Magpie swooping season well underway, with more than 140 SA reports already made to Magpie Alert website
Magpies have started swooping passers-by to protect their young. And while it might seem there are more of the black and white menaces lurking in trees, it’s not actually the case. Have you been swooped?
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An angry magpie swoops down as a poor pelican tries to defend itself.
It’s a scene being played out for walkers and cyclists in parks and reserves all over South Australia as magpie-swooping season – from August to October– returns in full flight. And while there might seem to be more of the black-and-white troublemakers about – with more than 140 reports of attacks on the website Magpie Alert so far this season – Environment Department principal ecologist Karl Hillyard says that’s not the case.
He says it’s just another hangover of the coronavirus, with more of us getting outdoors in the wake of the enforced lockdown in March and reporting swooping magpies. “The season is actually on par with previous years,” he said.
“Magpies seem to be particularly aggressive when protecting their young.
“I have certainly had friends who ... have had blood drawn.” His tips for walkers and cyclists to protect themselves include:
AVOID areas where magpies are swooping.
WEAR a broadbrimmed hat and sunglasses and, if possible, walk in groups.
IF a magpie swoops, stay calm.
PLACE a flag on the back of bikes for protection.