Pilgrim attacked by bird of prey

[slewis]

I heard a rumour that a pilgrim was attacked by a bird of prey on the Norte. Hit him in the back of the head and he had to fight it off. Is this true?

 

[Simperegrina]

It was only after the pilgrim’s Osprey


I’m here all week, etc etc

 

[MinaKamina]

Perhaps it was a peregrine falcon?

The Camino del Norte is 850 km long. Whereabouts did this happen?
Birds of prey occasionally attack humans in general, they have no specific preference for pilgrims.

 

[laurenligreci]

Maybe it was a goose or swan? They’re dicks

 

[Tincatinker]

I heard a rumour that a pilgrim was attacked by a bird of prey on the Norte. Hit him in the back of the head and he had to fight it off. Is this true?

Hi @slewis, welcome to the forum. It might help if you could tell us where you heard this rumour. Whether you were under the influence at the time or ever voted Reform.

 

[CWBuff]

Darn Klingons!!Now they are after Pilgrims

 

[Perambulating Griffin]

I'm only here to pipe in to say that on the Baztan there were many hawks in May who were very interested in my white sun hat. They got very close to see whether I might be something delicious... but on apprehending my actual state as a human and not, perhaps, a rabbit or other small mammal... they would fly away.
My very blonde father was once grabbed by a very large hawk when he was just a wee child, playing in a field. But the bird let go on realising that this fluffy, white thing was some 20 pounds of human and not 5 pounds of bunny.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Probably one of the noble camino drone pilots zigged when he should've zagged?

 

[Caomhin O Fearghaill]

I heard it was a very large bird of prey that tried to actually lift the pilgrim from the trail in a mountain area... local reports say the backback was too heavy... so its seems that the pilgrim was saved by an overweight backpack....lucky perigrino.....

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@slewis , welcome to the forum. Although it's not unknown for a bird of prey to attack a human it's pretty rare.
Clearly none of us believe that it's real, or too serious even if it was.

Whilst I appreciate you didn't mean it that way, thanks for giving us something to laugh about!

 

[Rebekah Scott]

this is one of the tallest tales I've heard in a while. I'd like to see some solid reporting. There's nothing on the camino grapevine about it...

 

[C clearly]

I was inexplicably dive-bombed once by crows and my husband has been attacked by an owl, but we still walk the neighbourhood streets and park paths.

 

[M2ME]

I’m sure it’s not at all fantastical.

 

[donalomahony]

'Out of control' seagulls 'taking over' Balbriggan

The noise is so bad that people can’t sleep at night

www.dublinlive.ie

Perhaps it was a seagull

 

[Lindsay53]

As one who has fought off magpie attacks a mere falcon or eagle holds no terror for me!

 

[nycwalking]

'Out of control' seagulls 'taking over' Balbriggan

The noise is so bad that people can’t sleep at night

www.dublinlive.ie

Perhaps it was a seagull

A seagull stole my slice of pizza on Venice Beach, California.

That’s the truth.

Maybe seagull was looking for a bigger meal.

 

[Thornley]

I would say one person a year in Australia would require a doctors appointment or even hospitalisation after attacks by Magpies here in Australia .

 

[Camino Chrissy]

A seagull stole my slice of pizza on Venice Beach, California.

That’s the truth.

Maybe seagull was looking for a bigger meal.

I think Jonathan Livingston Seagull stole your pizza so he could share it with the whole Flock.

 

[Purple Backpack]

Did it look like this? I thought it was on the Primativo, not the Norte.

 

[Mananath]

I heard it was a very large bird of prey that tried to actually lift the pilgrim from the trail in a mountain area... local reports say the backback was too heavy... so its seems that the pilgrim was saved by an overweight backpack....lucky perigrino.....

This raises an important question, how long can a bird of prey carry you before you are ineligible for a compastela?

 

[markie6]

It's not uncommon for a bird to try and drive you away from it's nest or young. Quite a few runners report this in the UK ( bbc news ) off the beaten path

Nothing to be worried about

 

[Tassie Kaz]

I would say one person a year in Australia would require a doctors appointment or even hospitalisation after attacks by Magpies here in Australia .

More than one I should imagine...except for those who come prepared...


Easy to tell this is an international forum; not one derailment about the footy...oops! did I just write that out loud?!

As a blondie, the ol' sunglasses on the top/back of your head still seems to work...ish.

