Unhappy with his bicycle helmets minimal protection Mr Fitzgerald manufactured an improved version, adding linoleum strips for increased neck coverage and spiked zipties for maximum intimidation.
He documented his work in a video, which has since garnered over 35,000 views on YouTube.
‘‘This one magpie was making full contact every time he swooped,’’ explained the Finley local.
‘‘I’ve seen this bird attacking everyone; posties, motorcyclists, even children.
‘‘The video was just a bit of fun. I had nothing better to do at the time, so figured I’d do a bit of an experiment.
‘‘For some reason the views spike right around spring-time every year... I couldn’t tell you why.’’
Mr Fitzgerald’s home-baked solution was a success — for a time — and the winged warrior that had once been his tormenter retreated by ‘‘a good couple of metres’’ upon consecutive attacks.
But this year the ruse is up, according to Mr Fitzgerald.
‘‘He’s begun making contact again.
‘‘He’s even left some dents in the helmet, and after the last ride I’m missing a couple spikes.’’
Whilst he waits for new materials to build a ‘‘new and improved’’ helmet with ‘‘a lot more spikes’’ Mr Fitzgerald has taken to arming himself with a tennis racket during his rides.
‘‘I don’t want to kill it or anything, just give a bit of a warning.
‘‘In my opinion it doesn’t matter what you’re being attacked by, you have the right to defend yourself.’’
If you find yourself falling victim to magpies, a guide on how to make your own defender helmet can be found on Mr Fitzgerald’s YouTube channel — listed under Daniel ‘DazzaJay’ Fitzgerald.
But if you don’t fancy a pitched battle during your rides, his advice?
‘‘Avoid riding past the Finley Caltex’’.
If you’ve taken videos or photos of Mr Fitzgerald wearing the Magpie Defender Helmet, he asks that you send a copy to him at dazzajay@potholestudios.com, to assist with his new video.
