A swooping bird can give quite a fright, which is why Camden Council is taking the opportunity to remind residents to stay alert as breeding season commences.
Many species of birds breed in Spring, including magpies, butcher birds and plovers (masked lapwings). For some species, their natural behaviour is to protect the territory around their nesting site and their young which results in some "parent" birds swooping either people, pets or other animals.
To reduce your chances of being swooped:
- Avoid the nest site and use an alternate route if possible. You can check out our map of reported swooping bird locations below to help plan your trip;
- Do not deliberately provoke or harass the birds as this may make them more aggressive;
- Walk calmly through the area;
- Protect your head with a large, wide brim hat or carry an open umbrella. You can place eyes on the back of hats and umbrellas which may reduce the likelihood of the bird swooping;
- Wear glasses to protect your eyes;
- Keep an eye on the bird, as they are less likely to swoop if you look at them; and
- If you're riding a bike, dismount and walk through the bird's territory and try fitting a bike flag to your bike or attaching cable ties or fake eyes to the back of your helmet.
Mayor of Camden, Cr Ashleigh Cagney, said it was important to remember not to panic.
"It's totally normal behaviour and it doesn't last forever," she said.
"Native birds play a really important role in our environment, and it's crucial that we learn to live alongside them so we're not putting their survival at risk.
"If you feel a swooping bird has become a danger, the swooping bird and its location can be reported to Council on 13 22 63. We will arrange warning signs to alert members of the public to swooping birds.
"You can also report it to the landowner and the nearest National Parks and Wildlife Service office on 4580 2750."
For more information, including the swooping bird tracking map, visit http://bit.ly/swooping-birds
