BREEDING season has officially begun and will continue until November for birds such as magpies and plovers.
Swooping usually occurs during the native bird breeding season, and Sunshine Coast Council Conservation Officer Kate Hofmeister is offering tips to stay safe this season.
“To protect yourself move quickly through the area but don’t run as this is perceived as a threat… walk-in groups or avoid the area altogether.
“Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses or put an umbrella up but don’t swing at them – this will also be perceived as a threat.
“Don’t act aggressively towards them as they have a very long memory, and this will just encourage further defensive behaviour in the future.”
If you encounter a defensive bird on council-owned land, report it to the council, so they can do a site assessment to mitigate the danger.
For more, visit https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/environment/native-animals/defensive-birds.
