The wanna-be bosses of the rail trail

The Australian Magpie - the ultimate helicopter parent on the Otago Central Rail Trail

Field guide to Magpies: ultimate helicopter parents

Springtime on the Otago Central Rail Trail is sunshine, lambs, wildflowers… and the occasional magpie aerial manoeuvre. Yes, it’s that time of year again when magpies take to the skies to defend their nests with the enthusiasm of a parent who’s just discovered you parked too close to their driveway. Here’s how to share the trail, and keep your dignity, when the locals get a little overprotective.

Species overview

Name: Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen)

Habitat: Everywhere you’d like to ride peacefully.

Personality: Fiercely loyal, slightly dramatic, surprisingly accurate

Diet: Mostly insects. Occasionally cyclists’ pride.

Behaviour

During nesting season (usually September to November), magpies transform from curious bystanders into full-blown helicopter parents. Their mission? Protect the nest. Their method? A well-timed swoop, usually from behind, just to make sure you know who’s boss.

How to avoid being targeted

Ride with friends: Magpies are less likely to attack groups than solo riders (another good reason to bring a few mates along!)

Stay calm: Sudden movements or loud noises can escalate the situation.

Get off your bike: As tempting as it is to ride as fast as you can to get away from the feathered fury , dismounting and walking makes you appear less threatening to the magpie than a fast-moving bicycle.

Better Protection on foot: Holding onto the bike with one hand, you can use your other hand to shield your face and eyes more effectively when on foot.

Calm Movement: Walking calmly, rather than frantic flapping or running, is less likely to escalate the situation.

Protective measures

Wear a helmet: A helmet provides essential protection against strikes to the head.

Wear glasses: Sunglasses or glasses shield your eyes

Avoid arm-waving: Flailing your arms can be interpreted as aggression and will only provoke the magpie further.

Other (more controversial) approaches

The Zip-Tie Defence System: A few zip ties sticking out of your helmet is a popular deterrent. Whether it actually deters the birds or just makes you look too ridiculous to bother with is anyone’s guess, but some swear by it.

The Eye Trick: Draw or stick fake eyes on the back of your helmet. Magpies prefer sneak attacks, and nothing ruins their vibe like being “watched”

Remember Magpies aren’t airborne bandits- they’re just passionate parents with excellent aim. Once their chicks have left the nest, they’ll go back to being the cheeky, chatty birds you see on every fence post.

At  Big Sky Bike Adventures we’ll set you up for a swoop-ready ride. From great gear to good humour, we’ve got you covered because every Rail Trail adventure deserves to be memorable for the right reasons. And if you want some zip-ties, just ask one of the team!

So, if you do get swooped, take a breath, laugh it off, and remember: you’re not the first Rail Trailer to be humbled by a magpie and you won’t be the last. Besides, it makes a great story for later: "....that time I got dive-bombed between Lauder and Chatto Creek."