The arrival of spring has brought with it a burst of baby birds and animals and with it have come some very protective parents.
The Tweed has made national headlines recently with the swooping problem of a particularly determined magpie.
But the Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers’ bird co-ordinator, Corrina Lever, says killing or relocating swooping magpies is not the answer and instead it is best to learn to live with your normally friendly magpie who may turn from Jekyll to Hyde when it has babies about.
“Magpies are both territorial and totally devoted parents,” said Ms Lever.
“Breeding increases their natural territorial behaviour to defend against any perceived threats.
“This includes birds, dogs, cats and, of course, us.”
Killing or trapping an aggressive bird was not the solution, she said, because the eggs would not hatch or nestlings would be left to die of starvation or exposure without their parents.
Apart from the difficulties of removing a nest from the top of a high tree, Ms Lever said the parents would simply build another one, prolonging the swooping period.
And removing the parents and the nest was also not a solution as it just meant other magpies in the area would move in and build their own nest.
She said it was best to try to stay away from the magpie swooping range – about 30 to 50 metres from the nest – between the time the eggs are laid until the babies are flying, which can take about eight weeks.
“If you can’t take another route, then move quickly through their territory or travel in a group, because a magpie will usually only take on individuals,” she said.
“Magpies don’t like large objects, so carry an open umbrella or a branch over your head or wear a large hat or bicycle helmet and try to be confident, by turning around to face the magpie because they will usually only mount an attack on unsuspecting people facing away from them.
“Most importantly, don’t stand and throw things at the magpie because all that does is justify its need to protect and may increase its aggression next time it breeds. It is usually only the male that swoops.”
Ms Lever reminded residents that Australian Magpies are native birds and therefore are fully protected by law in all states and territories, and this includes their eggs and nests.
“Magpies eat an enormous amount of insects, grubs and garden pests including the scarab beetle which does so much damage to our lawns – and they do it free of charge,” she said.
“They also give us a beautiful morning song so let’s learn to live in harmony with our usually-friendly black and white neighbour and steer clear of them for the short period of time when they have their protective, cranky pants on.”
For more information, phone Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers on 02 6672 4789 or contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Quick tips for dealing with magpies.
nTry to stay out of the swoop zone, about 30-50m from the nest, which will stop once the nestlings are flying, about eight weeks after the eggs are laid.
nIf you are swooped, don’t stop. You are still in their territory so they will keep swooping. Move quickly out of the area, but don’t run.
nIf you are a cyclist, wear a helmet. Get off and walk through the area. The magpie may lose interest.
nTry to be confident. Face the magpie. They usually only attack from behind.
nIf possible, travel in a group. Magpies usually only swoop individuals.
nCarry a stick or branch over your head or wear a wide brimmed hat or, better still, an open umbrella. Magpies don’t like swooping large objects and it offers protection.
nDo not throw things at the magpie, you will only encourage it and increase its aggression next time.
