If you see one of these signs around Canberra, be on your guard. It's magpie breeding season, and the males can be quite aggressive in protecting their nests. I heard a radio interview a few days ago where someone was saying that the female magpie will kick her mate out if she doesn't think he's doing enough to protect her and the eggs/chicks, so you really can't blame him for trying to prove he's worth keeping!
Most swooping is to warn off potential invaders, and your best bet is to keep walking at a steady pace away from the bird's territory, so it can see you're not a threat. If it's really going to attack, a bird will usually swoop down, hover very close to you, and then attack - usually your head and eyes. Whatever you do, don't throw things at them or retaliate, as this will only make them more aggressive.
4 comments:
Oh my goodness! This is a first for me. :)
Your magpies must be more aggressive than ours. I love the sign.
There's a few stories roaming around about magpie attacks this year! Even my hubby managed a head belting (drew blood) at Mornington and he was walking the main street! A great idea to have signs like this!
Ha, very different from the magpies at my place that's for sure.
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