They Aren't Kidding

  When we moved here people warned us about the birds this time of the year. They swoop at people. Protecting their nests. Last year- didn't see any birds swooping. This year, I can personally verify they do in fact swoop at people- repeatedly! We were at soccer this weekend and noticed some signs had been posted. I had to laugh to myself because all of these signs around Australian parks. Birds, jelly fish, crocs, snakes. Everywhere seems like there is something you need to watch out for.
  At school Tuesday morning, we have been walking/ riding bikes/ scooters in the mornings. I decided EL and I would walk to swimming lessons just a km or so away. Just as we are getting to swimming a Magpie swoops me. Scary! They make this clicking noise and their wings have a distinct sound and they flap. So on the way home, I kept my eyes peeled and avoided walking under the tree it came from before. Apparently, we were still too close to the nest and it swooped again. So I picked up my pace and rush across the street to the next block. Magpie comes after us again & actually hits me this time!! I can now say I am jumping at every shadow that flies near me. I have heard to carry at stick and wave it around or an umbrella deters them. I have also heard that is why the cyclists here put zip ties in their helmet, with the ends sticking up all crazy. I won't be walking to swimming for a while. 

 This is a map of all the reported bird swooping locations. Who knew such a thing existed.