Killer Magpie 2

Further studies on the efficacy of helmet adornments in repelling magpies.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• magpie
• bicycle
• experiment
• ecology
• helmet

[jack76722]

@kiwipirate600 i know im near toownsville and they are really bad im at primary and i live on a road and ride to school and get swoped by 3 magpies rea bad im going to do the haird one lol

[elstado1]

can you re-do these tests and have the same rider, with the same bike, same clothes, same street, same riding speed/style etc and only change the helmet treatments? not very conclusive otherwise with so many variables. I personally tried the cable ties - didn't work. Tried the printed eyes on the back of helmet - instant results. using a bright silver and black helmet.

[elstado1]

can you re-do these tests and have the same rider, with the same bike, same clothes, same street, same riding speed/style etc and only change the helmet treatments? not very conclusive otherwise with so many variables. I personally tried the cable ties - didn't work. Tried the printed eyes on the back of helmet - instant results. using a bright silver and black helmet.

[AyZeD]

he should take the helmet off and backhand the bird with it

[kiwipirate600]

I'm on the Sunshine Coast and they are really bad at the moment, getting tired of being constantly attacked. Am thinking of getting some sort of raquet (squash perhaps) and just belting them. Might be satisfying but ultimately useless... it doesn't look to me like the cable ties work very well and look ridiculous too. Anyone with an idea that actually works?

[MsPinkrose12345]

well they say magpies only are protecting there young, off today to buy a slingshot, im only protecting my young. Contacted the wildlife parks and they dont even respond. ugh There useless!!! They only get involved when its on the news and relize they have to do something about it lol

[MsPinkrose12345]

funny this may work with a helmet/biker rider. But dont work with children or adults not on a bike. We have all been struck several times to the point now my kids are too afraid to go outside (well the whole street kids have been struck). Last year we had 6 magpies like that. This year only one. We started feeding them it worked a treat!!! We only have one swooping us now and causing serious injury. Seems the protection authorities for these birds have no idea what there talking about!!!

[shoimthewoim]

@LHAdventures - Actually probably is pretty scientific, but with tongue firmly in cheek, given that I recognise the venue as the CSIRO labs in Canberra. I work there as well and can assure you that I get swooped wearing only black and white with a silver helmet as well as with a purple jersey. I haven't tried the helmet off option yet - maybe my receding hair line will do the trick.

[14Clemo]

you guys also need to try another magpie!

[TheSilverbudgie]

cable ties work for me in brisbane