What to do if you’re being attacked by evil birds

It is approaching the time of year again where territorial birds set their eyes, and beaks, on human targets.

Swooping season has started again in Gladstone. ​

It is approaching that time of year again where territorial birds rain hellfire from above you.

Gladstone residents are urged to be mindful of swooping birds as breeding season begins.

The breeding season for most swooping birds – including magpies, plovers, crows and butcherbirds – is July to November, peaking between August to October.

Gladstone region Councillor Rick Hansen said council received swooping bird reports each spring and it was important the community took precautions for their safety.

“Nesting parents are protective of their eggs and chicks and some will swoop to scare away what they believe to be threats,” Mr Hansen said.

“The swooping zone around a nest can be up to 150m, but this varies depending on how protective the parents are.”

Mr Hansen said only a small proportion of birds swoop and the intensity of swooping was dependent on where the nest was located, what the parents were fearful of and how close the chicks were to leaving the nest.

“Parents are most protective right before the chicks are about to leave the nest as this is when they are most vulnerable,” he said.

“It is important to avoid threatening or scaring nesting birds, as this will increase the intensity of swooping.

Mr Hansen said it was an offence to harm native animals.

Warning signs will be placed around the region where swooping birds are located.

Residents can view swooping hotspot areas on council’s website.

The best way to avoid being swooped is to:

• Avoid swooping hot spots by finding an alternative route

• If you are riding your bike, dismount and walk when passing through a swooping zone; birds view fast-moving persons such as cyclists as a threat

• If walking, keep an eye on the bird; most birds swoop when your back is turned

• Protect yourself by wearing a broad brimmed hat or using an umbrella, or holding your school bag above your head

• Wear glasses to protect your eyes

• Team up with others and walk in a group

• Attach a flag on a long pole to your bike.

Council does not monitor the map for new reports, to report swooping birds contact council online or by phoning 4970 0700.

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/wildlife#swooping for more information.