Manic magpie hits the post

Paul Dunlop
A MALICIOUS magpie is terrorising a Pakenham postie.
Terry Groom said he feared for his safety when delivering mail to homes around the magpie’s nest in a tree near Baltaser Drive.
Mr Groom said the trouble began about three or four weeks ago.
He said the swooping magpie had hit his protective helmet several times, almost causing him to fall off his motorbike.
“It follows me when I deliver. If I didn’t have a helmet on I wouldn’t be living,” he said. “You can’t be ducking or weaving around when you’re riding a motorbike.
“I just have to go in with a set mind, my visor down and concentrate on my deliveries and just let the bastard bounce off me.”
Swooping magpies are creating concerns around the district at this time of year but there is little authorities can do to avoid the birds’ protective instincts towards its young.
Mr Groom said he had been delivering mail in Pakenham for four years and this was the first time he had experienced such a manic magpie.
“This one is having a real go at me. I’ve painted a couple of eyes on the back of my helmet but it still comes at me.”
Mr Groom said on sunny days he could see the magpie’s shadow on the ground as the bird sought to chase him out of his territory.
He said posties faced many occupational hazards, including bad weather and unfriendly pets, but this was something else.
“It’s a good thing for the magpie that it’s a protected species,” he said.