July 26, 2011 > Bicyclists report getting smacked by angry bird Bicyclists report getting smacked by angry bird Submitted By AP Wire Service PENDLETON, Ore. (AP), Jul 02 - Bicyclists in eastern Oregon say they're getting whacked on the head by an angry bird. Riders in Pendleton, Ore., told the East Oregonian that a male hawk is dive-bombing them because they're too close to a nest he's guarding in an old cottonwood tree. Bicyclist Mack Temple says the bird came in from behind like a fighter plane and whacked his helmet. Another rider, Charlie Newhouse, says the attack on his helmet was ``like getting hit with a baseball bat.'' He says the talons went in through the helmet. Bird-watchers say the large bird is a Swainson's hawk. The riders say he's been vigilant for a few nesting seasons, but hasn't been as aggressive as this year. Bird-watchers say the hawk will ease up once his brood learns to fly. --- Information from: East Oregonian, http://www.eastoregonian.info