The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is reminding the community to take care during magpie swooping season as we share our streets with these protected birds.
George Malolakis from NPWS said that swooping season is relatively short lived, only lasting a few weeks a year when magpies are protecting their young and nests.
"No one likes getting swooped, it can be quite frightening," Mr Malolakis said.
"However, we ask people to remember that we share our streets and neighbourhoods with these birds and that they only ever swoop to protect their young from perceived threats."
He said magpies were just trying to protect their chicks.
"In a funny way all parents can probably relate as we share the same protective instincts," he said.
Not all magpies zero in on people.
"Not all magpies swoop. Some fly overhead as a warning, others make contact and can hurt people with their claws or beak," Mr Malolakis said.
"We're not dismissing the harm that a handful of magpies might cause each year, but the flip side is that we can't simply destroy all swooping birds who are acting on their natural instincts.
"While it might be a little inconvenient, there are ways to help minimise your risk of getting swooped.
"If you can, take a detour as magpies will only swoop in the immediate vicinity of their nest."
Other tips are:
- Walk quickly, but don't run
- Protect your head with an umbrella, hat or helmet
- Wear glasses or sunglasses to keep your eyes safe
- Keep facing the magpie or its nest as you move away
- Dismount your bike if you're riding, and walk through the magpie's territory
- Move in a group as magpies are more likely to target individuals
The NPWS adds it should also go without saying that you shouldn't disturb or hassle birds, particularly young magpies.
Magpies, like all native species, are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and cannot be harmed without a permit. For more information, visit Australian magpie.
