Swooping birds
Springtime is swooping bird season
Many of our parks, reserves and bike tracks may become danger zones during spring as native birds swoop as a way of protecting their nests, eggs and young from unsuspecting passers-by. In most cases swooping is a form of intimidation. Only sometimes will the birds actually attack.
In order to combat this annual event, the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has swoop! resources available with essential information and practical approaches to avoid attack.
Understanding why native birds swoop and how to avoid their swooping may make breeding season less stressful for bike riders.
There is an information brochure, a warning sign for use in areas where birds swoop and a poster for use indoors, and a sticker with pair of eyes for attaching to the back of bike helmets and hats.
For a free swoop! information brochure contact the DSE Customer Service Centre on phone 136 186 or visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/swoop. The sticker, signs and posters can be purchased from Information Victoria, phone 1300 366 356.
Ways to avoid swooping that may work
- Avoid the swoop area. Try riding in a different direction.
- Cyclists should always wear a helmet. It is better to dismount and walk your bike past a swoop area.
- Put up warning signs for others who may not be aware that there are swooping birds in the area.
- Travel in a group. Most birds only swoop individuals.
- Be confident and face a swooping bird; usually they only attack people facing away from them. Magpies appear to be dissuaded from swooping when they are being watched, so try sticking 'eyes' on the back of your helmet.
- Do not panic and run. It will only encourage a swooping bird to continue its attack.
