For all but six weeks during the breeding season, magpies and humans happily co-exist. But from mid August until early October, be prepared! Magpie chicks are in the nest and the area around the tree becomes a potential swooping zone.
Here are some tips from the National Parks and Wildlife Service to help you get through the magpie breeding season.
Adults are encouraged to take care to teach children about magpie behaviour to help reduce the risk of conflict.
• If swooped by a magpie, stay calm and move out of its territory. Once you’re away from the nest area, swooping will stop.
• Get off your bike and walk it. Fast-moving bicycles infuriate magpies. If you must ride, attach a traffic flag to your bike so magpies can’t fly too low.
• Hats, helmets and sunglasses protect heads, faces and eyes. If you don’t have a hat, shield your head with your school bag.
• Open umbrellas prevent swooping magpies from getting too close.
• Walk in the company of others, you will be less of a target.
Magpies are a protected species and it is against the law to kill them, collect their eggs, or harm their young. If a magpie is causing concern, it should be reported to your local council or NPWS office for advice, and a warning sign may be erected. Find out more about magpies and other native animals at www.environment.nsw.gov.au
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