Spring is here – Magpie Swooping Season

Spring is here and along with the beautiful weather comes magpie swooping season. 

“Many community members have already noticed magpies swooping in certain areas throughout the Shire,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Ambrose Doolan. “Between August and October is usually magpie breeding season which opens up the risk of swooping attacks as magpies attempt to protect their nests.” 

“This is a reminder for residents and visitors to the Warrumbungle Region that magpies are protected throughout NSW under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, which makes it against the law to kill the birds, collect their eggs or harm their young.” 

“Council Officers have no powers to authorise or carry out the destruction of magpies and cannot discharge a firearm within town limits. However, Council has erected some caution signs in regular swopping spots to alert the public,” said Cr Doolan.  

To protect yourself or your loved ones from magpie aggression, try the following tips:
• When a magpie swoops, do not stop – walk away quickly.
• Eye contact may prevent the magpie from swooping.
• Stay calm as erratic behaviour may come off as an attack and make the magpie more aggressive.
• Wear sunglasses on the back of your head or wear a hat with eyes drawn on the back.
• Carry an open umbrella or a stick above your head (but do not wave it).

Remember that magpies are only trying to protect their nesting trees and exaggerated responses to swooping or “fighting back” can only make them more aggressive.

Have you noticed a magpie swooping in a particular area, or you’d like to check for possible alerts before you go out? MagpieAlert.com is a website that has been created for the public to share swooping magpie attacks to inform and protect other community members. 

Attacks may be reported to your nearest National Parks and Wildlife Service Office.

Click here to download media release 

Last Updated: 23 Sep 2022