Published on Thursday, 12 September 2019 at 9:20:46 AM
Residents are warned to be on guard for swooping magpies when visiting parks, walking tree-lined streets and footpaths, or visiting ovals with the onset of Spring signalling the start of the birds breeding season.
The City of Albany Reserves team is reminding residents to take care during magpie breeding season as the birds will often swoop and attack individuals they perceive as a threat to their young.
Breeding season begins with magpies collecting nest material and establishing territorial boundaries. Once the nests are built, females will lay between three and five eggs which hatch within three weeks of the six week breeding season.
City of Albany Reserves Manager Jacqui Freeman encouraged everyone to be extra cautious when crossing magpie swooping hot spots around the City, or avoid them.
“Magpies can cause serious damage when they start to swoop so it is best to think about changing your route and staying away from known magpie nesting areas as magpies often head back to the same spot they nested the previous year,” she said.
Other options to stay safe this magpie breeding season include avoiding eye contact with the magpie, not provoking the magpies by attempting to get their attention, and wearing a wide brimmed hat.
Magpie breeding season typically lasts from September to October each year. The City urges residents to report any hot spots to 6820 3000.
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