Surviving swooping season

For those who have been swooped in the past there is almost nothing people won’t do in order to avoid being the next target.

Luckily, this year some of the major swooping spots have already been reported and we can share with you where exactly they are.

According to our boots on the ground, it is suggested to avoid the traffic lights outside the Woolworths West complex, the corner of Hume and Leichhardt Sts, Campaspe walk track near Elizabeth St and Marsanne Dve in Moama.

You might also find some birds to avoid at the bush end of Bowen St and along Cobb Hwy near the retirement village. The corner of Anthusther St and Sawmill Track in Echuca have also been named.

Some residents have said the birds they’ve fed regularly haven’t swooped them this year. Others have said that despite their best efforts to be friends with the birds, this year they were a swooping victim.

“The two we have fed for three years have swooped us this season,” said Yvonne Simpkin on Facebook.

During this period of the year there are important things to remember to avoid being swooped, according to the RSPCA.

• If there is a swooping magpie along your usual path then consider changing it up over the next six to eight weeks.

• Usually magpies will target individuals. The RSPCA suggests travelling in a group if you’re passing a swooping site.

• Wear a broad-brimmed hat or glasses if you are worried about a potential injury.

• Paint eyes on to the back of your bike helmet or what other headgear you’re wearing to make the bird think it is being watched. This will make it less likely to swoop.

The RSPCA has stated that most magpies don’t aim to hit people but rather they fly close by to warn the person away from their nests.

It is merely a defence mechanism from magpies who are just trying to protect their babies, not harm people, the RSPCA said.