Full list: Magpie swooping season hits Gold Coast streets

While governments talk big about cracking down on crime, our streets have become subject to a spate of bloody attacks. Here’s how residents are fighting bird attacks.

There is not a moment to spare.

While governments talk big about cracking down on crime, our streets have become subject to a spate of bloody attacks.

And, of course, it’s always the usual suspects.

So lock your doors and stay inside … because it’s swooping season.

Look, I think we can all admit that it’s a little funny that our native birds have truly got the better of us. And haven’t we all suppressed a smile when we see a cyclist whizzing past with half a tree sticking out their helmet to ward off those winged warriors?

But if you’ve ever been on the end of that beaked attack, you’ll know it’s no laughing matter.

And while it might seem silly to correlate our feathered friends to eshay offenders, let’s not forget that these birds can – and do – draw blood.

Gold Coast City Council signage to warn residents in areas where magpies are swooping

Terrifying moment ‘devil spawn’ repeatedly attacks young boy on the Gold Coast

While most of these injuries are minor, if painful, there have been a number of devastating and fatal occurrences.

In 2021, a baby girl tragically died after her mother tried to protect her from a swooping magpie in Brisbane, while in 2019, a 76-year-old cyclist died after a magpie attacked and he crashed his bike.

So the fact that the City of Gold Coast has now started posting warning signs in at-risk areas is welcome news.

The signs, printed in bold red, black and white, state:

“WARNING. Swooping Birds.

“Birds are nesting in the area, if you come too close, they may attack.

“Protect your eyes, head and face. Walk – don’t run or ride your bike. Avoid this area if possible.”

Now, I’m not sure how many neighbourhoods have been granted this succinct but effective poster, but if you’re looking for the most up-to-date notifications, have I got the site for you.

Created by cyclist Jon Clark, the site magpiealert.com is designed so that users can log the location and details of any and every magpie or bird swooping attack. It’s interactive, it’s colour-coded and it’s genius.

Gold Coast magpie swooping warnings from magpiealert.com

Gold Coast magpie swooping warnings from magpiealert.com

Mr Clark, who honestly should be nominated for Australian of the Year (he also rides his bike to raise money for charity), said he set up the site after being swooped and noticing there were no real-time monitors of magpie activity, only generic warnings and advice shared by various government or community sites.

The site covers all of Australia but you can zoom in to your local location, where I learned my area seems fairly safe … but you’ll be risking your eyeballs in Broadbeach Waters.

Or take this recap from Banora Point:

“Walking north down Cominan Ave when I was attacked from behind by a big maggie,” wrote the victim.

“Took a piece out of my ear and I arrived at Club Banora covered in blood.”

Yikes!

And pity the poor students at St Kevin’s in Benowa:

“Aggressive attack while cycling,” wrote the informant of the St Kevin’s Ave attack.

“Managed to get claws through holes in helmet and a few solid pecks as well. Same bird known to attack school kids on bikes as well.”

The site also takes care to note that magpies are protected throughout Australia and it is against the law to kill the birds, collect their eggs or harm their young. It stated that if you feel a magpie is a serious menace, you should report it to your local council.

Magpie season heads to the Gold Coast

While Brisbane City Council stipulates that state-licensed experts must be called to determine whether removal was necessary in any dangerous swooping incident or if a bird’s aggressive behaviour was escalating, here on the Gold Coast it’s at the discretion of private residents – as well as the opinion of the experts.

“If you are concerned about a swooping bird on private land, you can talk to a licensed bird relocator,” states the City of Gold Coast website,

“Search online for your nearest relocator. Magpie relocation is a private service, and you will need to pay a fee.”

Just remember, before you take that final step … check the website and find out which streets and footpaths to avoid.

Also, swooping season should only continue for another couple months.

And lastly, try to be kind to our maggies.

#notallbirds

LIST OF RECENT ATTACK SITES: (from magpiealert.com)

20 Halfway Dr, Ormeau

22 Careel Cl, Helensvale

61 Hillary Cct, Pacific Pines

2 Toohey St, Pacific Pines

S067 – D12 – Sewer Pump Station, 63 Hollywell Rd, Biggera Waters

404 Marine Parade, Biggera Waters

2 St Kevins Ave, Benowa

20 Wildwood Ct, Surfers Paradise

8/5036 EMERALD Is Dr, Carrara

25 Tekapo St, Broadbeach Waters

110 Cypress Dr, Broadbeach Waters

State Route 7, Merrimac

Monet Gardens, 25 Commerce Dr, Robina

6 Corina Cl, Robina

90 Burleigh St, Burleigh Waters

93 Barden Ridge Rd, Reedy Creek

2 Dudgeon Dr, Tallebudgera

62 Cominan Ave, Banora Point

Originally published as Full list: Magpie swooping season hits Gold Coast streets