(Photo: JJ Harrison)
It’s time to get out the plastic ice cream tub “space helmets” and brollies again … magpies are swooping as they protect their chicks.
Environment and Heritage Protection Department Wildlife Management Director Dr Ashley Bunce said a few simple actions could help people avoid or minimise the chances of injury from a magpie.
“The magpie breeding season lasts from July until December, peaking from August to October,” Dr Bunce said.
“During the breeding season, it’s best stay well clear of areas where magpies are known to be swooping, and particularly avoid the nesting tree. This can be any kind of tree, usually over 12m high.
“If you can’t avoid the area, move through it quickly, but don’t run. Be ‘magpie-smart’ and wear a hat and sunglasses or carry an umbrella. Cyclists should dismount and walk through the territory to avoid the risk of injury from a fall or collision.
“Cyclists have found it helpful to attach large cable ties to the back of their helmet to give a ‘space helmet’ look. Use two plastic cable ties of any colour, sticking up like antennae.
“Mums and dads should make sure their children are magpie-smart when going outdoors.”
Dr Bunce said it was important to remember that not all magpies swooped, and they only did so while chicks were in the nest to drive away potential threats.
“Most swooping is by the male magpie and almost entirely in the magpie ‘defence zone’, the area around the nest tree,” he said.
“The defence zone is usually only about 100m in radius.
“The male magpie’s aim is to drive the perceived intruder away from the nest, not to cause injury. The swooping nearly always stops once you leave the area.
“Remember that birds that swoop will only do so for about six to eight weeks of the year.”
The Department does not remove magpies but in some situations licensed contractors will perform this service; for more information phone 1300-130-372.
