It’s magpie swooping season. Throughout New Zealand, during their July to December breeding period, magpies are defending their territory and young by swooping on animals and humans.
The Central Otago District Council (CODC) has put up signs to warn people at Gair Avenue in Cromwell, which is a bit of trouble spot.
Here are some tips for the remainder of the magpie breeding season:
1. Pay attention to nesting areas
If you see magpie nesting activity in trees in an area where you walk or cycle, consider avoiding the area and plotting a new route for the nesting season.
2. Never harass magpies
Don’t throw things at a nest, don’t climb trees where magpie chicks are nesting and don’t provoke adult magpies.
3. Cover up
Carry an umbrella or wear a solid hat if you have to walk through an area in which you know there are magpies. This can help protect you and deter birds.
4. Stay calm
If you find yourself walking or cycling through magpie swooping territory and it is too late to back out, stay calm. Walk quickly through the area but do not run. Teach children to stay calm too.
5. Be on the lookout and make eye contact
Be on the lookout in known nesting areas. Keep your arms up if you are worried. Magpies often swoop from behind, but they are much less likely to swoop if they are being watched directly. If you maintain eye contact with a magpie for as long as possible, it will be less likely to swoop.
6. Get off your bike
If you are on a bicycle, dismount. Bicycles irritate magpies and getting swooped on while riding can cause accidents. Your helmet will protect you. Walk the bike quickly out of the magpie’s territory.
7. Be understanding and considerate
Magpies are highly intelligent and family-loving, and they are trying to protect their young. You only need to be patient for a few short weeks during the nesting season.
