Swooping season has returned to Brisbane, with residents encouraged to stay alert and keep one eye on the sky.
As Australia’s lifestyle capital, Brisbane shares its outdoor lifestyle with native wildlife, and some birds become more protective during breeding season from July to January.
From magpies to plovers, Council has received 311 contacts about swooping birds over the past 12 months.
More than half of those incidents were recorded during the peak breeding months of September and October.
Coorparoo recorded the most swooping activity, followed by Carindale and Runcorn, while wildlife experts relocated 18 birds to help keep residents and wildlife safe.
It’s a shift from last year’s top three hotspots of New Farm, Brighton and Forest Lake.
Residents can reduce the risk of being swooped by avoiding known hotspots, staying calm and wearing a hat or carrying an umbrella.
Residents should also avoid:
Deliberately provoking birds as this may make them more aggressive
Destroying nests as the birds may re-nest and extend the breeding season
Feeding or trying to befriend swooping birds
Residents can report swooping birds or find advice by searching ‘swooping birds’ on Council’s website.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner
“Brisbane’s wildlife is part of what makes our city such a great place to live, and spring is when some native birds become more protective of their nests.
“With swooping season underway, a hat or umbrella and a little extra awareness can help you avoid an unwelcome encounter while enjoying our parks, bikeways and suburbs.
“If you come across a swooping bird, report it to us so we can monitor the area and install warning signs to help keep people safe.”
