Magpie attacks 2019: Swooping hotspot map

To help protect residents from magpie mayhem, Quest Community News has created an interactive map to highlight swooping hot spots. Add your local magpies to our map here.

A STROLL through some of our leafy parks or ride along one of Brisbane’s bike tracks will highlight what we all know – magpie season has arrived.

To help protect Brisbane residents from magpie mayhem, Quest Community News has created an interactive map to highlight swooping hot spots.

Go to the link below, fill in the form to let us know the location of the attack and what happened. Then we’ll add it to our interactive magpie map.

MAGPIE MAP: ADD YOUR SWOOPING SPOTS HERE

Magpies have begun their spring attacks.

Senior Wildlife Officer for the Department of Environment and Science, Mick Conaghan, said this year’s magpie season was looking to be the same as any other.

“Magpies and their breeding habits and behaviours are determined by weather,” he said.

“If there’s a lot of rain there will be a lot of food for the baby birds.

A magpie nest at Hamilton. Photo: Adam Armstrong

“The main thing to remember is not to fight back. Don’t run. If you’re on a bike, get off and walk. Try and make eye contact, they’re less inclined to attack then.”

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Mr Conaghan said magpies generally had specific targets and would pick those to attack.

“There is a small percentage that will be indiscriminate but most will have specific targets, they are a long-lived bird so this may be affected by a bad experience in the past,” he said.

Magpie swooping Courier-Mail journalist Chris Honnery, TJ Doyle Memorial Drive, Fairfield. Photographer: Liam Kidston

“For example a magpie that nests close to a school may have had a bad experience with a school kid so may target similar looking people.

“September time is when the eggs have been laid and usually when the male will attack anything he sees as a threat.”

Brisbane girl attacked by magpie in popular children’s park

Tips for protection:

● To protect your face, wear a broad brimmed hat and sunglasses

● Carry an umbrella

● If you are swooped while cycling, dismount and walk

● Attach cable ties to your helmet

● Choose alternative routes to travel during breeding season

● Make eye contact with the magpie as they are less likely to swoop when they feel they are being watched

● Never provoke a reaction from a magpie

While magpies are a protected species in Australia and it is illegal to harm the bird, their eggs or their young, it is vital to contact your local council if one becomes dangerous or a risk to safety.

ADD YOUR MAGPIE SWOOPING SPOTS TO OUR MAP HERE