CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE BIRD KIND AT CLUB
NORTH Burleigh Surf Club has a fearsome new protector whose modus operandi is a well-timed swoop, usually when the victim isn’t looking.
‘Hitbird’ is a ferocious magpie who has swooped innumerable victims during the past week.
Gold Coast Bulletin photographer Glenn Hampson figured out the bird had a particular distaste for him and was able to capture the bird mid swoop.
The bird dived at Glenn any number of times, following him from one side of the club to the other, waiting until his back was turned before swooping again.
Matthew Wilson was enjoying a day at the park with his family when Hitbird swooped him too, making contact and slicing his head open.
“I was just walking past when he came after me,” the Coomera man said.
“He got me good, I was bleeding pretty badly from my head.
“He didn’t seem to want anyone else – maybe he doesn’t like men.”