Postman Phil Benton said he had been swooped several time while on the job, but believed it was an unavoidable part of the job.

“They seem to be more aggressive towards the helmet than me, or maybe it’s the sound of the bike they don’t like,” he said.

“I’ve never had any injuries from them though.”

Mr Benton said the attacks usually started at the beginning of Spring.

“They really only do it while they’ve got eggs or chickens in the nest, they’re just being protective,” he said.

Mr Benton said he was frightened by the magpies’ behaviour at first, but soon got used to it.

“I’ve got my helmet on and I know they can’t get to me. I just stay focused on the job,” he said.

VIDEO: A magpie attacks an Orange motorcyclist:

Australia Post spokeswoman Jenni Bolton said ensuring a safe working environment was Australia Post’s highest priority.

“We take great care to keep our posties safe by encouraging them to work as a team and look out for one another, taking preventative measures such as being more vigilant of surroundings, and acting on risks and hazards,” she said.

“Our posties are out and about delivering mail in the community each day and commonly face a number of safety risks that come with seasonal weather changes, such as magpie nesting season.”

Ms Bolton asked residents to help keep their posties safe by alerting them to potential safety issues by displaying a warning note at the front of their properties.

A spokesperson for the NSW Government’s environment and heritage department said for most of the year magpies were not aggressive, but for four to six weeks during nesting they will often defend their territory vigorously. 

“People walking past may be seen as invaders of the territory, prompting the magpies to fly low and fast over the person, clacking their bills as they pass overhead,” the spokesperson said.

“The experience of a magpie attack can be quite alarming, but it is usually only a warning. Only occasionally will a bird actually strike the intruder on the head with its beak or claws.”

Magpies are protected throughout NSW and it is against the law to kill the birds, collect their eggs or harm their young. 

If a magpie is becoming a serious menace it should be reported to Orange City Council or the nearest NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service office.

* Walk quickly and carefully away from the area, and avoid walking when magpies are swooping.

* Make a temporary sign to warn other people.

* Magpies are less likely to swoop if you look at them so draw or sew a pair of eyes onto the back of a hat, and wear it when walking through the area (you can also try wearing sunglasses on the back of your head).

* Wear a bicycle or skateboard helmet. 

* Carry an open umbrella, or a stick, above your head but do not swing it at the magpie as this will provoke it to attack.

* If you’re riding a bicycle, get off it and wheel it quickly through the area.

tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au