Spring is here, which means native birds are breeding and swooping season has arrived – and Victorians are urged to remain safe.
Many parts of Australia experience bird swooping this time of the year, where native birds, specifically magpies and masked lapwings are present in rural areas, towns, and residential areas.
Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Bill Chisholm said bird swooping could be an issue in the shire during the breeding season.
“They can swoop in urban and rural areas, in parks and gardens, along bike tracks and in school yards, or anywhere that birds are nesting,” he said.
There is a sign warning of swooping birds at Broadford’s Memorial Park.
The Macedon Ranges Shire Council have been advised of swooping behaviour at the Romsey skate park, installing a sign at the site to warn users.
Director assets and operations Shane Walden said there was no specific location for bird swooping, however when council was notified by residents they could choose to install signs, depending on the location.
“Typically, council will place signs in higher-use areas such as parks, reserves and playgrounds rather than informal trails and tracks,” he said.
He advised residents to not upset or interfere with the birds, as it contributed to the idea that people were a threat and might increase swooping behaviour.
Native wildlife is protected under the law and its illegal to harass native birds.
“Walk or ride a different way; the bird won’t swoop for long, so it won’t be a permanent change,” Mr Walden said.
City of Whittlesea director environment and infrastructure Debbie Wood said swooping behaviour was known to occur in Whittlesea during October and November.
She said residents needed to inform the council of incidents to install warning signs in locations that were necessary.
“Magpies tend to attack or swoop when they feel threatened, so we encourage people to avoid interfering with magpie nests or eggs and if possible, avoid walking through known swooping locations,” she said.
Ms Wood advised residents to wear protective clothing that might minimise negative interactions between swooping birds and people.
“It is also recommended to wear a hat to deter magpies and to protect you from a strike and to keep an eye on any birds that may swoop,” she said.
“If swooped, the best option is to wave the hat or a stick to cause the magpie to retreat.”
Residents are encouraged to visit https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds to register swooping birds.
The Victorian Swooping Bird map shows where people have been mainly swooped during the spring season.
Mitchell Shire Council recommended residents visit the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning, DELWP, website for tips about how to protect themselves.
