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 Michelle Wagner said it is important for residents to be mindful of swooping birds over the coming months.

“Nesting parents are protective of their eggs and chicks, and some will swoop to scare away what they believe to be threats,” Councillor Wagner said.

“The swooping zone around a nest can be up to 100m, but this varies depending on how protective the parents are.

“All swooping birds found in the Gladstone Region are native animals, and it is an offence to harm, interfere or relocate them without state department authorisation.”

Cr Wagner added that Council manages swooping birds by providing information, implementing an appropriate response on Council controlled land such as installing warning signs, and where appropriate, undertake swooping bird assessments.

“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 magpie fact sheet and an interactive swooping bird hotspot map,” she said.

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

Council does not monitor the map for new reports. To report swooping birds, contact Council online or by phoning 4970 0700.

The best way to avoid being swooped is to:

• Avoid swooping hotspots 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 www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/wildlife for more information about swooping birds.

Download this media release (PDF)

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