Saturday I rode my Coker to the local gym, and on the way back I rode through a park when I was hit HARD in the head! I almost came off my wheel, but as I was trying to gain my balance I noticed nothing landed in front of me though it felt like whatever hit me went past me. I was still mad wondering who did it when I came back upright only to see a hawk flying off! It landed on a nearby light pole, and was still watching me as I rode off. Turned out the darn thing split my wig in about 4 different places with the longest cut about 3 inches long, and being 2 days later I can still feel where it hit! After looking over some mug shots I do believe I know my assailant - Mississippi Kite! Most noteworthy fact - During nesting season, Mississippi kites may dive at people who come near their nests. And being higher than the average man when I am on the Coker, often run my hands along the branches, and was near a tree during my encounter there is a good chance I inadvertently entered it’s terriority! Just wish someone could have caught it on video!
Visited the park 3 more times since and on the first visit I saw 3 kites flying, but too high or too fast to frame in a picture. Only took a phone camera shot of my head immediately after the fact and its not that impressive and is somewhat exaggerated. As any old school pro wrestler watcher knows, a cut on the forehead bleeds far more than the injury would indicate. As far as helmet use goes, this case would only be a good argument for constant use since if I had been walking there at that place and time - most likely the same result. As an active outdoors type this injury is just another day (in fact I was glad I had some proof!), and I even hoped it would happen again on my return visits. So I will gladly ride that area again - helmetless…
I’ve seen notices posted along some trails at Saint Edward State Park near Seattle warning of owls diving and attacking the heads of hikers and cyclists. It’s an area that I ride frequently. I’ve never been unfortunate enough to see or be the victim of an attack there. Owls are big with pointy feet.
Ugh, there’s my dyslexia at work again (I’m always leaving out or switching letters and numbers)… Well that the fact that you can edit your post after ten minutes.
I had something similar happen to me on my bike once,when I was in alberta.
I was riding my bike down the highway west of red deer. with the sun at my back.
In my shadow on the ground looks like my head sprouts out these huge wings, and I hear a hawk cry out from close behind me.
so I duck and it misses me.
On my way back I didn’t see the bird.
The small gray king birds around here like to nest along the shore in colonies. They pester the giant Osprey (fish hawk), constantly. It is kinda entertaining to watch as the Osprey fishes, trying to ignore the assaults from the little birds who seem unable, or just unwilling, to differentiate a fish hawk from a bird hawk.
Turkey vultures fill the sky here, but you almost never see them land. They have a hard time taking off, even though they can soar better than anything.
When I see a bunch circling low around my yard, I often find a dead cat or chicken is near by. I’ll take a shovel and lob it over the chain link fence into the empty field across the street. There the vultures feel safe and will come down and eat it.
I found the vulture roost on an early mourning hike along a lonely trail. About 150 vultures where sitting in the mangroves, all looking at me as I made my dawn approach. Rather then all of them flying off in an awkward scramble, just 4 came at me flying low and slow, vomiting yellow-green stuff. I took the hint and backed off ! They were protecting their roost, and morning peace.
So it could have been worse, a lot worse. Let sleeping vultures alone !
While riding my Coker through Little River Park in Moore, OK I heard a high pitch sound to my right that made me think of a bird of prey, but for a reason unknown to my conscious mind I instantly turned my head to the left. Meeting the stare of the red eyes of the adult and swept back wings left no doubt that yet another Mississippi Kite was coming for me - fast!! Speeding up to get out of its path and pointing at it, the Kite pulled up and circled above the tree where I heard the cry. After the adult went further off, I slowly approached the tree dismounting before getting to close, found the immature Kite that still had a spotted chest and took its picture with my phone. Saw other people go under that tree with no issue, but I guess being the tallest threat there is why the extra attention. Either that or Kites just hate unicycles…
I’m an hour and a half from you. If this problem spreads the bald eagles along my trails will be swooping down. Maybe big eyeball stickers on top the helmet will deter them.
