PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) — In Eastern Oregon, bicyclists in Pendleton report they’re getting dive-bombed.
It’s a male hawk, they say, who’s guarding a nest in an old cottonwood tree. And the bicyclists are getting too close for his comfort.
One rider tells the East Oregonian the bird came in from behind like a fighter plane and whacked his helmet. Another, also hit on the helmet, said it felt like a baseball bat.
The raptor is identified as a Swainson’s hawk. The riders say he’s been vigilant for a few nesting seasons, but not so aggressive as this year.
Birders say the hawk will ease up on the bicyclists once the brood his mate has hatched learns to fly.
