When Animals Attack (Model Aircraft)

If you have read my flight log you will see that basically every entry mentions magpies attacking my plane (for those not familiar with magpies: http://www.amonline.net.au/factSheets/australian_magpie.htm).

Previously I have referred to them as birds of prey, which is somewhat of an exaggeration. Whilst they are carnivorous (or maybe omnivorous) their usual prey is insects and larvae, although I have heard stories of them stealing and eating young chicks from other birds nests.

The magpie is a sleek, beautiful looking bird with a charming song, and will even accept food from the hands of people. These birds have only one problem - in mating season they become highly territorial and some will aggressively swoop people that near their nest (where "near" can be as much as 50 metres or more).

It is magpie breeding season at the moment, and I'm thinking this is the main reason my plane is being harassed. To try and counter their attacks I have tried a few techniques that do not seem to have had much effect.

I have painted "eyes" on the tops of the wing, on the top of the elevator and rudder. I've painted bands on the propeller (so that when spinning it should look like a complete circle, facing backwards). However, this doesn't seem to have had much effect.

The propeller is the best defense against attacking magpies in many ways. By having it on it stops the bird from seizing the plane at the base of the wings and trying to tear it apart. However, I am somewhat concerned about the harm that might come to a magpie out of these "encounters". Today for example, I was trying to soar, saw a magpie coming in to attack, turned on the engine, but probably a moment to late, the magpie hit the prop reasonably hard and although both the plane and the magpie flew away, and single black and white feather fell to the ground. I was hoping this encounter might have convinced the magpie to leave the plane alone, but it does not seem to have had that effect, as he came back shortly thereafter to sort the plane out.

What I have noticed as flying, is that the area which birds are insisting on protecting is much reduced over when I first flew. I'm taking this as a good sign. I don't think they know how to deal with the plane, and provided it doesn't get too close to their nesting trees they will take a live and let live approach. Also, when they come after the plane, provided the prop is running, they are more interested in harassing and squawking at it, than actually attacking it. A good sign that they have learnt to fear the propeller.

The birds are actually fairly easy to evade once you have some mastery of the controls. They cannot turn as tightly, or climb as quickly as the plane, often leaving them undershooting it and coming back. Of course, once the plane is off power and trying to soar, it is a sitting duck.

At this stage I think my only approach, apart from not flying there, is to try and keep the aircraft away from their particular trees, and continue to evade them as best I can.

PS - today as I was doing my radio check I turned my back on the plane (as it was on the ground with the engine off) and walked away the requisite distance. When I turned back, a magpie was on the ground creeping up to try and cripple the plane on the ground, or at least that is what I assumed. I ran back to stop the bird from attacking the plane. In hindsight maybe I should have let it have a close look - maybe it would have convinced the bird that the plane wasn't a threat. However, I have my doubts. At this time of year magpies don't even approach having a reasonable attitude to other living creatures in their vicinity.