Bird swooping season
Spring is just around the corner and bird swooping season has begun. We’re already receiving reports of birds swooping around the municipality and we’re urging residents to be cautious during this temporary period.
Native birds swoop humans (and their dogs) to defend their young for the 6-8 weeks between when they hatch and when they leave the nest.
Tips to avoid being swooped
• Avoid the swoop area – try walking or riding in a different direction.
• Cyclists should always wear a helmet. It is better to dismount and walk your bike past a swoop area.
• Put up warning signs for others who may not be aware that there are swooping birds in the area.
• Travel in a group. Most birds only swoop individuals.
• Usually they only swoop people facing away from them.
• Try not to panic and run. It will only encourage a swooping bird to continue its attack.
• Wear a hat in an area where there are swooping birds.
• Holding a stick or umbrella over your head will often cause the bird to keep its distance.
Do not harass, interfere or throw stones at birds as this only makes them more aggressive and defensive. As all native birds are protected in Victoria, Council is unable to remove or relocate Magpies. Please do not harass the birds or their nests. Serious penalties apply.
Find swoop spots and add your own swooping bird record
We will be installing temporary signage in our parks and open spaces alerting visitors of bird-swoop hot spot areas - please contact us and let us know the area you have encountered an aggressive bird in Bayside. You can also use this handy map to track and record swooping birds.
For more information
Contact the DECCA Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit Victoria's Wildlife website.
