Some Australian native birds including Magpies and Plovers which breed during Spring may begin to exhibit swooping behaviour. During August to October these birds may perceive people including children, cyclists, pets or other animals as threats to their nests and young and may swoop.

You can reduce your chances of being swooped!

Pedestrians:

• Avoid the nest site and use an alternate route if possible;
• Do not deliberately provoke or harass the birds, as this may make them more aggressive;
• Walk calmly through the area - DON’T RUN;
• Protect your head with a large, wide brim hat or carry an open umbrella. You can place eyes on the back of hats and umbrellas to reduce the likelihood of the bird swooping;
• Wear glasses to protect your eyes;
• Keep an eye on the bird as they are less likely to swoop if you look at them; and
• Make a temporary sign to warn others.

Bike riders:

• If possible, take an alternate route;
• Dismount from your bike and walk through the bird’s territory;
• Wear a helmet and sunglasses; and
• Fit a bike flag to your bike or try attaching cable ties or fake eyes to the back of your helmet

Remember:

Stay calm. Accidents can occur when people, particularly children, panic. Swooping behaviour is temporary and will cease after breeding season.

Magpies and Plovers are protected by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and harming these native birds and/or their nests is illegal.

For more information visit: Swooping Birds » Camden Council (nsw.gov.au)