It’s that time of year when you’ll spot locals riding around with bike helmets covered in cable ties, proudly pointing skyward like some sort of spiky crown. It’s a classic Australian tradition, and a sure sign magpie nesting season is here! If you know a magpie is nesting nearby, you’ll probably also know about their planned attacks. Magpies are well known for swooping during nesting season, particularly when they’re protecting their young. Australian children’s author Pamela Allen wrote a book we read to our kids when they were little: Waddle Giggle Gargle. “Waddle giggle gargle!” the magpie shouts, as Jonathan and his family come up with a rather unusual way to defend themselves against a swooping magpie. But what can we actually do to avoid being swooped when we’re out and about around Lake Macquarie? Let’s take a look at how to stay safe and be prepared for magpie season.
How to identify a magpie
Magpies are easy to recognise, with their distinctive black-and-white feathers, black head and belly, and white patches on their wings and tail. Their beautiful warbling call is a true Aussie sound, especially during the warmer months. But did you know magpies are also talented mimics? They can imitate the calls of more than 35 different bird species. They can also make sounds from other animals, including dogs and horses, and even human chatter!
Magpie breeding season
Magpies generally begin breeding in late July, but you’re more likely to notice them protecting their young in September and October. Usually, the male swoops, and thankfully, only a small percentage of magpies display this behaviour. Unfortunately, the swooping few can give all magpies a bad rap! For most of the year, magpies are a joy to have around. They happily dig for insects and hunt small creatures such as skinks and frogs in the garden. They’re also a gardener’s friend, helping to keep lawns healthy by feasting on scarab beetles and other pesky lawn-dwelling insects.
Intelligent birds
Magpies are incredibly intelligent birds and can even recognise individual human faces. If you live near a magpie nest and the birds don’t see you as a threat, they may become quite comfortable around you and won’t generally swoop. This means you can enjoy watching these clever birds raise their young, teach them how to find food and prepare them for life outside the nest. They really are devoted parents, and once you get to know them, it’s easy to appreciate just how fascinating these Aussie birds can be.
Magpies remember like elephants
Magpies have impressive memories and can remember people they’ve had negative experiences with. If someone has threatened or chased a magpie in the past, it may remember that person and become more defensive around them. They can also become wary of certain groups, such as children or cyclists, if they’ve had previous experiences that they associate with a threat. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable during swooping season, as they move quickly past the nest, making it harder for the magpie to see and identify their face.
How to avoid being swooped
What can you do to avoid being targeted by our feathered friends? If you know a magpie is nesting in a nearby tree, avoid the area if you can. If you do need to pass through, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and a broad-brimmed hat or bicycle helmet to protect your head and ears. An umbrella can also provide a handy shield. Magpies often swoop from behind, so keep an eye out and try not to panic. Avoid waving sticks or other objects at the bird, as this may be seen as a threat. And, believe it or not, getting to know your local magpie can help! Talk calmly as you walk past and give the bird plenty of space. Over time, it may learn that you’re not a threat.
Some other things to try
- Keep moving: Don’t stop underneath the nest. Walk or ride calmly and quickly through the magpie’s territory.
- Keep an eye on them: Magpies are less likely to swoop when they know you’re watching them, so keep the bird in sight as you pass.
- Sunglasses on the back of your head: Some people swear by this trick, giving the magpie the impression you have eyes in the back of your head!
- Try a hat with eyes: A hat with eyes on the back can also help make you appear more alert and may discourage a swoop.
Protected species
Magpies are a protected native species in NSW, which means it is illegal to kill them, interfere with their eggs or harm their young. If a magpie is posing a serious threat, contact Lake Macquarie City Council for advice on what to do. Magpies are an important part of our Australian environment, and while swooping season can be frustrating, it’s worth remembering that they’re simply protecting their young. Give them space, enjoy their beautiful calls, and watch as the little ones grow and learn. We’re lucky to live in a place like Lake Macquarie, where nature is right on our doorstep – and thankfully, swooping season only lasts for a few weeks each year!
References:
Swooping magpies are just trying to be ‘good dads’, expert says {Accessed 2/9/20}
What can I do about aggressive birds swooping? {Accessed 2/9/20}
