Cycling in Melbourne Australia
2010 Magpie Watch
Last year a collaboration with set up in Adelaide to plot magpie attacks on Google maps.It got a bit of traction so I thought I'd get on board with the 2010 edition.
You'll see at the top of the page a link to our Magpie Watch page. This page has a Google map of known Magpie attacks logged for Sydney, if you have a Google account you can follow the links and add your own.
I've not been swooped yet this year up here in Brissy, but I did notice one scouting around nearby a little hill on one of my regular routes. The little hill is one that usually slows me down so I can't use my usual maggie avoidance technique of trying to outrun the buggers. Might have to avoid that bit of road for the next few months! I'm assuming they are pretty savage up this way though, based on the sheer number of cable ties I see around.
Have fun with the map, hopefully it saves a few people from any unpleasant run ins.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jack on -
Hi Damian,
did you know that DSE have this mapping feature already going here in Melbourne.
http://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&m...
It has been posted a couple of times over late winter when the first strikes happened. I am very fortunate enough to not have any of the blighters on my route but there are plenty out there.
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Permalink Reply by DamianM on -
ooh I didn't know about that one Jack, thanks for that.
I might change over or look to see if we can combine them.
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Permalink Reply by Zed on
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HI All
You can find DSE's magpies on this map, together with Melbourne Bike Share, the weather and other stuff overlaid on Open Cycle Map.
BigYak Bike Trails
Open Street Map has come a long way in Melbourne and I certainly encourage people to help add to it.
Jack - nice 62 set by the way.
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Permalink Reply by Sandra L on -
I think we can safely say that we'll spot a fair few magpies at the MCG this coming week...
Oh wait, wrong thread.
On a more serious note, I'd love for a scientific explanation on why birds like to swoop cyclists.
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Permalink Reply by Sammy on -
Short answer: they are protecting their nests and their young chicks
Longer here: http://www.abc.net.au/science/scribblygum/July2002/
It doesn't explain why they like cyclists more than pedestrians - maybe they appear a bigger threat.... :)
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