Page 22 - Magazine - Issue 1 - Google Docs_Neat
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How can you protect yourself?
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There are ots of ways to keep safe n magpie season. Because magpies are
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very ntelligent they remember you f you have been n that area before.
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Here are some tips to help trying not to get swooped:
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● Wearing spikes on your helmet, f you are riding a bike.
● Travel n groups, as magpies usually only target ndividuals.
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● Carry an open umbrella above your head.
● Wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat.
● If you know of an area that has swooping magpies, put a sign up to
warn passers-by.
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But what can you do to protect yourself f you are being attacked by a
magpie? Don’t scream, run away, wave your arms or shout. The
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magpies will see you as a threat to the nest, and not ust this year,
but for up to five years to come. Quickly walking away, but not too
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fast. Looking at them n the eye will help make them know that you are
bigger and scarier than they are.
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So, as tried to stare at the magpie and hold on to my bike one handed.
I remember that magpies aren’t that unpleasant, annoying and
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troublesome birds that ots of people think they are. They are ust
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trying to protect their babies, ust ike any human parents would do.
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think to myself as ride past the magpie’s tree and enjoy the smell of
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spring.
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