Residents in the Illawarra are advised to be extra cautious when in public as magpie breeding season has begun, bringing the potential for protective swooping from magpies.
These native birds generally only swoop for a few weeks each year and do so only when people enter the territory where they are nesting.
While getting swooped can be frightening, magpies are usually just giving us a warning and generally only defend within 100 metres of their nest.
Swooping is instinctive behaviour a magpie cannot change, and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) are asking the community to consider adjusting their habits for the short breeding period.
Some simple steps to avoid being swooped by magpies include:
- Avoid the area: Do not go back after being swooped. Australian magpies are very intelligent and have great memories. They have been known to target the same people entering their nesting area, ignoring others completely.
- Be aware: Most usually swoop from behind. They are less likely to target you if they think they're being watched. Try drawing eyes on the back of a helmet or hat. Sunglasses can also protect your eyes. You can hold a long stick or umbrella above your head but do not swing it at the magpie, as this will only provoke attack.
- Keep calm: Walk away calmly, do not run. If you are really concerned, place your folded arms above your head to protect your head and eyes.
- Get off your bicycle: Calmly walk your ride out of the nesting territory if you are on a bike, scooter or skateboard. Attaching cable ties to your helmet or a flag to your bike will help direct swooping birds away from your face.
- Never provoke: A harassed bird tends to target people. Do not throw anything at a bird or nest, and never climb a tree to try to remove eggs or chicks.
- Teach children: Educating children about the birds and what they can do to avoid being swooped will help them keep calm if they are targeted. It is important children learn to protect their face.
- Do not disturb nesting birds.
Outside of the breeding season magpies are friendly and welcome neighbours who help control pests in our gardens and their familiar, iconic call is part of the Australian bush.