 

[MikeJS]

I was attacked by house martins between Monforte de Lemos to Chantada…..

 

[Bradypus]

I was attacked by house martins between Monforte de Lemos to Chantada…..

Perhaps they were just picking the mud off you for nest material....

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

This time of year, the bird, whatever it may have been, might just be protecting its nearby nest.

 

[Camineiro]

May be it was a bird of pray looking for unfaithful pilgrims.

 

[towanda1961]

 

[towanda1961]

View attachment 174112

This was an actual thing in Oregon in 2015. An aggressive owl was attacking walkers. Rachel Maddow heard about it and had these signs made for the city of Salem.

 

[t2andreo]

I read this thread with interest, as I do have some, indirect experience with this. In the interest of contributing facts and knowledge, I offer the following:

The Eurasian Griffon Vulture is endemic to the Pyrenees in France and Spain. On my first Camino in April - May 2013, there was a verified account in the media, of a woman being consumed by one or more of these large carrion-eating birds of prey.

The woman died when she fell some 30 meters, off her trail - NOT on the Camino de Santiago per se - but elsewhere in the French Pyrenees. IIRC, her rucksack helped to snap her neck as she fell. I DO recall that by the time first responders could reach her at the bottom of the slope she fell from, all accessible flesh was consumed. She was walking with a partner who called the emergency services as soon as the woman fell from the trail.

Here is a link to information about these large birds of prey:

Eurasian griffon vulture - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I note that the 2013 incident I referred to is mentioned in this Wikipedia article, it has an accompanying footnote for further research.

Also, here is a link to an earlier forum post written by me in 2019, on this subject:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/any-wild-life-safety-concerns-on-the-french-way.65214/#post-798216

All this said, let me be clear. We DO NOT know that this is the type of bird involved in the reported episode. I am providing this information merely to explain that there ARE animals out there that are opportunistic hunters. If you look or act like prey that they are familiar with, or If your behavior or apparel looks to be a dead animal to the Griffon Vulture in flight, it might check you out. Like a shark bite, it is usually that first "taste" that does the damage.

Don't be scared. Just be aware. The Camino is still wild in places.

Hope this helps,

Tom

 

[slewis]

Hi all, I can confirm that this was meant to have happened just before Casariego on 21st June i think. Apparently an English guy was hit on the back of the head by a bird of prey and then spent 5 minutes fighting off further attacks with his sticks. It was mentioned by a couple of people I spoke to couple of days later.

 

[LynnMarie]

Hi all, I can confirm that this was meant to have happened just before Casariego on 21st June i think. Apparently an English guy was hit on the back of the head by a bird of prey and then spent 5 minutes fighting off further attacks with his sticks. It was mentioned by a couple of people I spoke to couple of days later.

I believe this refers to what happened to a friend of mine. Clawed him in the head (see photo). He was fine and now has a good story to tell.

 

[MikeJS]

Perhaps they were just picking the mud off you for nest material....

I just admired their courage and determination!

 

[audikez]

I heard a rumour that a pilgrim was attacked by a bird of prey on the Norte. Hit him in the back of the head and he had to fight it off. Is this true?

 

[Blister Bill]

Yep not uncommon if you stray close to a raptor - particularly falcons - nest. Numerous bird species will defend their nest by driving off (dive-bombing) any animal they deem a threat. And they hit with force especially given the speed some are capable of. Best thing to do is to move along the trail as smartly as you can. You would be lucky to dissuade one with a swinging hiking pole.

 

[Tincatinker]

Hi all, I can confirm that this was meant to have happened just before Casariego on 21st June i think. Apparently an English guy was hit on the back of the head by a bird of prey and then spent 5 minutes fighting off further attacks with his sticks. It was mentioned by a couple of people I spoke to couple of days later.

Hey, thanks for coming back with this information. It looks like we have further information from @LynnMarie above. I'd love to know which of the raptors it was. It does suggest that there is a nest close to the trail or @LynnMarie 's friend was off-piste (members should note that is not one of my off-colour jokes). I can only think that it was territorial defence or that there was a grounded fledgling somewhere nearby. Even the wonderful Griffon Vulture will avoid anything that looks like it might be alive and capable of inflicting damage on those splendid wings

Edit: common on that stretch of coast are Buzzards; Black Kite; Peregrine; Short-toed Eagle: Golden Eagle; Common Kestrel - none of which normally prey on Pilgrims so it must have been a bit cross about something

 

[Blister Bill]

I can only think that it was territorial defence or that there was a grounded fledgling somewhere nearby.

