The time of year that Victorians most dread is almost here: Swooping Season!
With spring just a matter of days away, native birds are beginning to breed and nest, increasing the likelihood of us getting “swooped” when heading through our favourite parks and gardens.
Species such as the mudlark, butcherbird, plover and particularly the black-and-white magpie are considered the most notorious swoopers.
But according to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s (DEECA) Manager of Wildlife Emergencies and Welfare Services, Tony English, their presence in a certain place doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be targeted.
“Swooping is a natural and temporary behaviour that some native birds use to protect their eggs and chicks during the breeding season,” Mr English says.
“The behaviour is usually short-lived and ends once young birds have left the nest.”
Your best bet to avoid being swooped is to steer clear of “hotspots” where birds are known to target people, such as playgrounds, cycling paths or areas with gum trees.
Other recommendations from authorities include:
- maintaining eye contact with birds until you have cleared an area;
- moving quickly and calmly through the area rather than running;
- wearing protective head and eye coverings when needed;
- not feeding birds or disturbing their nests, and;
- avoiding any and all harassment of birds, which can increase their defensive behaviour.
That last point is especially important as harassing, harming or disturbing native birds and other wildlife is illegal in Victoria, and can result in penalties.
For those wanting to be extra cautious, Wildlife Victoria has established an online, interactive “Swoop Map” where you can view known hotspots, or add a location where you’ve seen aggressive birds targeting people.
That map can be accessed via mapshare.vic.gov.au/webmap/swoop-map/
