Nesting birds can get aggressive and attack passers-by.
Chief amongst these are the magpies, but honeyeaters and even the tiny willy wagtails will have a go at you.
Here's a newspaper report, with a video of swooping magpies to give you an idea of what it's like. There are even websites where you can log an attack and warn others.
I've had them attack me many times when I used to cycle commute (back in the bad old days when I had to work), and sadly, there's been a few cases where children have lost an eye to these magpies.
The other morning, I was taking Zhaan and Molly (Son No 2 and his wife's dogs) out for a walk in the local footy oval.
It started nicely enough. Quite unusually, we hear a bloke practising his flute, and little Molly went to have a look.
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| The flautist seemed a little concerned at Molly's approach. |
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| Seeing she posed no danger, he resumed playing. |
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| The magpie was heading for Zhaan, but Molly was ready for it. |
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| The incident caught me on the hop, and my focus was all over the place. |
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| Brave little Molly engaging the magpie in a skirmish. |
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| Well done, Molly. The magpie retreats. |
