Jen & Nicole, this post if for you…

Today, while finishing my jog I noticed a sign something like this:

I was thinking how I should take a pictures and write something about the magpies since I figured Jen & Nicole would get a kick out of another Australian peril. Well, a few steps later a bird came flying just beside me. It startled me, but I kept on running. Weird, but nothing more. Well, I had just processed that thought when I got whacked in the head by a bird. I screeched, covered my head and ran to the other side of the street.

What the he%*!!! I couldn’t believe it. Yes, I have been on the beach when the seagulls are being very aggressive in trying to grab food. But this, was crazy.

All this worry about sharks and I get attacked by a bird!

Since I was on my way to pick up Nuno, I walked into his school and told one of his teachers. A mum standing by heard me and proceeded to tell me that it was my hair. Something about the magpies wanting my hair for a nest or thinking my hair was their nest….thank you very much. She also informed me that her son was attacked repeatedly when he was three. Oy. The only thing she was able to do was shied him as she left the area where he was being attacked.

After talking to my darling husband, it seems that running in black and white gear may not be the best idea during their breeding time. It seems that my awesome Adidas outfit that Maria gave me makes me look like a HUGE magpie.

Well I have done my research, and during their breeding time, from August to October, I will be avoiding any magpie zones. It’s just too scary, really. I guess they are also an issue for cyclists. One recommendation is to affix eye stickers on the back of your helmet since the magpies tend to not attack when being watched. It’s that, or wear your glasses on the back of your head. I kid you not, that is the official recommendation.

For more information on swooping birds click here.