Albury inventor Alister Laidlaw has new approach to swooping season

Alister Laidlaw said he created the magpie repelling bike helmet, 'the Madpie 3000' version two, in a couple of days, after feedback he'd had online from the first version of the design.

"Version one was built 12 months ago and it was a pretty simple, it wasn't mechanical at all, it just had some flashing lights," he said.

"This year I went and leveled up a bit."

Mr Laidlaw used his 3D printer to create a falcon, complete with flashing eyes and moving mechanical wings.

"This one is motorised," he said.

"It spins these gears, which moves the wings up and down and then it's got some lighting for its eyes which are very bright LEDs.

"It's backyard science, but this one was most successful."

Mr Laidlaw said it wasn't just the magpies who took a second look when he was wearing it.

"I was on Waugh Road when I did my testing and there was cars pulling over to look at me," he said.

"So I actually thought I might cause an accident or something."

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Mr Laidlaw said the size and weight of the design had also caused some difficulties.

"There's some low hanging trees and I kind of forgot I was wearing it," he said.

"I was nearly getting hung up in the tree.

"I only did a few runs in it, because it's awkward to wear.

"This thing weighs about two kilos.

"It's partially effective, but not practical at all."

To see more of Mr Laidlaw's inventions go here.

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