Stay safe during magpie swooping season

It’s magpie nesting time and reports of the birds dive bombing walkers and cyclists in Marlborough have prompted a timely reminder.

Council’s Multi Modal Transport Advisor Charlotte Campbell-Lamerton said during the nesting season magpies become highly protective of their young. “We’ve received several reports of swooping birds,” she said.

Here are some tips to help keep you safe:

Pay attention to nesting areas
If you see magpie nesting activity in trees, consider avoiding the area and plotting a new walking or cycling route.

Stay calm
If you find yourself in magpie territory and it’s too late to back out, stay calm. Walk quickly through the area but do not run. Ask children to stay calm too.

Be on the lookout and make eye contact

If you maintain eye contact with a magpie for as long as possible, it will be less likely to swoop. Keep your arms up if you are worried. Magpies often swoop from behind but are much less likely to swoop if they are being watched directly.

Get off your bike
If you are on a bike, dismount. Bikes irritate magpies and getting swooped on while riding can cause accidents. Your helmet will protect you. Walk the bike quickly out of the magpie’s territory.

Be understanding and considerate
Magpies are highly intelligent and are just trying to protect their young. You only need to be patient for a few weeks during the nesting season.