CYCLISTS riding the many Ipswich paths with cable ties attached to their helmets are a visual reminder it’s swooping season.
Few species spark fear in the heart of cyclists, joggers and walkers more than the Australian magpie.
Its black and white feathers, and bubbling warble, a familiar sight and sound so prolific it even has its own website.
Magpiealert.com is a place people record aggressive swooping magpies and report injuries.
As of last week, 1109 ‘swoops’ were reported and 121 injuries incurred.
Cyclist Katherine was riding along James Josey Avenue at Springfield when her attack happened.
‘Wasn’t a magpie, but a very angry magpie lark (pee wee),’ she wrote on Magpiealert.com.
‘Had three goes at my helmet, two from behind and one from in front’.
Andrew B, also a cyclist, logged ‘a couple of half hearted swoops. Didn’t follow me past the intersection of Blackstone’.
Sharon U was getting in an early morning jog along Warwick Road at Yamanto when ‘magpie swooped but no impact/contact. Warning swoop’.
University of Southern Queensland wildlife science lecturer Dr Meg Edwards said spring was a mixed blessing as days got warmer, flowers bloomed and birds nested.
“It’s this last change which can be a problem,” she said.
“Nesting makes male birds from species such as magpies, magpie-larks and masked lapwings (also known as plovers) territorial and protective, and willing to dive-bomb humans.”
Magpies swoop to defend their nest and chicks.
Human activity is seen as a potential threat.
“Australian magpies start their breeding season in winter,” she explained.
“They build basket like nests of sticks and twigs which they line with soft materials such as grass and hair.
“Peak breeding season comes between August and November when eggs and chicks are in the nest.
“These four months are when swooping increases.”
Their swooping behaviour is most intense the few weeks chicks are at their most vulnerable in the nest.
“Fast moving cyclists are seen by these birds as a particular threat,” she said.
“Data indicates cyclists are the number one target but humans aren’t being singled out, magpies swoop other birds too.
“Generally, male magpies will perform a warning swoop when they perceive danger.
“If that’s ignored, they can swoop a second or third time.
“This is often combined with alarm calls and clapping their beak to make warning sounds.”
The wildlife expert said if someone is swooped they’re more likely to be swooped again because magpies can recognise and remember human faces.
They’ve even been known to swoop the same people year after year.
“Magpies tend to swoop from above but magpie-larks, the unrelated black and white bird also known as peewees or mudlarks do more damage,” she said.
“When they swoop, they come in from the front and can go for the eyes.”
Her advice to those tired of being swooped is to choose a different path for a couple of weeks until the chicks have left the nest.
“Magpies often nest in the same area each year, so if you’ve been swooped before, consider avoiding that route,” she said.
“Protective gear such as sunglasses and a hat can help you avoid injury.
“Wearing sunglasses on the back of your head or sticking fake eyes to the back of your helmet or hat can help, as magpies do not like to be looked at when swooping.
“If you are unlucky enough to be swooped, try not to run or scream as this can make you seem an even bigger threat.
“Instead, move out of the bird’s territory as soon as possible.”
