How to prevent Australian magpies swooping this spring: Bird experts warn against running, eye contact and wearing hats if you want to stay safe

Now that spring is in full swing, experts share how to stay safe from surfacing magpies during the birds’ breeding season.

Between August and October, magpies fiercely protect their nests, knocking down anyone who gets too close and can cause serious injury with their sharp beaks.

However, there are some reliable ways to avoid being mugged, Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES), said FEMAIL.

The service recommends, among other things, avoiding known breeding areas for magpies, wearing a hat or using an umbrella. They also warn against eye contact with the birds.

Female magpies typically lay eggs in mid-August and the males defend the nest while she sits on it for three weeks until hatching.

An individual magpie will scuba dive for about six weeks in total until their young have fledged and are ready to leave the nest.

Danielle, known as The Magpie Whisperer said there may be an unusual way to avoid the wrath of a territorial magpie.

The licensed wildlife caretaker, based on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, said she’s heard stories of people offering magpies food in their neighborhood to befriend them.

Magpies have an extraordinary ability to remember faces and thus may show less aggression towards humans with whom they have had positive interactions.

“I can’t say it’s a guaranteed method. However, there is a chance that interacting positively with magpies on a regular basis, such as offering them food, can help reduce their aggression,” Danielle told FEMAIL.

“While it’s essential to keep in mind that individual magpies can vary in their reactions, these stories do suggest that building a friendly relationship with them through friendly interactions and treats is worth trying.”

Danielle, who is known as The Magpie Whisperer, said she’s heard stories of people offering food to magpies in their neighborhood to befriend them and not get mugged.

Foods such as bread, minced meat and chocolate are not good for magpies as their diet consists of various bugs, worms and bugs.

However, WIRES does not recommend feeding native birds as they must eat a balanced diet.

Those who have a magpie in their backyard or near their home are less at risk of being shot.

Magpies’ memory of faces helps them distinguish between unfamiliar individuals and friendly permanent residents of their territory with whom they have had good interactions.

The organization also shared some helpful strategies for avoiding dives, including avoiding the area where magpies breed during breeding season.

Humans should never be aggressive towards the birds by doing things like swinging sticks or throwing rocks, as such behavior will only reinforce their perception that humans are a threat.

Do not approach or attempt to look into their nests or make eye contact with magpies. It is best to wear a hat or use an umbrella in a known magpie nesting area.

Respect the warning signs of a magpie about to dive.

If they see a perceived threat getting too close, they begin to “carol,” then snap their beaks before diving.

WIRES shared some helpful strategies for avoiding dives, as well as the warning signs the birds display before diving

Cyclists should also dismount and walk their bikes around the area, as many injuries result from falls while trying to avoid diving magpies.

CPR Kids also posted a guide To avoid being swooped down, humans must quickly walk through a magpie’s territory rather than run.

Danielle has been observing and working closely with magpies for over a decade, describing them as “incredibly intelligent and social birds.”

She said magpies become more territorial towards their nest and offspring during the breeding season and dive because they see humans as a potential threat, but it’s a common misconception that they are aggressive animals.

“It’s essential to remember that this is a natural instinct and not a sign of aggression,” she said.

“Understanding the distinction between instinctive protective behavior and outright aggression is critical to fostering empathy and peaceful coexistence with these remarkable birds.”

“They’re just doing what any good parent would do: defending their territory and their offspring.”