The City of Wanneroo advises residents to take precautions when walking and cycling near nesting magpies in parks and bushland areas.
Magpies breed between August and December and defend their offspring by flying low and fast to intimidate people who enter their territory.
While swooping magpies can be frightening, they swoop during nesting season to protect their young from perceived threats.
Magpies are protected by State and Commonwealth legislation and the City urges people to follow advice from The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions:
- Stay clear of magpie nesting areas. Birds normally defend an area of about 100 metres radius around their nests.
- If entering a magpie’s territory, adopt a confident stance and watch the bird. If it swoops, move on quickly but don’t run.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect eyes and face, and carry an umbrella for protection.
- If riding a bike, make sure to wear a helmet and dismount and walk through nesting areas.
- Never deliberately provoke or harass magpies by throwing objects at them.
If you are concerned about aggressive magpies in your local area, please contact the Department’s Wildlife Helpline on 9474 9055 or the City of Wanneroo's Conservation Team on 9405 5000.