Avoiding magpie swoops in Spring nesting season

MAGPIE swooping season has arrived, and Tweed Shire Council is reminding residents to be aware of increased nesting activity in the area over the next four to six weeks.

A council spokesperson said it was important to remember that only a small percentage of magpie males swoop to defend their nests.

“It’s to protect their young, and they stop as soon as the young are out of the nest,” they said.

“To help the magpies during this short time, the easiest thing to do is focus on the practical stuff.

“If it’s a bird that’s concerned about pushbikes, get off your bike for that short stretch, and they’ll stop swooping.

“If they’re uncomfortable with walkers, see if you can walk a different way for a little while.”

To minimise the risk of being swooped, the council also recommended being aware of local swooping hotspots, avoiding areas with swooping activity, wearing a hat and sunglasses, and keeping an eye out for magpie warning signage.

It also urged residents not to harass, interfere with, or feed swooping birds, and to refrain from destroying nests.

The community can report aggressive or menacing birds on public land to the council or the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Magpies are protected in NSW, and it is against the law to kill the birds or collect their eggs.

For more information, contact NPWS on 02 6670 8600 or visit tweed.nsw.gov.au