I suffer from Ornithophobia fear of birds espciall magpies and there more to the point the flapping noise. We have a magpie building a nest in the tree in the back yard right near the cloths line I don't have a cloths drier. What I want to know is if I wear a cap when hanging out the cloths will the magpie still swoop me or is the idea of wearing a cap hat turn them off altogether or is the idea of wearing a cap just protects me if the magpie did swoop me. I don't want to be swooped again as I fear this will be a big set back if it was to happen.
2006-09-17 13:06:53 · 7 answers · asked by Mrs Magoo 4 in Pets ➔ Birds
They generally swoop from the rear, where you can't see them, you might want to wear your cap backwards, they won't know which way to approach from. I have heard that wearing glasses on the back of your head, or drawing eyes on the back of your hat will stop them doing it, but have never tried it myself for fear of looking like an idiot, but in the privacy of your own backyard it's worth a shot.
They won't make contact with you, just try to scare you away, so you don't need to be afraid of them.
The other option is a shotgun. It would be very effective in removing the problem, but may not be socially acceptable.
2006-09-17 13:16:00 · answer #1 · answered by ants79 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Try a different approach .
Go out evary night , and morning throw some stale bread on the ground near the cloths . You will soon have a magpie as a freind and he wont swoop you any more .
They are very social birds, if you show them you are not a threat,they will leave you alone
2006-09-17 13:34:43 · answer #2 · answered by kevin d 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mongrel things, magpies. We used to carry sticks and things and swoop back at them. It doesn't stop them but it gave us a chance to get through to school. make sure the cap does not have anything shiny on it - Magpies love to swoop silver.
Real remedy - put a shiny bicycle flag on the top of the line they will swoop it instead of you.
2006-09-17 15:07:46 · answer #3 · answered by obenypopstar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it can be very scary when that happens to you but remember not all magpies attack you, most are not cranky & they are only trying to protect their babies!! A hat with big eyes painted on if may help. when its not nesting find some molly grubs etc for the magpie & befriend it & it will not attack you if it knows you are its friend. they don't attack once the babies are out of the nest. I know it will be hard hanging up the washing with an umberala but its good protection, especially when walking as they can't get at you
good luck.
2006-09-17 14:58:35 · answer #4 · answered by ausblue 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it will still swoop, cap or not, you are in it's territory and it feels you are threatening it's young. best safest bet is to avoid known swooping/nesting areas. otherwise carry a small leafy branch and wave it over your head when they start swooping, that will deter them. good luck
2006-09-17 13:10:22 · answer #5 · answered by jessop m 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wear reflective clothing. At stores now they sell reflective tape stuff that you hang around your yard. I guess its supposed to blind them? IDK. But wear some super reflective stuff. Maybe bring a mirror outside.
2006-09-17 13:12:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i say you get a stick and face ur fear
2006-09-17 13:14:20 · answer #7 · answered by smatie2222 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