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Avoid magpie hotspots in SA with this website

You can see where attacks regularly happen and log your own experiences to help keep people safe.

It’s the season of bird swooping and this Magpie Alert Map is here to help keep you safe.

With breeding season between August and October, magpie swooping becomes much more frequent as the birds become protective of their young ones.

They see humans as potential threats and can attack in attempt to protect their eggs and newly hatched chicks.

This website tracks aggressive swooping magpies in your local area to help people note swooping hotspots.

So far, the site has recorded 208 attacks in South Australia, and 3,190 attacks with 369 injures from magpies Australia-wide.

The most common activity done by people when magpies attack is cycling with 72.4 per cent, followed by walking with 19.9 per cent.

People can also record if they have experienced an incident with a magpie on the site.

If you are a cyclist, walker, runner or maybe a concerned member of the public then you can help protect others by sharing swooping magpie attacks online.

There are also plenty of ways to protect yourself from a magpie swoop, check out our top tips below:

  1. Avoid magpie nests where possible. If your usual route to the local shops or work takes you past a magpie nest, the best course of action is to find another route if you can.
  2. If you come across a magpie, stay calm and keep moving.
  3. Warn your neighbours. If you know of a swooping magpie in your area, put up signs to let others in your neighbourhood know.
  4. Cover you head! When you’re out for your daily stroll, headwear is a must. Wear sunnies, a broad-rimmed hat or helmet, or carry an umbrella.
  5. If you’re riding a bike, your best bet is to hop off and walk past the nesting area.
  6. Face the magpie as you move past it.
  7. Do NOT approach baby magpies on the ground. If you think the little bird may be injured, contact your local bird rescue branch.
  8. Do NOT act aggressively or wave your arms around and yell.
  9. Do NOT try to feed magpies. This may lead to long term health consequences for the bird.
  10. And most importantly…remember that magpies have long memories. Magpies can recognise the faces of humans and as they can live up to 30 years, it’s best to stay on their good side.

Visit Magpie Alert Map to keep track of magpie activity in your area.

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