Melbourne springtime: swooping magpie nabs Warburton Trail jogger

YEP, it’s springtime in Melbourne. A woman is warning people to watch out for swooping birds protecting their young, after one dive-bombed her on a popular walking trail.

A WOMAN is warning people to watch out for swooping magpies after a dive-bombing bird gave her a bloody injury on the Warburton Trail.

Therese, who didn’t give her last name, said she was running on the track between Woori Yallock and Seville, when out of nowhere the bird flew down and pecked her in the head, leaving blood dripping down her face.

The attack, which happened about 11.30am on Sunday, was the second attack the keen jogger from Mt Evelyn had endured in a matter of days — she was also swooped while running in the city.

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Therese took to Facebook to warn the Yarra Ranges community to be careful around the trail.

“It came from behind and was in and out by the time I realised what had happened,” she said.

“I thought it had ripped my head open.”

Luckily an off-duty nurse walking the trail with her friends stopped to help Therese.

“I wanted to let people know they’re out on the trail and to be careful,” she said.

Therese was dive-bombed by a magpie on the Warburton Trail.

On its website, Wildlife Victoria advises birds swoop when they are trying to protect territory, nests, eggs and their young.

“These birds are trying to scare you away not harm you. Most “swoopers” are male birds, defending their young,” it said.

“These birds, like all wildlife, are legally protected in Victoria.”

Magpies usually swoop from August to November to try and protect their young. Picture Matt Turner.

Yarra Ranges environment and engineering director Mark Varmalis said some birds swoop to protect their young during nesting season — August to November.

“Magpies are a native species and are therefore protected under the Wildlife Act,” Mr Varmalis said.

“The magpie season lasts for six to eight weeks and there is information on how best to manage the situation on the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s website.”

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