Spring Has Sprung… and So Have the Magpies!

As the flowers bloom and the weather warms up, another annual tradition returns to Australia: magpie swooping season! From late August to November, some very protective magpie dads take to the skies to guard their nests, often with dramatic flair.

Swooping: Not as Common as You Think

The good news? Most magpies won’t swoop at all. Only about 10% of them engage in this cheeky behaviour, and actual injuries are rare. Still, being dive-bombed by a beady-eyed bird is enough to send even the bravest jogger into a zigzag sprint!

How to Stay Swoop-Free

Want to avoid becoming a target? Keep calm and magpie on. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, carry an umbrella, or stick some googly eyes on the back of your helmet… Seriously, it works! Walk quickly through k

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