The Backyard Buddies program, run by Australia’s Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, is preparing for magpie breeding season and the subsequent risk of ‘swooping’, which is already being experienced around the streets and playgrounds of Gosford.
CEO of the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, Ms Susanna Bradshaw, said that September was the peak ‘swooping season’ and that it was imperative people leave magpies alone during this time.
“It can be very scary getting swooped by a magpie, but it is important to remember that not all magpies swoop,” Ms Bradshaw said.
“Female magpies don’t swoop at all as they are busy tending to their chicks and only some males do. “In fact it is estimated that only 9 per cent of magpies swoop. “The male magpies that do the swooping believe they are protecting their offspring,” Ms Bradshaw said.
“They will only swoop for about six weeks of the year. “September is usually the peak swooping month and then they will start to calm down and you can go about your business in peace again,” she said.
According to Ms Bradshaw the most common targets for magpies are people riding bicycles, young children and males, although each magpie will usually have its own target.
“These birds are very intelligent and will often approach you from behind or from the direction of the sun to try and catch you unawares. “The worst thing you can do when a magpie is swooping you is to try and fight back.
“Throwing rocks or sticks at a magpie will only further aggravate it and encourage it to swoop more, as it shows the magpie that you really are a threat to its babies,” she said.
Ms Bradshaw advised that the best thing to do is avoid locations where there is a known magpie swooping. Alter your walking or biking route for the next six weeks.
Magpies tend to nest in the same spots each year, so remember where your local, aggressive magpie is so you can avoid them next year as well.
Ms Bradshaw also wished to remind the public that magpies are a protected species and harming them, aggressive or not, can lead to fines and penalties.
Media release,
Sep 17, 2015
Felicity Harvey, National
Parks and Wildlife