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 sticker with a 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 stickers and signs 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.

The latest in swooping bird prevention

We've seen a few people getting around with cable ties sticking up from their helmet. The word is, that this is a great way to scare off swooping birds.

If you are one of these people - send us in your photo so we can show everyone else the latest method to deter swooping birds.

James Jeal modified his helmet with cable ties which are 300mm long and 3mm wide. So far he has not been attacked.

Richard Sherratt says: "For the first time ever, I was swooped by a magpie in mid-August at the Hawthorn velodrome. After some research, I added two 380 mm cable
ties vertically and two smaller ones over the ears. I haven't been swooped since, though some magpies have had a look and then veered off. I made the same mods to a friend's helmet. She was being
monstered by one particular magpie on the Gardiners Creek path near
the velodrome. Since then, she hasn't had a problem. It seems to work.

Of course, you have to put up with a few strange looks from other
riders. Just tell them that they're the antennae for your in-helmet sat nav."