Tips to stay safe this magpie swooping season

If you’ve been swooped by a magpie recently, you’re not alone. Magpie swooping season is upon us and council’s ranger services and rural land management team is urging everyone to stay safe by exercising common sense and taking precautions.

Coordinator Ranger Services Alf Mikelat said people have reported swooping magpies at several spots in the Central Highlands and council has placed warning signs in some of the hot spots.

‘If you realise you are in an area where magpies are swooping, focus on getting out of the magpies’ territory as quickly as possible, without putting your own safety at risk,’ Mr Mikelat said.

He explained that swooping zones typically span about 100–150 metres and trying to stand your ground or behave aggressively towards the birds will only make them more defensive, potentially escalating their behaviour.

‘If you are walking, wear glasses and a hat and walk under an umbrella, if possible,’ he said.

‘If you are on a bike, dismount and walk out of the zone. If you stay on your bike, you are likely to be focused on by the bird swooping and run the risk of falling off or running into oncoming traffic or other pedestrians.’

Cyclists are also encouraged to attach cable ties to their helmets to deter magpies.

Mr Mikelat said magpies use swooping to warn others to keep away from their eggs or newly hatched chicks.

‘The breeding season usually ends in the latter months of the year, so the season will be over before you know it. But between now and then, if you do come across an aggressive magpie, add it to the national crowd-sourced magpie alert map,’ he said.

Add swooping incidents to the map to help others avoid the area and check the map for any aggressive birds on your usual routes. (This is an independent mapping product not governed by council.)

For more information and tips on staying safe from swooping magpies, visit www.ehp.qld.gov.au.