Springtime on the Bellarine Peninsula is the time when magpies may swoop during their breeding season.
August through to November is normally when the swooping begins.
During this time, the birds will defend their nests and chicks, but also defend their surrounding territory.
“Every spring, some native birds swoop to defend their eggs and chicks for a short time while their young are most vulnerable,” senior wildlife projects officer at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate
Action (DEECA) Simon Ruff said.
“While swooping is unsettling, it’s normal behaviour for a range of native birds, warning people and animals not to come near their young. It’s rare for birds to make contact.”
Current hotspots for magpies swooping on the Bellarine are in Ocean Grove around the corner of Wedge and Orton Streets and Janelle Way at Kingston Estate.
Other reported swooping sites are at 455 Murradoc Road and around Duke Street in Drysdale.
Native birds swoop in urban and rural areas, parks and gardens, along bike tracks or anywhere that birds are nesting. Species that may swoop commonly include magpies, masked lapwings and butcherbirds.
“Not all birds swoop during the breeding season, so the presence of magpies or other common swooping birds doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be swooped,” Mr Ruff said.
“Remember, the swooping behaviour will only last a short time, normally stopping soon after the young leave the nest.”
If you are worried about being caught out by a protective bird this spring, here are some steps you can take to feel safe, while also helping our native birds:
• Know your local swooping hotspots and avoid the area
• Move quickly but do not run if you find yourself close to a swooping bird
• Wear protective head and eye coverings
• Don’t harass birds – this can make swooping worse
• Don’t feed the birds and do not destroy their nests.
