Swooping magpies

Known locations you should avoid in swooping season

  • Darlington Point: End of Hay Road near the intersection with Kidman Way
  • Darlington Point: Griffith side of the bridge over the Murrumbidgee River
  • Darlington Point: Skate Park
  • Darlington Point: Entrances to the common (from Chant Street and King Street)
  • Darlington Point: White Street
  • Darlington Point: Young Street
  • Jerilderie: Bunyola Boulevard
  • Jerilderie: Southern end of Monash Park (Nowranie Street)
  • Jerilderie: Lake Jerilderie - adjacent to Memorial Park
  • Jerilderie Medical Centre, 65 Mahonga Street
  • Jerilderie Ambulance Station, 31 Southey Street
  • Jerilderie: Rankin Road on the corner of the new estate
  • Jerilderie: Wonga Court
  • Jerilderie: Around the Lake, Memorial Park near the cenotaph
  • Jerilderie: From St Joseph's School to Council office down Kennedy Street

Reduce your chances of being swooped!

You can take the following precautions during the period when magpies are swooping:

  • avoid the swooping area by taking an alternative route or staying at least 150 m clear of the nesting area
  • don't deliberately provoke or harass the birds as this may make them more aggressive
  • never approach or try to pick up a young magpie
  • take care as injuries can occur as a result of the birds striking
  • wear a large, wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses or carry an open umbrella
  • place eyes on the back of hats and umbrellas and this may reduce the likelihood of the birds swooping
  • keep an eye on the bird as this may discourage attacks
  • walk in a group whenever possible
  • make a temporary sign to warn others

Bike riders:

  • if possible, take an alternative route
  • get off your bike and walk through the bird's territory
  • wear sunglasses
  • fit a flag or decorations on your bike or helmet

 

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