Council relocates four magpies – residents reminded to be vigilant

Goondiwindi Regional Council has relocated four male magpies from the Riddles and Gilbert sporting ovals in Goondiwindi following reports of aggressive swooping.

Cr Lachlan Brennan said it was the best outcome for the safety of both the local community and the birds.

He is encouraging Goondiwindi Region residents to continue to follow some key strategies for magpie safety during the breeding season from July – December.

“Council unfortunately had a number of reports that these birds had been particularly aggressive,” he said. “Relocating these magpies to another area away from high levels of human activity is a last resort, but in this instance was ultimately the best outcome to ensure the safety not only of community members, but also the birds themselves.”

The following strategies can help keep everyone safe during Magpie swooping season:

• When possible, avoid known magpie nesting areas and choose an alternative route
• If you have to pass through the nesting area:
  • Wear a hat and/or sun glasses to help protect your eyes and face
  • Attach a flag to your bike and attach zip ties to the top of your bike helmet if cycling
• Report all incidents of injury from magpie attacks on council land
• Do not attempt to retaliate or harm magpies

Cr Brennan, who holds Council’s portfolio for Lifestyle, including parks and gardens and community safety, is encouraging residents to report any magpie attacks on Council land.

“It’s unfortunately the case that some nests are located within areas of high human activity, which can result in increasingly aggressive behaviours and even injury. Any magpie attacks that result in an injury must be reported to Council, so we can assess the incident and take action if necessary to prevent further injury,” he said.

Residents should report attacks on (07) 4671 7400 or mail@grc.qld.gov.au.

Council installs signage to advise of the presence of nesting birds in areas where swooping is reported. Council will only relocate a magpie from Council land as a last resort when deemed necessary, in line with its magpie policy.

“We’re also strongly advising residents not to retaliate if they do get swooped,” Cr Brennan said. “This behaviour is natural as the birds swoop to ward off any perceived threats to their young. Retaliation is only likely to injure the bird or cause it to become more aggressive towards people.”

Council engaged a professional wildlife handler to assess, catch and relocate the identified aggressive birds.

Magpies are a native species of bird and are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. It is a serious offence to harm magpies and significant penalties apply for attempting to harm them.