:mm
I love living in Australia, but it doesn't mean I have to love being hurt by attacking birds, especially when I'd like to be out running and cycling. |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by Scubaemma
(Post 6862562)
I am learning to live with it! It was just a bit of a shock!
I love living in Australia, but it doesn't mean I have to love being hurt by attacking birds, especially when I'd like to be out running and cycling. My daughter was eating some fish and chips in Seaworld whilst watching the Elephants... a bird swooped down and nicked the fish out of her hands! Of course, it stuck its claws into her hand at the same time as frightening the life out of her! Poor mite cried for ages.. it's the shock of it, you see... she's fine now.. Em x |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by Scubaemma
(Post 6861751)
So I need to get me a sombrero, a t-shirt with a hawk on it and carry a stick.... right, got it, thanks people. I reckon I'll easily make new friends walking around our new neighbourhood looking like that! :lol:
It won't help with the magpies but it'll give your neighbours a laugh :lol: Seriously, magpies don't like cycle helmets. Some people put eyes on them, especially kids helmets. |
Re: Frigging magpies!
God do i not hate Magpies:lol:
|
Re: Frigging magpies!
I'd heard all this stuff about magpies but not really taken much notice, until I saw my postman being attacked! He drove all the way up the road, at first glance I thought he had got a bird on his shoulder, then realised he was being attacked by a magpie repeatedly. He turned around and drove back down the other direction to carry on delivering and just had to keep waving his arm up in the air as this mapgie kept on swooping him.
I was completely gobsmacked, watched him for as far as the eye could see and the bird just kept on following him and going for him. How on earth he kept control of his moped whilst fending that off I don't know. |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by bobbyftm
(Post 6864566)
God do i not hate Magpies:lol:
|
Re: Frigging magpies!
put your sunnies on the back of your head this stops them too :)
|
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by TMRE
(Post 6862295)
Think they are different from UK ones. We currently have one that comes up to our door to be fed. Cheeky sod will wait there calling until you feed it. The baby has started coming down with it as well now!
They also have the ability to remember people who have caused them harm so if you have a lookalike who likes to throw stones/sticks at them, then be afraid! |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by andywilson19
(Post 6864665)
put your sunnies on the back of your head this stops them too :)
|
Re: Frigging magpies!
Have you ever seen those crows you can buy suspended on a stick that look like they're flying round in the breeze. One of them on the back of your bike should fix them. What with that, the T-shirt, the eyes on your helmet and your sunnies on backwards nobody is likely to approach you. :thumbsup:
|
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by kiwinow
(Post 6865153)
Have you ever seen those crows you can buy suspended on a stick that look like they're flying round in the breeze. One of them on the back of your bike should fix them. What with that, the T-shirt, the eyes on your helmet and your sunnies on backwards nobody is likely to approach you. :thumbsup:
|
Re: Frigging magpies!
... a shotgun works wonders
|
Re: Frigging magpies!
The magpies only attack in the spring - during nesting season. The rest of the year they are ok.
The tie wraps on your bike helmet does work - use the long ones so they stand up further. Looks a bit strange like a porcupine, but who cares! The magpies go for the tie wraps and not your eyes or your helmet. I have new found respect for magpies now though. A few days ago I spotted one fighting off an eagle or hawk of some sort, with at least 3 times the wingspan of the magpie. Now that takes guts! W :) |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by tictac
(Post 6861754)
I admit Magpies are a pain, but the blasted storm birds are more of a threat to my sanity at the moment
Imagine having a few of these calling at the bottom of your garden day and night :curse: http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/nature_con...ls/birds/koel/ As for the maggies - bike helmets with cable ties sticking out making you look something like a hedgehog are all the rage around here at the moment. Very fetching! Maggies arent scared of hawks either unfortunately - they go after bigger birds with incredible tenacity. I blame the maggies for the early arrival of my DS2 - I was swooped in very late November (they didnt have a calendar that year) while waiting at the bus stop - very pregnant lady scurrying with maggie in pursuit to the next bus stop was not a pretty sight! |
Re: Frigging magpies!
3 Attachment(s)
Beg to differ with everyone but, I find the Magpies here very cool and friendly. We get over 20 at times in our garden and have always found them very friendly and a good laugh to watch with their various antic's they amuse for hours. We don't get swooping or diving just nice interaction funny walks and interactive behavior.
Maybe it's only 'stranger danger' Magpies people have problems with as if they see you as friends theirs no problem. Pics attached.
Originally Posted by Scubaemma
(Post 6861710)
I've only been living in this country for just over a month (can't believe it's a month already!) and before we came here I was a little bit nervous about mozzies and spiders etc but it turns out that they don't bother me, it's the frigging magpies that I'm now terrified of!
When we first arrived and were staying with the in-laws, I was about to go out for a run and MiL said don't go across the paddock cos the magpie will swoop you. So I had to learn all about the evil birds. I went a different route and was fine, but another day got dive bombed by one when running further out of town. It didn't actually touch me but I was terrified. But the in-laws live out in the sticks so when we moved into Brissie I thought we'd be fine. But went for a walk around the park at the end of our road and I got attacked! OH didn't, but I did and it actually slammed me in the back of the head and with a big sharp beak like they've got it bloody hurt like hell. So now I'm too scared to run in the park - it's proper terrified me, so much so that now walking around anywhere and I hear any kind of bird, or even see a leaf fall from a tree, my heart stops and I'm a quivering wreck! This is so not like me..... Went for a bike ride along the river yesterday and by the South Bank got swooped again! So I read on a cycling forum and all these poor cyclists have been attacked in the face (pouring with blood, eyes pecked etc) like something out of a horror film. I'm thinking of locking myself in the house until half way through November. And I was so looking forward to going out running and cycling here! :( |
Re: Frigging magpies!
This has worked for us, mainly when we go on a bike ride they attack either paint a face on back of your hat or attach cable ties so they stick up from your helmet, gary
|
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by Clippy
(Post 6864581)
I'd heard all this stuff about magpies but not really taken much notice, until I saw my postman being attacked! He drove all the way up the road, at first glance I thought he had got a bird on his shoulder, then realised he was being attacked by a magpie repeatedly. He turned around and drove back down the other direction to carry on delivering and just had to keep waving his arm up in the air as this mapgie kept on swooping him.
I was completely gobsmacked, watched him for as far as the eye could see and the bird just kept on following him and going for him. How on earth he kept control of his moped whilst fending that off I don't know. |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by annqldau
(Post 6866550)
Beg to differ with everyone but, I find the Magpies here very cool and friendly. We get over 20 at times in our garden and have always found them very friendly and a good laugh to watch with their various antic's they amuse for hours. We don't get swooping or diving just nice interaction funny walks and interactive behavior.
Maybe it's only 'stranger danger' Magpies people have problems with as if they see you as friends theirs no problem. Pics attached. I too, think they are wonderful birds. |
Re: Frigging magpies!
Originally Posted by MartinLuther
(Post 6866625)
If the magpie knows you then there's no problem. We have one that lives in our garden and is no problem. It's just the ones down the road that swoop.
I too, think they are wonderful birds. |
| All times are GMT -12. The time now is 2:47 pm. |
Powered by vBulletin: ©2000 - 2026, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.