Swooping season is rife in Brimbank, with a number of hotspots and swooping points outlined.
Keilor Park Drive has had multiple recent sightings, and one resident reported losing their ear phone after being swooped by a magpie.
Sunshine West has also been an area of concern, with three magpie attacks reported near Glengala Road this Spring.
Boyle Terrace Corner in Burnside has also had multiple reported sightings and swoopings in recent weeks.
Wildlife Victoria has provided a range of tips to help protect yourself against swooping birds.
First, it’s important to know your local swooping hotspots. Stay informed about areas like parks, schoolyards, and bike trails that are known for swooping birds.
If you can, avoid these areas altogether. The most effective way to protect yourself is simply to steer clear of places where birds are known to swoop. However, if you must pass through, move calmly and quickly, as running may trigger an aggressive response.
Wearing a hat or carrying an umbrella or stick to hold above your head can help protect you.
For cyclists, wearing a helmet is essential, and it’s advisable to dismount and walk through swooping zones.
You might also consider drawing a pair of ‘eyes’ and attaching it to the back of your hat or helmet. Birds may be less likely to swoop if they feel watched.
Remember, do not harass wildlife by throwing stones or interfering with birds, as this can escalate their defensive behavior.
It’s also crucial not to destroy nests. Disturbing nests can lead birds to rebuild, prolonging the swooping behavior.
Additionally, avoid feeding swooping birds, as this can encourage them to become more aggressive.
Whenever possible, travel in a group. There’s safety in numbers, and this can reduce the likelihood of attacks.
Lastly, consider putting up warning signs to alert others about swooping birds in the area, or ask your local council to provide these notifications.
Swooping birds are a natural occurrence in both urban and rural areas, including parks, gardens, bike paths, and schoolyards, especially where birds are nesting.
More information and full swooping map: wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds
