WITH spring comes the potential for native birds, such as magpies, and plovers, to swoop during breeding season.
A Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, DEECA, spokesperson said during spring, some native birds swoop to defend their eggs and young.
“While swooping is unsettling, it’s normal behaviour for a range of native birds. Swooping is a warning to people and animals not to come near their young. It’s rate for birds to make contact,” they said.
“Not all birds swoop during breeding season, so don’t be concerned simply because there are magpies or other common swooping birds in the area.
“Remember, the swooping behaviour will only last for a few weeks, normally stopping soon after the young leave the nest.”
Protective precautions include knowing local swooping hotspots to avoid, moving quickly but not running, wearing protective head and eye coverings, not harassing birds, and not feeding the birds or destroying their nests.
Victoria’s interactive swooping bird map at https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds lists known swooping hotspots and allows reports of swooping incidents.
Locations in Broadford, near the memorial park in High Street; Kilmore, at Brewery Hill; Wallan, at Watson Street, are listed on the map.
All Victorian native wildlife is protected by law and reports of harassing, harming or disturbing wildlife should be reported to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
