There's nothing quite like the squark and flapping wings of an impending Magpie swoop to strike fear into your heart.
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Magpie swooping season has begun and so far 14 people have been left injured in 132 reported attacks across Australia.
So far, Queensland leads the way with 38 recorded attacks, followed by NSW with 32 and Victoria with 27.
Data from Magpie Alert! shows that the most common activity people were undertaking when they were attacked was cycling (75.8 per cent), then walking (16.6 per cent).
A further 1.5 per cent of attacks were made on the 'postie' while they were delivering the mail.
Often-used magpie deterrent theories were put to the test recently in a video featuring Dave from Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
One test involved placing hand-drawn eyes on top of a bike helmet and the cyclist riding through a swooping hotspot area. Seconds later he was swooped numerous times.
The man in the video screamed before falling spectacularly off his bike: "The eyes don't work, the eyes don't work," he yelped wide-eyed into the camera.
A subsequent test included attaching cable ties, in a porcupine style fashion, to his helmet. The Magpie still swooped.
This is the first bird that has actively sought out to attack any gap in my cycling helmet.
- Little Mountain, Queensland resident Grant V
"You can't keep coming back for more, stop it," he yells hysterically as the Magpie continues to swoop.
Pete G, from Burwood East in Victoria, posted to on Magpie Alert! that he was recently injured by a Magpie while he was walking his dog
"I was cut open on my head and upper neck, next time I'll be wearing a hat for sure. The attack lasted about one minute, of probably five to six swoops where three made contact with me," he wrote.
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Little Mountain, Queensland, resident Neil C posted that it "got my ear before I even knew I was under attack".
Another Little Mountain resident, Grant V, reported on Magpie Alert! that he'd experienced one of the "more aggressive" attacks.
"This is the first bird that has actively sought out to attack any gap in my cycling helmet. One bitten ear with a superficial cut but I'd advise caution as my helmet prevented it from being worse," he wrote.
Why do Magpies swoop?
Magpies generally swoop during nesting time for a few weeks each year.
They are territorial and any perceived threat to their nest and young can lead to the male bird becoming aggressive and swooping, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website states.
People are urged to never harass or provoke nesting Magpies.
A harassed bird will distrust you and as they have a great memory this will ultimately make you a bigger target in future. Do not throw anything at a bird or nest, and never climb a tree and try to remove eggs or chicks.
Magpies are a protected species and it is an offence to harm them.
Swooping Magpie safety tips
After 10 seasons of collecting data on magpie swoops, Magpie Alert! has produced an extensive list of dos and don'ts when it comes to attacks.
- Travel in groups where possible as the birds often target individuals
- Listen for a Magpie's distinctive calls
- Wear sunglasses and a hat to protect your head and eyes
- Magpies often stop swooping cyclists if you get off your bike and walk
- Stay away from known Magpie nesting sites
- Do not provoke the Magpies, they are very territorial and will protect their nests
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat or carry an umbrella
- Stay calm, if you panic and flap then this is more likely to appear as aggressive behaviour and provoke a further attack
- Try to protect your eyes with your hands, those large beaks are very sharp and eye injuries have been previously recorded
- Face the Magpie they tend to attack from behind so facing them should avert an attack
Nadine Morton
I report on crime, emergency services and police matters. Email me on nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
