By DANE LILLINGSTONE
RESIDENTS have been warned to be careful of swooping magpies as their breeding season heats up.
Magpies are aggressive for about six weeks of the year around August and September when they have chicks in the nest. The birds are known to fiercely defend their nests and territories by swooping unsuspecting victims.
According to a Brisbane study, nine per cent of magpies are aggressive towards people.
Southern Downs Regional Council’s Manager Community Facilities Michael Bell said the beginning of Spring was a danger period with more people outdoors due to the warmer weather.
“Many people enjoy going for a walk and if they venture through magpie territory they may be considered a threat by the magpie. Taking simple precautions is the best way to avoid the dreaded swoop,” he said.
“If a particular bird is harassing you repeatedly, choose a different route for the next few weeks, wear a broad-brimmed hat and if you are riding a bike, make sure you wear your helmet.”
Mr Bell said that at this stage there have been no reports of problem birds.
“However Council’s Parks team are aware of one current magpie hotspot in Canning Street Warwick, between Percy and Pratten streets, and signage has been erected.
“Some other potential hotspot areas can be Victoria Park Warwick, Freestone Road near the highway (Alexandra Drive), Australiana Park, Queens Park Weir around the river, and also Rotary Park,” he said.
“Other possible magpie hotspots around the region include Oak and Cedars streets, Killarney, and around the Killarney Pool in Pat Bush/Bicentennial Park along Willow Street. Stuart Henry Park and Dalrymple Creek Park in Allora and Weeroona Park, Stanthorpe are other areas that could attract aggressive birds.”
The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection has some suggestions to protect against magpies:
– Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses,
– If you are riding your bike through an area and getting swooped, get off and walk,
– Take alternative routes during breeding season,
– Walk in a group,
– Don’t retaliate against a swooping magpie – it can make it worse.
Council has a magpie nesting hotspots map on their website. It can be found at www.sdrc.qld.gov.au.
