Peak season for swooping birds

Published on 12 September 2024

With the arrival of Spring, Rockhampton Regional Council is reminding residents that this time of year is also the breeding season for magpies.

The breeding season runs from August and November with the peak period for magpies swooping taking place between August to October.

Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said it is important for residents to be aware that there would be an increase of swooping magpies in the coming weeks.

“Swooping is a protective response to scare away what the magpies perceive to be a threat,” Cr Mathers said.

“Depending on how territorial the birds are, magpies generally limit their swooping behaviour to a 100m-200m radius around their nest.

“All swooping birds found in the Region are native animals, and it is an offence to harm, interfere or relocate them without a permit issued by Department of Environment and Science.”

The best methods to protect against magpies is by wearing a hat and sunglasses or using an umbrella.

“As the peak season lasts six weeks, the best course of action is to avoid that area where possible,” Cr Mathers said.

If you have a concern in relation to swooping birds on Council-managed land, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 4932 9000 or 1300 22 55 77.

The best way to avoid being swooped is to:

• Avoid swooping hot spots by finding an alternative route
• If you are riding your bike, dismount and walk when passing through a swooping zone and attach a flag on a long pole to your bike
• Protect yourself by wearing a broad-brimmed hat or using an umbrella, or holding your school bag above your head
• Wear glasses or sunglasses to protect your eyes
• Team up with others and walk in a group
• Avoid threatening or scaring nesting birds, as this will increase the intensity of swooping.

Visit here for more information about swooping birds.