Swooping season starts for more birds than just magpies

As people start spending more time outdoors, defensive birds are out to protect their young, and it’s not just magpies ready to attack.

With winter’s cold conditions fading further away, there’s no better time to get out and about in the sunshine, whether it be a walk or a run around the block, or exploring a local park.

But with spring comes a whole new danger – one with feathers and a vengeance.

Magpies are the usual swooping suspects. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Birds are getting ready to protect their homes and young from any potential threats.

Magpies are the usual suspects, with endless horror stories of angry ‘pies on the prowl coming out of playgrounds and parks.

But they aren’t alone in their defence of the tree tops, as a new warning for swooping plovers is issued, with Australians urged to walk with at least one eye on the skies above them.

A Spur Winged Plover swooping a dog who has strayed too close to the nest. Picture: Jay Town

Plovers, typically ground nesters, are ensuring that not even wide open spaces are safe from swooping anymore.

Other birds which are known to swoop are Kookaburras and gulls, which will attack out of protectiveness for their nests if people get too close.

Seagulls have been known to get a little too close when there’s food around. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

Cyclists pass by a sign warning people of swooping magpies in Wollongong. Picture: William West / AFP

For avid beachgoers, seagulls have been known to get a little too close when there’s food around, often diving to snatch a chip straight out of people’s hands.

While magpies are known for their instinctive swoops, only one in 10 male birds will have a go. Female magpies will not swoop.

Cities across the country which experience higher than desirable swooping rates often have signs indicating a high swoop area, meaning those who dare enter are well aware they may become a target.