Or can be a nest with eggs. Given time of year chicks (or eyas) makes more sense

 

[KayfromUK]

I agree. It must be the nest nearby which they are protecting. It doesn't have to be a bird of prey. We were constantly attacked by terns on Farne Island in nesting season. Parents protect their chicks.

 

[simoncooper99]

'Out of control' seagulls 'taking over' Balbriggan

The noise is so bad that people can’t sleep at night

www.dublinlive.ie

Perhaps it was a seagull

If you live in Brighton (or any UK seaside resort) that's not funny! Perhaps the falcon had visited Brighton and mistook the pilgrim's head for a bag of chips.

 

[duncanwhyte]

Perhaps the pilgrim sports a mullet hairdo, reminding birds of useful nesting materials,............

 

[lt56ny]

Cow, goat and sheep sh#t is a far greater danger

 

[Thornley]

More than one I should imagine...except for those who come prepared...

View attachment 174100
Easy to tell this is an international forum; not one derailment about the footy...oops! did I just write that out loud?!

As a blondie, the ol' sunglasses on the top/back of your head still seems to work...ish.

In the next 3 weeks we will know if the wonderful year of 23 can be repeated
I stood for half an hour on the Gr 65 watching Hawks when the harvesters were working the paddocks
And on the Sunshine Coast when the sugar cane paddocks are burnt the sky is full of them .

 

[Tassie Kaz]

In the next 3 weeks we will know if the wonderful year of 23 can be repeated
I stood for half an hour on the Gr 65 watching Hawks when the harvesters were working the paddocks
And on the Sunshine Coast when the sugar cane paddocks are burnt the sky is full of them .

Love your optimism for a back-to-back...says me languishing as cellar-dweller...
Great reference to the Hawks. Of course apart from aforementioned Magpies, others we could be dive-Bomber-ed by are Eagles, Crows & Swans!

 

[Tincatinker]

Cow, goat and sheep sh#t is a far greater danger

Interesting. I’ve never been attacked by dung. Though Little Dog assures me that the reason she eats as much of it as she can is to protect me from any unpleasantness

 

[SteveSherry]

I heard a rumour that a pilgrim was attacked by a bird of prey on the Norte. Hit him in the back of the head and he had to fight it off. Is this true?

Welcome to Australia. Every Spring we have magpies attacking walkers and cyclists to protect their territory ( nests ). When they swoop from behind , as they always do, the hard beak and flutter of wings is pretty off putting. A bike helmet decorated with cable ties seems to hold them at bay. 5 Caminos and this is the first I’ve heard of this. Forget about it.

 

[SteveSherry]

It was only after the pilgrim’s Osprey


I’m here all week, etc etc

And don’t forget to try the chicken Parma.

 

[Philtration]

It must have been a peregrino falcon. And for a true peregrino, wouldn't the correct spelling be a bird of pray?

Just trying to help.

 

[Jakobsvejen.dk]

In Denmark and Sweden it regularly happens in the spring and first in the summer that joggers and fast walkers are attacked from behind by buzzards if you get too close to their nests in natural areas. Attacks - which most often take place in the neck. Many joggers are prevented by painting "eyes" on the back of a cap. There is therefore nothing unusual in a pilgrim being attacked by a bird of prey from behind if he walks quickly and past a bird of prey's nest.

Poul Erik

 

[Drumbo_hiker]

Hi @slewis , despite the non-believers here on the Forum,, such attacks do happen, normally in nesting season (i.e. round about now). Indeed this year we have had several instances around the forest on the Mourne Mountains of buzzards attacking walkers and fell runners, undoubtedly because they came "too close" to the nests.

 

[Tony Lenton]

Maybe it was a goose or swan? They’re dicks

Was it a Peregrine?

 

[TrevorH]

I'm only here to pipe in to say that on the Baztan there were many hawks in May who were very interested in my white sun hat. They got very close to see whether I might be something delicious... but on apprehending my actual state as a human and not, perhaps, a rabbit or other small mammal... they would fly away.
My very blonde father was once grabbed by a very large hawk when he was just a wee child, playing in a field. But the bird let go on realising that this fluffy, white thing was some 20 pounds of human and not 5 pounds of bunny.

now questioning my *very similar hat* for the San Salvador

 

[Bradypus]

Was it a Peregrine?

