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Canberra Today 24°/29° | Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Tips for surviving magpie swooping season in Canberra

swooping magpie

WHILE we welcome spring after a bitterly cold winter the green fuse of new life does come with a down side in protective magpies scaring the life out of us as they try to raise their babies.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is warning people to take precautions around places where magpies nest.

President of the AVA’s avian special interest group, Dr Robert Johnson, said that some magpies can become highly aggressive during breeding season, from late August to early October.

“Fast moving objects such as people and bikes and anyone who moves directly towards their nests are perceived as threats and are likely to be swooped. Dog walkers and toddlers in prams are also a common target.

“Tolerance is the best policy. We need to appreciate that some magpies will defend their territory from intruders because of a natural instinct to protect their offspring.

“Other native birds that are also common culprits include butcher birds, kookaburras and plovers, but even invasive species like Indian Mynas can attack at this time of year,” he said.

“Don’t try and scare off the bird. Wildlife is protected and sometimes this action can lead to a more serious and sustained attack.

“Think about using different pathways because moving the bird is not an option.”

Other tips include:

  • Wear a hat or carry a stick or umbrella which can be raised to fend off serious attacks.
  • Cyclists should wear a helmet, dismount and walk through the area.
  • Draw a pair of eyes and attach to the back of hats and helmets, as birds may be less likely to attack if they think you are watching them.
  • Don’t interfere with or throw stones at birds. This may give them more reason to see humans as a threat and lead to increased swooping behaviour.
  • Put up warning signs for others who may not be aware there are swooping birds in the area, or ask your council to do so.

“We’re lucky to live in a country where we share our suburbs with such amazing birds, so we simply need to find a way to live in harmony,” Dr Johnson said.

Personally I find that when holding a stick in the air magpies will attack the highest point which, if the stick is long enough, can be a tolerable distance away.

At this point it’s worth revisiting the deathless research effort from CSIRO on one magpie found on their campus.

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3 Responses to Tips for surviving magpie swooping season in Canberra

AnnieD says: 29 August 2014 at 11:51 pm

Don’t underestimate these birds! One of my cats came home one day with a severely damaged eye and no other injury. It would have to have been a magpie peck. The vet wasn’t able to save his sight, but the cat did manage to keep his eye thankfully.
Magpies ‘know’ the humans who inhabit their territory and never swoop them. I have mine feeding out of my hand and they even come into the house, given half a chance. Their beautiful song is my reward.

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