Beware the swooping magpies

Bourke-based National Parks Ranger Jenna Christmas said there have been many reports of magpies swooping this year. Photo TWH

Magpies are marvellous most times of the year, but with spring comes magpie nesting season and the possibility of being swooped by an overprotective magpie parent.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service is reminding people in the Outback that the best course of action is to steer clear of nesting areas.

Bourke National Parks Ranger Jenna Christmas said it was important to remember the breeding season doesn’t last for long and that the birds can’t help their swooping behaviour.

“Magpie nesting usually begins around early September, with the breeding season lasting 6-8 week,” Jenna said.

“It can be really frightening to be swooped by a magpie, but mostly it is just bluff, as the magpie attempts to frighten you away from a nesting area.

“It’s helpful to know that magpies are not trying to attack you, they are trying to protect their young, and that includes the mother magpie, the dad and the rest of the family – they will all protect a nest.”

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