Bird swooping season

Published on 01 September 2024

Residents are reminded that with spring comes bird breeding and swooping season. This includes magpies, magpie-larks or peewees and plovers.

Council recommends residents change walking or cycling routes where birds are nesting, and swooping.

If you do need to walk or cycle by a nest, try wearing a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses or carry an open umbrella. If you are walking a dog, use a leash.

For cyclists, dismount and walk your bike past the site. While riding, attaching cable ties to helmets is practiced by some cyclists.

Be aware some aggressive birds will fly up off the ground.

Residents can report swooping online at: www.magpiealert.com

Magpies, peewees and plovers are all protected native species.

Further information:

National Parks and Wilidlife Service policy for managing swooping birds