Update on the swooping magpie

15 October 2018 

The City of Stirling would like to provide its residents with an update on the swooping magpie.

After a careful and ongoing assessment the Department of Biodiversity Conservations and Attractions (DBCA) has informed the City that it will not proceed with the destruction of the swooping magpie that recently attacked a number of children at Clarko Reserve, in Trigg.

DBCA officers have spent the past two weeks assessing the magpie’s behaviour to determine whether it continued to display aggressive swooping behaviour. Officers reported the frequency of swooping had significantly declined and that due to the City’s prominent signage and the cordoning off of the area, park users had also been avoiding the area. As a result, they made the decision not to proceed.

City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin said it was a good result for the City and community.

“We are very pleased with the outcome and I believe the wider community will be too,” Mayor Irwin said.

“The DBCA has thoroughly investigated the matter and we are happy with the decision not to proceed,”

“We place the utmost importance on the health and safety of our residents, ratepayers and visitors and we would like to take this opportunity to remind the community that it is still nesting season for magpies and it is really important that park users continue to take care in or avoid areas where nesting is taking place.”

The City has placed signs throughout the Clarko Reserve to warn people about swooping magpies and will continue to work to educate people on how to protect themselves during the swooping season and we ask that you take note of the tips below:

• If you spot a magpie nesting site, stay clear and plan alternative routes
• Travel in groups as magpies often target individuals
• Wear sunglasses, a wide brimmed hat or carry an umbrella.

To learn more visit https://www.magpiealert.com/SwoopingMagpieSafety.php

27 September 2018

The City of Stirling would like to provide its residents with facts surrounding the magpie situation.

While the City takes an education first approach when it comes to safety around magpies, if there is evidence of ongoing aggressive behaviour from magpies in a City park or reserve, the City has a responsibility to investigate. If the bird is determined to be dangerous or pose a serious threat, the City can report it to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to discuss preventative measures. One of those measures is to apply for a dangerous fauna licence. However, this is a last resort.

After assessing events over the weekend, the City determined that the recent magpie attacks at Clarko Reserve were not only ongoing, but of a serious nature. So, a decision was made to apply to DBCA for a dangerous fauna licence to remove the offending bird. Once DBCA officers have undertaken an assessment of the situation, they will advise whether the licence has been approved or declined. At this stage, no decision has been made by the DBCA regarding whether the bird will be culled. The community will be updated as soon as this information comes to hand. It is important to note that the City has only applied for a licence for one bird.

The City places the utmost importance on the health and safety of its residents, ratepayers and visitors and has placed eleven signs throughout Clarko Reserve to warn people about swooping magpies in the area. We would like to urge anyone visiting the City’s parks or reserves at this time of year (Spring) to take extra care and caution, and avoid areas where there may be nesting activity.