THE NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is calling for "patience and understanding" during the magpie breeding season that could run into November.
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NPWS ranger Claire Davis has reminded residents in western NSW to "keep an eye out for magpies protecting their nests".
The magpie's aggression towards humans begins after the laying of eggs and intensifies until fledglings are almost ready to leave the nest.
"For most of the year these birds are a much-loved member of our community with their beautiful songs and cheeky demeanour, but come breeding time their need to protect their family can make them aggressive and feared by people," Ms Davis said.
Ms Davis said that not all mating magpies were aggressive, with less than a quarter of all males attacking humans.
"Most attacks result in alarm more than injury and, having been swooped a few times myself, I know it does get your heart racing," she said.
"If you do get swooped the most important thing is to stay calm and not panic."
Ms Davis' tips for entering the territory of aggressive birds are:
- Do not provoke the birds;
- Hold an umbrella or stick still above your head to deter attacks;
- Avoid the nesting sites and if possible take an alternate route;
- Wear a hat and/or sunglasses, or the "faithful old ice cream bucket";
- Dismount if on a bike to avoid falling off, and move away quickly,
- Warn others about magpie territories.
Ms Davis reiterated that magpies were defending their young and not attacking people.
She said the public's patience and understanding would be "greatly appreciated".
