Feathered dive bombers are patrolling the skies as magpie swooping season arrives

NESTING birds are on the attack in the annual season of the swoop. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a pecking casualty.

Magpie attacks can result in nasty injuries.

AUTHORITIES are warning people to watch out for swooping birds trying to protect their young this spring.

Birds include magpies, butcherbirds, noisy miners and currawongs.

National Parks and Wildlife Service regional manager Peter Hay said some male birds swooped for several weeks during spring, generally within 100 metres of their nest.

“Try to avoid areas where birds are known to swoop and be patient and as tolerant as possible,” he said.

“These are protected native birds and harassing them may likely make the problem worse as they become more distrusting of people.”

Watch out above! A swooping magpie prepares to attack. Picture: Mark Scott

In Mosman, magpies are commonly seen on the grass foreshore opposite Balmoral Oval and at Allan Border Oval, while kookaburras are common at Balmoral South.

In North Sydney, magpie swooping has been reported at Cremorne Point, Grasmere Reserve, near Milsons Point train station and on Willoughby Rd.

North Sydney Council installs warning signs when rangers become aware of a magpie nest or people report bird swooping incidents to council.

Visit magpiealert.com to check where birds are swooping in your area.

TIPS TO AVOID MAD MAGGIES

The National Parks and Wildlife Service advises people to avoid being swooped by:

A cyclist is attacked. Picture: Stephen Cooper

● Trying to avoid the area. Do not return after being swooped. Australian magpies are intelligent and have a great memory. They will target the same people who persist on entering their nesting area.

● Be aware of where the bird is. Most usually swoop from behind. They are much less likely to target you if they think they are being watched. Try drawing eyes on the back of a helmet or hat. You can also hold a long stick in the air to deter swooping.

● Keep calm and do not panic. Walk away quickly but do not run. Running encourages birds to swoop more.

● Keep a look out for swooping birds and if you are really concerned, place your folded arms above your head to protect your head and eyes.

● If you are on a bicycle or horse, dismount. Bicycles can irritate birds and the major cause of accidents following an encounter with a swooping bird is falling from a bicycle. Calmly walk your bike or horse out of the nesting territory.

● Never harass or provoke nesting birds. A harassed bird will distrust you and because they have a great memory this will ultimately make you a bigger target in future. Do not throw anything at a bird or nest. Never climb a tree and try to remove eggs or chicks.

● Teach children what to do. It is important that children understand and respect native birds. Educating them about the birds and what they can do to avoid being swooped will help them keep calm if they are targeted. It’s important children learn to protect their face.

For more information about magpies visit environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/TheAustralianMagpie.htm