Watch: New Zealand journalist gets hit by bird while filming outdoors.

Dec. 3 A New Zealand journalist experienced an unexpected encounter with wildlife while filming an outdoor segment, as a bird flew directly into her face, and the incident was captured on camera.

Jessica Tyson, 32, who works for the current affairs program Te Ao with Moana, was shooting a piece in Britomart Square, Auckland, when the bird collided with her between takes.

"POV: Just trying to do your job when nature has other plans," Tyson commented when sharing the video on social media. She humorously added that the seagull might need new glasses.

Tyson reassured fans that she was unharmed, mentioning only a minor scar above her eye. The shows host, Moana Maniapoto, confirmed in a TikTok post that Tyson has fully recovered but will now focus exclusively on indoor segments.

Commentary: An Unexpected Wildlife Encounter

On Dec. 3, New Zealand journalist Jessica Tyson found herself in an unpredictable situation during a live outdoor segment for Te Ao with Moana. While filming in Auckland's Britomart Square, Tyson was unexpectedly struck by a bird, which flew directly into her face. The collision was captured on camera and shared on social media, where Tyson humorously commented, "POV: Just trying to do your job when nature has other plans." While the incident may seem lighthearted, it serves as a reminder of how unpredictable the natural world can be, even in the midst of professional work.

Tyson, 32, reassured her followers that she was unharmed by the encounter, only suffering a minor scar above her eye. Her sense of humor about the situation shone through when she joked that the seagull might need new glasses. The incident was lighthearted, yet it also sparked conversations about the unpredictable nature of outdoor broadcasting, where environmental factors often have the final say. Tyson's resilience and her ability to find humor in such a situation were evident, further strengthening her connection with viewers.

Moana Maniapoto, the host of the show, also provided an update on TikTok, confirming that Tyson had fully recovered and would now focus on indoor segments moving forward. This shift in focus highlights the potential risks journalists face when working outdoors, and how such challenges can reshape the approach to broadcasting.

The brief yet impactful incident reminds us that no matter how well-prepared one is for a job, the environment can always throw unexpected challenges. For now, Tyson's next segments may remain indoors, but her encounter with the bird will certainly be remembered by her audience.

Sources:

• Watch: New Zealand reporter struck by bird during outdoor segment

Author: Maya Henderson
Maya Henderson is a journalist focused on technology and startups. She has experience in leading IT publications and excels at conducting interviews and creating visual content.