Seagull Strikes Reporter on Camera, Leaves Scar Above Eye

A New Zealand reporter, Jessica Tyson, encountered an unexpected and painful moment while filming a news segment on fast fashion. During the shoot for Te Ao with Moana, a current affairs programme, a seagull collided with her face, resulting in a visible injury. The incident occurred on December 2, 2023, in Auckland, and was captured on camera, quickly gaining attention on social media.

As Tyson prepared for a second take, the seagull flew directly into her face, causing her head to jerk sideways. In a video shared on her social media, she can be seen reacting in shock, exclaiming, “Holy sh**,” while holding her face. Members of her film crew immediately rushed to her side, with one colleague stating, “You’re bleeding,” as Tyson touched her face in disbelief.

In the aftermath, Tyson appeared on screen with a noticeable cut above her left eye, blood trailing down her cheek. She later explained, “Its beak or claws must have hit me because I was left with a scar above my left eye, below my eyebrow—just missing my eyeball, luckily,” on her Facebook page. Remarkably, she noted that the seagull seemed uninjured and flew away shortly after the incident. Tyson then hurried to a nearby office to clean up and resume filming.

Reactions and Reflections

Social media users reacted with a mix of concern and humor following the incident. One comment read, “Omg Jess! You poor thing,” while another joked, “Not me thinking, ‘It’s a sign.’” In her post, Tyson also reflected on her string of recent minor injuries, including a cut finger and a fall from her bicycle, stating, “Soooo weird!” To ward off further misfortune, she performed a karakia, a Maori prayer.

Despite the shocking encounter, Tyson reassured her followers that she is doing well. “All is well now,” she confirmed, adding, “I finally understand why people are so afraid of birds.” Her experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live reporting and the unforeseen challenges that can arise in the field.

The incident highlights the physical risks reporters may face while covering stories in dynamic environments. As Tyson continues her work, she remains resilient and committed to sharing important narratives with her audience.