Magpie Attack!

We've taken to riding longer distances on the bikes at the weekend which is great with warmer weather and lots of back roads to explore. Unfortunately at this time of year the magpies (slightly different in appearance than those in the UK or US but similar in demeanor) get frisky and are prone to attack passing people. Apparently they only do this if they spot you from above but they can be quite a hazard for kids, runners and - as we've discovered - cyclists.

The sudden sound of flapping mixed with the crack of a beak bouncing off your helmet can come as a bit of a surprise... not good if a car is passing. And they are persistent unless you manage to scream at them loudly enough (something Tracy has become pretty good at though I won't outline the exact language). We are told magpie behavior is at it worst now, but attacks are not unknown into the summer.