Zoom! It’s magpie mania

By Lia Bichel
MAYBE it’s breeding season, or maybe it’s because they lost their last game – either way, swooping magpies are wreaking havoc in Cardinia.
Veterinarian Nick Emerton, from Pakenham Veterinary Clinic, said magpies were fiercely territorial at this time of year.
“They are reproductively active right now and are extremely territorial,” he said. “A lot of birds, like Kookaburras, are the same, but they don’t impact on humans. Magpie’s aren’t scared to have a crack.”
Melanie Ward from Australia Post said the swooping birds were affecting posties, but they have been taking proper precautions to protect themselves.
“Measures include wearing some form of eye protection, such as protective glasses and a helmet, finding alternative routes and placing stickers on helmets,” she said. “When a postie does encounter a swooping magpie, they fill out a hazard warning card to report the incident and make other posties aware.”
Dr Emerton said there were many tips walkers and bikers could follow to avoid being swooped by the pesky birds.
First – recognise the areas that could be occupied by magpies, such as tall gum trees.
Secondly – magpies tend to ‘gorilla attack’, meaning they swoop from behind or the side.
Dr Emerton suggested wearing something that looked like eyes on the back of a hat or helmet.
“When the birds think you’re looking at them, they tend not to swoop,” he said.
Thirdly – carry a stick above your head and wave it around.
Lastly – “Make sure you move promptly through these areas,” he said. In other words – run!
Anyone who bleeds after being attacked by a magpie is urged to seek medical advice from their doctor.