Don't be surprised if you witness -- or are victim to -- a magpie dive bombing someone in the coming weeks. (Thanks, Australia.) It's nesting season and the time-honoured tradition of magpies swooping down on unsuspecting human targets, particularly those riding bikes, has us ducking for cover once again.
But what can be done to lessen the chances of being set upon by these intelligent black and white pests?
Professor Yolanda van Heezik, a zoologist from the University of Otago, is with us to look at what makes magpies see humans as potential predators, and why there is no sure-fire way of ensuring you don't become the victim of a magpie swoop attack.
Photo: Wikicommons
