THE Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is reminding Victorians that some bird species may swoop people as part of their normal breeding behaviour.
DELWP program manager compliance operations, Greg Chant said, “The first incidents of birds swooping at locations in Hume have been reported over the past month.
“We have already had reports of Plovers, Mudlarks and Australian Magpies swooping people in the Alpine areas.
“Being swooped by a territorial bird is no fun, but this is just normal bird behaviour and, if possible, the best response is to keep away from the area.
“As the weather starts to warm up, birds start breeding and we want people to be aware of swooping birds.
“Some of the places where people are most likely to be swooped are public spaces such as parks particularly where there are tall eucalypts.
“People should remember not to harm native birds as they are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.
“If you do end up in an area where there is a swooping bird, try to protect your head and eyes and move quickly through the area.
“They are swooping to defend their eggs and young and if they perceive you to be a potential threat, they may swoop.
“DELWP encourages people to share information about swooping birds by logging their encounter on our swoop map,” Mr Chant said.
To report a swooping incident by any species of bird on Victoria’s swooping bird map, visit delwp.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/wildlife/swooping-birds
