Australians know all too well the hair-raising experience of the dreaded swoop.
You’ll be out for a walk, enjoying the sunshine and the flowers when all of a sudden—swoosh!
Something fast rushes past your head. You think, perhaps in less polite terms, What was that?!
And swoosh!
Another gust of wind from a quick moving beast hits your face, closer now, and all of a sudden you realise with a pounding heart and fear coursing through your veins what is happening.
You duck your head, waving your arms wildly above your head and run.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
The wings of the beast are so close to your face you swear they caress your cheek, a haunting memory for days to come and a stark reminder not to return to the area for some time—
or at least, not without a careful eye, a crazy hat, and a nervous jog.
Though swooping can be an unsettling experience, Senior Wildlife Projects Officer at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) Simon Ruff said it was important to remember that the behaviour was more of a defence mechanism than an attack.
“Every spring, some native birds swoop to defend their eggs and chicks for a short time while their young are most vulnerable,” he said.
“While swooping is unsettling, it’s normal behaviour for a range of native birds, warning people and animals not to come near their young. It’s rare for birds to make contact.”
To protect yourself and the native birds, DEECA recommended the following:
1. Know your local swooping hotspots and avoid the area.
2. Move quickly, but do not run.
3. Wear protective head and eye coverings.
4. Do not harass the bird or its nest.
A live bird swooping map has been made available on the DEECA website. To see a swooping hotspot, or to add one to the public map, visit www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds and follow the prompts.
All native wildlife is protected by law. Harassing, harming, or disturbing native birds and other wildlife is illegal in Victoria and penalties apply.
To report wildlife crime, call Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
