Protect yourself: Expert tricks to dodge aggressive magpies this swooping season!
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As the Australian springtime heralds the return of warmer weather and blooming flowers, it also marks the beginning of a less welcome annual event: magpie swooping season.
Known for their dramatic aerial attacks, magpies can pose a risk to pedestrians and cyclists alike.
To help you stay safe during this annual event, it's crucial to be aware of effective strategies and precautions to avoid attracting their ire.
The magpie swooping season, which typically spans from September to October, sees these otherwise majestic birds become territorial defenders of their nests, leading to increased incidents of swooping on unsuspecting passersby.
‘They attack for a very particular reason: they have a job to do,’ Griffith University School of Environment and Science Professor Darryl Jones stated.
Their ‘attack zone’ extends 100 to 200 metres from their nest, with cyclists, walkers, and runners being the most common targets.
Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation (WIRES) Spokesperson John Grant explained that magpies will swoop and snap their beaks to warn off intruders.
‘They are not being aggressive just for the sake of it, and the kindest thing to do is to cross the road where possible or avoid nesting areas altogether until the chicks have fledged,’ he explained.
Australian authorities advised against approaching young magpies that have fallen from their nests and recommend not to retaliate or shout if a magpie swoops.
‘That will then prove you're a threat,’ Professor Jones warned.
Instead, it is recommended to steer clear of attack zones if you can locate their nest and generally maintain a safe distance from magpies during this season.
If you need to enter an attack zone, it’s advisable to wear protective clothing such as a hat or sunglasses and keep an eye on the magpie.
‘They always come behind you, and that's part of the deal,’ Professor Jones pointed out.
‘Keep your eyes on them and back away. They'll never attack from the front.’
Waving a stick or umbrella over your head can help deter magpies.
Cyclists are advised to use a bright flag on their bikes and attach cable ties to their helmets.
If a magpie starts swooping, remain calm and walk swiftly through the area without running. Cyclists should dismount and walk their bikes.
According to WIRES, magpie nesting season starts in September and concludes in October.
Magpie Alert has reported 1,332 swooping incidents and 152 injuries this year.
‘Only about 10 per cent of the magpies ever attack anybody…90 per cent never attack anybody,’ Professor Jones noted.
As magpie swooping season takes hold, staying informed about how to avoid attacks is crucial for your safety.
However, it's not just about dodging swoops—understanding how these clever birds adapt to urban environments can offer additional insights into their behaviour and help you navigate their territory more effectively.
For those interested in the fascinating ways magpies manage the hustle and bustle of our noisy cities, exploring their smart strategies can provide a deeper appreciation of these avian residents.
We are curious to hear about your encounters with magpies during the swooping season. Have you tried any of these strategies? Do you have any personal tips or stories to share? Your insights could help fellow members stay safe during this challenging time of year.
Known for their dramatic aerial attacks, magpies can pose a risk to pedestrians and cyclists alike.
To help you stay safe during this annual event, it's crucial to be aware of effective strategies and precautions to avoid attracting their ire.
The magpie swooping season, which typically spans from September to October, sees these otherwise majestic birds become territorial defenders of their nests, leading to increased incidents of swooping on unsuspecting passersby.
‘They attack for a very particular reason: they have a job to do,’ Griffith University School of Environment and Science Professor Darryl Jones stated.
Their ‘attack zone’ extends 100 to 200 metres from their nest, with cyclists, walkers, and runners being the most common targets.
Australia's magpie swooping season is underway, with birds becoming highly territorial during nesting. Credit: Shutterstock
Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation (WIRES) Spokesperson John Grant explained that magpies will swoop and snap their beaks to warn off intruders.
‘They are not being aggressive just for the sake of it, and the kindest thing to do is to cross the road where possible or avoid nesting areas altogether until the chicks have fledged,’ he explained.
Australian authorities advised against approaching young magpies that have fallen from their nests and recommend not to retaliate or shout if a magpie swoops.
‘That will then prove you're a threat,’ Professor Jones warned.
Instead, it is recommended to steer clear of attack zones if you can locate their nest and generally maintain a safe distance from magpies during this season.
If you need to enter an attack zone, it’s advisable to wear protective clothing such as a hat or sunglasses and keep an eye on the magpie.
‘They always come behind you, and that's part of the deal,’ Professor Jones pointed out.
‘Keep your eyes on them and back away. They'll never attack from the front.’
Waving a stick or umbrella over your head can help deter magpies.
Cyclists are advised to use a bright flag on their bikes and attach cable ties to their helmets.
If a magpie starts swooping, remain calm and walk swiftly through the area without running. Cyclists should dismount and walk their bikes.
According to WIRES, magpie nesting season starts in September and concludes in October.
Magpie Alert has reported 1,332 swooping incidents and 152 injuries this year.
‘Only about 10 per cent of the magpies ever attack anybody…90 per cent never attack anybody,’ Professor Jones noted.
As magpie swooping season takes hold, staying informed about how to avoid attacks is crucial for your safety.
However, it's not just about dodging swoops—understanding how these clever birds adapt to urban environments can offer additional insights into their behaviour and help you navigate their territory more effectively.
For those interested in the fascinating ways magpies manage the hustle and bustle of our noisy cities, exploring their smart strategies can provide a deeper appreciation of these avian residents.
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