Caution during swooping season

With magpie nesting season now in full swing, the City of Stirling advises the community to take extra care when outdoors.
 
Magpies usually swoop from above and fly low and fast over a person, often snapping their beaks as they pass overhead. Magpies swooping from below or ground level have also been reported.
 
Magpies are a protected native species in Australia; removing their nest is illegal and may cause nestlings to starve or freeze to death or result in the breakdown of the magpie tribe.
 
Manager Parks and Sustainability and Acting Director Infrastructure Ian Hunter said that learning to live alongside wildlife is an important step towards building a better living environment.
 
“Wildlife in the City’s parks, reserves and beaches is highly diverse and includes numerous birds, reptiles, frogs, marine life and marsupial species,” he said.
 
“September sits in the Nyoongar season of Djilba or first spring. This season is one of conception which symbolises growth of wildflowers and plants, but it is also a time for caution.
 
“As the days warm up in Djilba, a transitional time of year, you’ll start to see and hear the first newborn birds alongside their proudly protective parents providing food, teaching new skills and keeping them safe from other animals, including humans. Magpies (Koolbardi), Willy Wag Tails (Djidi Djidi) and Wattle Birds (Chuck-a-luck) are among the few birds that fiercely protect their nests, hence the swooping behaviour.
 
“Magpies rely largely on intimidating perceived predators, including humans, to protect their young. They fly low and fast over the person and often clack their bill as they pass overhead. This can be alarming, but the bird will often retreat to a tree and watch until you leave its territory.”
 
Tips that may help you stay safe and reduce the impact of a swooping magpie include:

• Look out for any caution signage placed in our parks and reserves, stay clear of nesting sites and plan alternative routes
• Do not provoke magpies as they swoop to protect their young
• Wear sunglasses, a wide brimmed hat (especially kids) or carry an umbrella
• Travel in groups if possible as the birds often target individuals
• If you are riding a bike, dismount, and walk-through nesting magpie territory
• If you are swooped by a magpie, stay calm, walk away but do not run, and avoid looking towards the swooping birds.

For more information about magpies, head to australian.museum/learn/species-identification/ask-an-expert/why-do-magpies-swoop/
 
To report a swooping incident within the City of Stirling, phone (08) 9205 8555.