Bicyclists getting smacked by angry bird
Jul 02 2011
PENDLETON, Ore. — Bicyclists in eastern Oregon say they're getting whacked on the head by an angry bird.
Riders in Pendleton, Ore., told the East Oregonian that a male hawk is dive-bombing them because they're too close to a nest he's guarding in an old cottonwood tree.
Bicyclist Mack Temple says the bird came in from behind like a fighter plane and whacked his helmet. Another rider, Charlie Newhouse, says the attack on his helmet was "like getting hit with a baseball bat." He says the talons went in through the helmet.
Bird-watchers say the large bird is a Swainson's hawk. The riders say he's been vigilant for a few nesting seasons, but hasn't been as aggressive as this year.
From the looks and size of this hawk the bicyclists would be well advised to select another route for the time being.
Bird-watchers say the hawk will ease up once his brood learns to fly.
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