Birds

[Matt2matt2002]

Quite often when I am driving my car a bird will swoop down across in front of me.
I have noticed this happening also when I ride my bike.

I don't think it's the same bird 

Anyone else experience this happening to them and any ideas why they do it?

[julk]

I have had a buzzard strike me on the helmet once, maybe it was defending its territory.

[6527richardm]

Last week a pigeon flew into my wheel.

[Matt2matt2002]

I have had the buzzard attack - up here in Scotlandshire
but I see it quite often in the car.
Anyone else get birds fly acros their paths?

[il padrone]

The Australian Magpie is a classic, to all intents taking great delight in terrifying the unwitting cyclist with deadly swoops, beak strikes and at times, whole body-slams. Some footage from the cyclist's perspective here along with the animal psychology behind their attacks. People are provoked into all manner of attempts to fend off the attacks, however this experiment has proved extremely revealing.  

[Danneaux]

Hi Mayy,

I've noticed this phenomena as well. Perhaps the birds are playing...chicken? 

The only real "problem" I've had with bird encounters is with red-winged blackbirds, especially in nesting season. They prefer hedgerows alongside the roads, and are very territorial. "Territorial" means aggressive in this case, and they will swoop down and tap one -- hard -- on the helmet. I know some local cyclists have had their helmet shells cracked in similar attacks, and the birds have sometimes fluttered right in front of my face. About all one can do is proceed (faster!) through their territory.

I've come to think of them as a training aid.

Best,

Dan.

[NZPeterG]

The Australian Magpie is a classic, to all intents taking great delight in terrifying the unwitting cyclist with deadly swoops, beak strikes and at times, whole body-slams. Some footage from the cyclist's perspective here along with the animal psychology behind their attacks. People are provoked into all manner of attempts to fend off the attacks, however this experiment has proved extremely revealing.  

Yes we have Australian Magpie's in N.Z. too.
They love getting blood! 

Pete..