As we navigate the aisles of our local supermarkets, we expect to see shelves stocked with food, the occasional spill being mopped up, and maybe a child or two having a meltdown over a candy bar.

We don't expect to see wildlife perusing the produce section alongside us.

Yet, a recent photo from a Coles supermarket in Coburg North, Melbourne, has revealed a growing issue that is causing quite a stir.


The image of a magpie perched atop a shelf, seemingly stuck inside the store, has sparked concern and outrage among shoppers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

This isn't an isolated incident, either. Just last week, another magpie was reported inside a Canberra Coles, and it seems these occurrences are becoming more frequent.


Nigel Williamson, a wildlife rescuer with 40 years of experience, spoke about the trend.

'I've been getting birds out of supermarkets for 40 years now, but it does seem to me that I'm doing more and more of them as time goes on,' he said.

In Melbourne's north alone, Williamson has conducted around four rescues of magpies trapped inside Coles stores this year.


According to Williamson and fellow wildlife rescuer Yanna Del Valle, magpies are intelligent creatures that have learned to associate supermarkets with an easy food source.

They wait outside, picking up scraps when the doors open, and their curiosity and lack of fear of humans lead them inside.

Once inside, however, the birds can find themselves trapped, unable to navigate the foreign environment of a supermarket to find their way back out.

Williamson is often called upon to capture and release these avian visitors, a task that can take anywhere from half an hour to several hours—and in one case last year, days to capture an owl in a Bunnings store in Tarneit.

The challenge doesn't end with capture and release. There's a likelihood that the birds, having learned how to enter the store, may return.


This raises concerns not only for the welfare of the birds but also for the health and safety regulations in supermarkets.

Birds inside stores can lead to food contamination and pose a risk to both themselves and shoppers.

Coles is reportedly aware of the situation and is taking steps to address it.

However, this issue highlights a broader conversation about the interaction between wildlife and urban environments.

As our cities expand and natural habitats shrink, animals like magpies adapt unexpectedly, leading to increased encounters with humans.


For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this story reminds us of the importance of coexisting with our feathered friends and the need for supermarkets to implement measures to prevent wildlife from becoming trapped.

It's also a call to action to be more mindful of our impact on the environment and the creatures that share it with us.
Have you encountered wildlife on your grocery runs? What do you think supermarkets should do to prevent these situations? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.