Magpie season
Magpie season occurs between July and December. During a period of about six weeks, magpies are breeding and tend to be protective of their chicks.
View Magpie Map 2011 - By Quest Newspapers >>
Quest Community Newspaper's Magpie Map shows areas of South-East Queensland where magpie swooping have been reported in the 2011 season. If you have a location to add, email online@qst.newsltd.com.au with the subject line 'Magpie Hotspots'.
Swooping magpies
The male magpie may swoop on anyone who gets too near the nest. Usual warnings include beating their wings, clacking their beaks and occasionally pecking. The attack is usually limited to the magpie 'defence zone' – the area around the nest tree. This is about 100 metres in radius.
The bird’s aim is just to drive away the intruder, not to cause injury. There are many reasons why magpies will swoop. You may have accidentally intruded on the bird’s territory. Magpies sometimes recognise and target certain people over and over again. They also tend to be particularly infuriated by cyclists.
What to do
A few simple actions can help:
- Stay well clear of areas where there are nesting trees.
- If you must enter the area, move through it quickly but don’t run.
- Magpies are less likely to swoop if you look at them. Try to keep an eye on the magpie while walking carefully away.
- Throwing sticks or stones at magpies in self-defence usually makes it more aggressive and ensures an even worse attack next time.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses or carry an umbrella for protection.
- Bike riders should dismount and walk through the territory. Research has shown that the swooping stops when riders get down and walk. You may think you can outrun the bird but accidents can happen when cyclists swerve to avoid it. Fitting an orange traffic flag onto your bicycle can also serve as deterrent.
- As a courtesy, make a temporary sign to warn other people.
- Never approach or pick up a young magpie. Young magpies spend a lot of time on the ground and are usually under the watchful eye of a parent. If you think it is injured or has fallen from a nest, call the Redlands Wildlife Care Network on 3833 4031 for advice.
Living with magpies
Remember, magpies will only swoop when there are chicks in the nest and they feel threatened. Be patient with them – they are only trying to be good parents. Council does not have jurisdiction to remove magpies. For more information on how to deal with attacking magpies, contact the Department of Environment and Resource Management on ph 1300 130 372 or visit their
Australian magpies webpage >>
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