Seagull Surprises New Zealand Journalist During Filming

Jess Tyson, a journalist for New Zealand’s Whakata Māori channel on the show “Te Ao With Moana,” had a startling experience while filming a recent segment. A few weeks back, while preparing to record a news piece about the country’s fast fashion trends, a seagull unexpectedly flew right into her face.

In a video she shared, Tyson noted that the bird seemed unharmed and was taken for care at a nearby office. Fortunately, she only sustained a minor injury—just a cut on her eyelid—but was otherwise okay.

Reflecting on the bizarre event, Tyson described it as a major shock. “I was really trying to focus on getting my lines just right. So, when that bird hit me—it felt like, I don’t know, like this heavy pillow just slamming into my face,” she explained. “And then, all of a sudden, I noticed the blood.” It was, she noted, a first for her during her news career.

Following the incident, Tyson chose to continue filming after receiving treatment. “I could have walked away, but I really wasn’t satisfied with the first take,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to getting it right.

She expressed gratitude that the filming team managed to capture evidence of the surreal moment, which ultimately went smoothly despite the chaos.

“I’m all good now, with just a little scar as a reminder. It’s quite the funny story to tell,” Tyson added, lightheartedly.