Cyclist snaps bird attack on GoPro as magpie swooping season begins again

A CYCLIST who used to be terrified of magpies has now “embraced” the territorial birds, capturing their vicious attacks on his GoPro as swooping season returns again. SEE THE PICTURES

SWOOPING season is upon us.

Cyclists and pedestrians across Melbourne are bracing themselves for magpie attacks, which have become as synonymous with spring as florals and hayfever.

Cyclist Matt Stacy conceded in the battle of “MAMILs” — middle aged men in Lycra — versus birds, the magpie always came out on top.

“I used to be terrified of them,” the 49-year-old said.

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Sunbury cyclist Matt Stacey captured a magpie attack on his GoPro.

The bird swoops in, beak open, for the kill.

Magpies are already beginning to swoop cyclists and walkers after an early start to spring.

“They go for the eyes and ears … once a month, one will get me on the cheek,” he said.

Mr Stacy said he had tried every trick in the book to deter the birds, including attaching cable ties and painting eyes on the back of his helmet- but nothing worked.

Now the Sunbury resident said he “embraced” the maggies and set out to have a bit of fun with them.

Armed with a GoPro, he visited his “old favourite” last week and “scooped the swoop”.

“I know where they’ll be and the spots to avoid — but every so often I’ll try and catch one of them in the act,” Mr Stacy said.

The magpie has its eyes firmly on its victim.

The birds swoop on passers-by if they feel threatened.

Cyclist Matt Stacey filmed the magpie attack for a bit of fun.

August to October is magpie breeding season, according to the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, which advises that birds may swoop on intruders if they feel threatened.

A DELWP ‘magpie map’ reveals there’s not much hope in escaping the birds as swooping attacks have been listed extensively across the inner city area.

Recent hot spots include South Yarra and Bayside area where a woman was left bruised and bloody after an angry bird attacked her head and face.

Cyclists and pedestrians are advised to move quickly, cover their head and travel in groups.

Read more: How to avoid magpie attacks: Try making friends with them

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