Swooping season swoops in again

AS THE weather gets warmer and the days longer, Victorians will also start to see the occasional swooping bird.

Native birds enter their breeding season in spring, and some may get protective of their young.

“Swooping is a normal, temporary behaviour for native birds like magpies, butcherbirds and masked lapwings to defend their eggs and chicks for a short time while their young are most vulnerable,” Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) statewide wildlife advisory services manager Lachlan Clarke said.

“Think of it as a warning sign. They’re telling you to keep your distance. While it can be a bit unsettling, it’s rare for them to make contact.”

Swooping can occur in both urban and rural areas, including parks, gardens, and along bike paths.

“Not all birds swoop during the breeding season, so the presence of magpies or other common swooping birds does not necessarily mean you will be swooped,” Mr Clarke said.

This behaviour only lasts a short time, usually ending once the young have left the nest.

If you are worried about being caught out by a protective bird this spring, DEECA suggests taking these steps to feel safe, while also protecting our native birds:

• Avoid known swooping hotspots
• Move quickly; don’t run if near a swooping bird
• Wear protective head and eye coverings
• Do not harass birds, as this can escalate swooping, and
• Do not feed birds or destroy their nests.

Report a swooping incident on Victoria’s interactive swooping bird map by heading to wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds.

All native wildlife is protected by law. Harassing, harming or disturbing native birds and other wildlife is illegal in Victoria and penalties apply.

To report wildlife crime such as harassing, harming or disturbing wildlife, phone Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.