The bird hit Jessica Tyson, a journalist for Te Ao with Moana, as she filmed outdoors on December 2, 2025.
A routine news shoot in Auckland took a wild turn when a seagull suddenly flew into a reporter’s face — and the moment was caught on camera. The bird hit Jessica Tyson, a journalist for Te Ao with Moana, as she filmed outdoors on December 2, 2025. The incident shocked viewers and quickly went viral.
Tyson staggered, clutching her face, and uttered, “Holy s—.”
Tyson had stepped out in a windy part of Auckland to record a segment on sustainable fashion. As she prepared for another take, a seagull came out of nowhere and hit her face. Her head whipped to the side. In the video she shared, the impact is clear — her hair flies, the bird’s wings flail, and she reacts instantly.
A crew member rushed over and said, “You’re bleeding.” Tyson touched the cut under her eyebrow and looked stunned.
Despite the injury, she managed to laugh it off. She later cleaned up, applied first aid, and resumed filming for the show.
Tyson posted the video on social media with the caption: “POV: Just trying to do your job when nature has other plans.”
She added on Instagram: “The commitment to the job is real!”
Later she wrote, “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.”
She joked that the bird “needed a new pair of glasses.”
Fans and viewers reacted strongly. Some expressed concern: “Omg Jess! You poor thing.” Others reacted with humour: “Not me thinking, ‘It’s a sign.’”
Tyson visited a nearby building to clean up and tended to the cut. She later told followers: “I’ve been left with a bit of a scar, but I’m all good.”
The host of the show confirmed Tyson is fine now, but said she will do mostly indoor segments moving forward.
The clip is a bizarre mix of everyday journalism and unexpected wildlife — something audiences rarely see. The dramatic reaction, visible injury, and real-time recovery struck a chord.
Tyson’s calm professionalism — she resumed work quickly — earned admiration. The blend of danger, professionalism, and humour made the video shareable, fueling its viral spread.
This event shows how unpredictable outdoor shoots can be. Reporters face more than weather and crowds — sometimes, nature itself can intrude. Journalists and crews must remain alert, especially in windy, bird‑populated areas.
For viewers, it’s a reminder that what we see on screen often requires courage and quick reflexes behind the camera.
