It brings out the usual set of opinions. This is what I wrote on the comments area:
The fault lies not with a Magpie, which is simply responding to a perceived threat and defending its nest. The fact that the threat is not real (as suggested by one correspondent), is irrelevant, we are not assessing birds’ intelligence here. It is a consequence of instinct, hormones and a bird that likes to behave like it is a boss. The fault lies sadly with the existence of cars and bikes and most obviously the fault lies with the apparent failure to educate the boy not to ride in that place or failure to be aware of the risk from the bird and to be more careful and not to ride into a dangerous situation out of fear or surprise at an attack. Or maybe he was educated and tried to be silly and out-ride a Magpie. The behaviour of the bird is predictable and by avoiding the risk or keeping your head in a logical situation, is the safest way. The consequence here was tragic but caused entirely by collision with a car. Removing problem Magpies may help or may not. It certainly won’t stop collisions of bikes and cars which is the problem. Some removed Magpies may find their way back but more to the point, removal will simply allow another one to take over the territory. The replacement bird may be benign or may be worse. Hard to predict. Many Magpies are unaggressive. For information about the issues see the book by Darryl Jones “Magpie Alert” ISBN 0-86840-668-6.
Philip Veerman 24 Castley Circuit Kambah ACT 2902
02 – 62314041
