As early summer approaches, nature wakes up after winter’s slumber and some bird species get super-protective of their offspring. It’s not the females that we must watch out for, it’s the males. In the wet Tropics of Queensland, cassowary dads vigorously defend their egg clutches and freshy-minted chicks (as do their close relatives, the emus).
Over most of Australia, magpies, magpie-larks and plovers become highly territorial and more than happy to dive-bomb humans of all ages. They also defend their brood from other animal species, including predators. The so-called “swooping season” runs between August and November, when eggs and chicks are in their nests.
According to data from MagpieAlert, fast-moving cyclists are the number one target during the breeding season. During these four months encounters with humans are most common but, according to scientists, actual injuries only occur 10-15% of the time.
Do all male magpies swoop? It turns out that about 10% of nesting magpies do this, but you might have noticed the same male doing this every year along the same section of road (their
territory).
Experts say be alert but not alarmed during swooping season. It may help you or your children to avoid a certain bike riding or walking route. Where possible, wear sunglasses, a hat or bike helmet. Another idea is to place fake eyes on the back of your bike helmet. Magpies apparently don’t like being looked at during swooping behaviour.