Kevin Hillier has found another reason not to like magpies
My dislike of magpies has nothing to do with Collingwood Football Club, although that doesn’t help. But I’m convinced magpies hate me and I was reminded of this by a couple of events recently.
Wyndham council put out a media release last week headlined “Don’t get Swooped,” warning residents it was nesting time and the black and white army was ready to attack.
According to the website magpiealert.com (I’m not making this up) 12.4 per cent of attacks in 2014 resulted in injury. The swooping window is between September and January, which is when many of us are out and about walking or cycling in the warmer weather.
The council release also highlighted that studies have shown magpies recognise faces and continue to go after the same people throughout their lives. That was what freaked me out. About seven years ago I was swooped a few times, both walking and cycling on Hogans Road in Hoppers Crossing. I haven’t been swooped locally since but on a recent holiday in Inverloch, Sarah and I were swooped four times in about three minutes by a very angry and aggressive magpie.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to work out what has happened here. Clearly that Hoppers Crossing magpie made a tree and sea change, moved to the beach, recognised my face and went “I remember you!” Whack.
Fortunately neither Sarah nor I sustained any injuries, but we looked like total dills fleeing down the street waving branches above our heads. I can tell you this ploy doesn’t work. In fact, I reckon it provoked another attack.
The only humorous aspect of all this is that when I was swooped in Hoppers several years ago I reported it to the ranger. But when he asked me to return to the scene for a re-enactment, I declined. I put the phone down and almost wet myself laughing.
I’d love to hear your experiences. Have you been swooped and what did you do? Does the broad-brimmed hat or umbrella work for walkers? And what about cable ties for cyclists, as suggested in the council media release? ■
If you have any news or events, let me know at kevin@howdypartnersmedia. com.au
