The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) has issued a warning to the public to take care as the magpie swooping season has arrived.
DPIE said magpies generally only swoop for a few weeks each year when people enter the territory where they are nesting.
“They swoop because they are fiercely protective of their nest and young,” the Department said, “with any perceived threat causing some male magpies to become aggressive.”
“While it can be very frightening, these magpies are usually just giving us a warning and generally only defend within 100 metres of their nest site.”
It said the best thing to do at this time of year is simply to avoid areas where magpies are known to be nesting.
“For the rest of the year, outside of the breeding season, magpies are friendly and generally welcome neighbours.
“They help control pests in our gardens and their familiar, iconic call is part of the Australian bush.”
DPIE reminded the community that magpies were a protected species and it was an offence to harm them.
