This includes swooping passers-by, particularly those moving at a slightly faster speed than walking; riding a pushbike or running can be particularly dangerous as it attracts the attention of nearby magpies who want to protect their babies and young birds.
Being swooped by a magpie can be quite terrifying and sometimes an attack can lead to injury. There are some ways to stay safe, and the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection recommends the following:
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses or shelter under an umbrella to protect your face from swooping magpies (painting or sticking large ‘eyes’ on the back of your hat can also deter magpies—but this won’t work for cyclists).
- If a magpie swoops while you are cycling, it will probably stop swooping if you get off your bike and walk.
- Avoid ‘defence zones’ by taking alternative routes during the breeding season.
- If you must enter a ‘defence zone’, magpies will be less likely to swoop if they are watched constantly, or if people walk in a close group.
- Use signs to warn others of the location of nests and defence zones, particularly in areas used by children and the elderly.
- Waving sticks or umbrellas in the air or attaching a brightly coloured flag on a long pole to your bicycle can stop magpies from swooping.
Further resources, including fact sheets:
Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection: http://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/livingwith/magpie_safe.html
Brisbane City Council: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/environment-waste/natural-environment/protecting-wildlife-brisbane/living-wildlife/magpies
Wildlife Rescue Centre: http://www.wildliferescue.net.au/help/living-with-magpies
WeekendNotes: http://www.weekendnotes.com/where-do-magpies-swoop-in-brisbane
Image from http://www.bikepaths.com.au/news/magpie_swooping
