Living Here

Don't let birds swoop you off your feet

The breeding season for most swooping birds has arrived and Council is reminding residents to take precautions where necessary.

The breeding season for most swooping birds - including magpies, plovers, crows and butcherbirds - is July to November, peaking between August to October.

Gladstone Region Councillor Darryl Branthwaite said it is important for residents to be mindful of swooping birds over the coming months.

“The swooping zone around a nest can be up to 150m, but this varies depending on how protective the parents are,” Councillor Branthwaite said.

“The best thing concerned residents can do is visit Council’s website where they can find information about swooping birds, including an easy-to-understand animated video, tips to avoid being swooped, a ‘Living with Magpies’ fact sheet and an interactive swooping bird hotspot map.

“The interactive map allows residents to view hotspot areas and add their own hotspots so that alternative walking or cycling routes can be made.”

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/wildlife for more information about swooping birds.