Never realised that the name referred to the bird's diet. I remember being both impressed and amused when I learned that the basking shark - the world's second largest fish - is known in Spanish as tiburón peregrino. Might be another good reason to stick to the inland routes....

 

[CWBuff]

Was it a Peregrine?

A falcon

 

[Wandershot]

Maybe it was a goose or swan? They’re dicks

Truth

 

[Albertagirl]

I have become a little more cautious through reading this thread. However, our local birds in my part of western Canada are large magpies, which have no reputation for attacking humans. I did once see several of them teaming up to murder a sparrow. I am hoping that my Tilly hat will continue to protect me from such.

 

[asl]

A peregrine falcon may swoop, especially if it believes their eyasses (chicks) are in danger.
An 'attack' on a human however is rare as @Peterexpatkiwi noted.

I would expect the same of other birds of prey.

 

[SBurgess]

If only all peregrinos/nas would understand that Birds Aren't Real!! Read the truth!!!
Then google the wealth of information on the subject.

Birds Aren't Real: The true story of mass avian murder and the largest surveillance campaign in U.S. history

Buy Birds Aren't Real: The true story of mass avian murder and the largest surveillance campaign in U.S. history by Peter McIndoe, Connor Gaydos fr...

www.thecuratoreum.com

 

[VNwalking]

If only all peregrinos/nas would understand that Birds Aren't Real!! Read the truth!!!
Then google the wealth of information on the subject.

Birds Aren't Real: The true story of mass avian murder and the largest surveillance campaign in U.S. history

Buy Birds Aren't Real: The true story of mass avian murder and the largest surveillance campaign in U.S. history by Peter McIndoe, Connor Gaydos fr...

www.thecuratoreum.com

If you're not serious, you do know giving airtime to conspiracies actually feeds them, right? People believe this stuff, and it's pretty sad.
(If you're serious, oh, well - we can't help you.)

 

[SBurgess]

If you're not serious, you do know giving airtime to conspiracies actually feeds them, right? People believe this stuff, and it's pretty sad.
(If you're serious, oh, well - we can't help you.)

Of course, I'm not serious. That is why I suggested Googling the subject. There is, indeed, a wealth of information on the subject. It is "A conspiracy theory that satirizes conspiracy theories"--it is a well-known satire.
I had hoped people would do a simple search of my statement instead of accepting it outright as fact. Something we should always do.
....and, I was just having a bit of fun.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/pilgrim-attacked-by-bird-of-prey.87765/#post-1274282

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/09/technology/birds-arent-real-gen-z-misinformation.html

Birds Aren’t Real: The Prank That Turned Misinformation on Its Head

How a spoof conspiracy theory became a perfect study of how misinformation spreads

newrepublic.com

I apologize to the OP for going off on the original question.

 

[SeaHorse]

@slewis , welcome to the forum. Although it's not unknown for a bird of prey to attack a human it's pretty rare.
Clearly none of us believe that it's real, or too serious even if it was.

Whilst I appreciate you didn't mean it that way, thanks for giving us something to laugh about!

Actually birds do it all the time. Try to pass a seagull's nest!
Or like when we just got our country house and moved in the local crows believed it was their house and attacked us every time we dared to go out in the yard. Attacked as in pecked the top of head.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Actually birds do it all the time. Try to pass a seagull's nest!
Or like when we just got our country house and moved in the local crows believed it was their house and attacked us every time we dared to go out in the yard. Attacked as in pecked the top of head.

I’m very well aware that bird’s do it all the time, we too have seagulls and magpies in NZ and I’ve been attacked by both. Those attacks are common, but aside from a blasted nuisance, very seldom serious.

We have birds of prey too, but as I said attacks by them are very rare. Whilst when you are under attack it’s extremely unpleasant, it seldom amounts to more than a few scratches.
Let’s face it, the scratches in the photo above are not exactly of a serious nature.

 

[elizason13]

I heard a rumour that a pilgrim was attacked by a bird of prey on the Norte. Hit him in the back of the head and he had to fight it off. Is this true?

I was attacked by a crow he dove and picked my head, as I rode my bike through his territory. That was in Minnesota. I wouldn't have believed it but a man stopped to ask if I was OK he was shocked.
It can happen.