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Australian cyclist invents magpie-proof bike helmet

By Ben Hooper
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Oct. 23 (UPI) -- An Australian cyclist seeking to ward off dive-bombing magpies bird-proofed his helmet by adding party blower noise-makers to the back.

Dr. Richard Osborne, a medical oncologist, captured video of his bike ride in Hervey Bay, Queensland, where he found himself pursued by magpies.

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The birds, famous for swooping and dive-bombing cyclist's helmets, move as if to attack Osborne, but he blows into a small piece of hose in his mouth, causing the party blowers on the back of his helmet to unfurl and make a horn sound.

The unusual sights and sounds are effective at deterring the confused birds.

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