News

Be prepared, not scared of swooping birds

By Yarrawonga Chronicle

Aug 31, 2022

With spring just around the corner, native birds such as magpies and masked lapwings may begin swooping during their breeding season - but there are steps we can take to remain safe at this time.

North-east Victorians are being reminded that with spring just around the corner, native birds such as magpies and masked lapwings may begin swooping during their breeding season - but there are steps we can take to remain safe at this time.

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Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Senior Wildlife Projects Officer, Therese Davis, said some native birds swoop to defend their eggs and young for the six to eight weeks until they leave the nest.

“Swooping can catch us by surprise, but it is normal behaviour for some territorial birds,” Ms Davis said.

“Swooping is basically a scare tactic to warn people and animals not to come near their nesting young. Birds may swoop people or animals, so be mindful of your dogs too.

“However, not all birds swoop to protect their eggs and young during the breeding season, so don't be concerned simply because there are magpies or other common swooping birds in the area. “During this time of year less than 10 per cent of birds actually swoop and even fewer make contact. “If you are worried about being swooped, you can do a few things to protect yourself.”

Tips to avoid being swooped: • Know your local swooping hotspots • Avoid the area if possible • Move quickly, but do not run • Cover your head with a hat, helmet or umbrella, but don’t wave it around • Do not harass or feed birds.

All Victorian native wildlife is protected by law, and it is illegal to harass or harm native birds and other wildlife without authorisation.