Native birds can swoop in urban and rural areas, in parks and gardens, along bike tracks and in school yards, or anywhere that birds are nesting. To help protect yourself, Wildlife Victoria have provided the top ten tips to protect yourself against swooping birds.
1. Know your local swooping hotspots
Keep informed about parks, schoolyards and bike trails in your local area by reading your local newspapers, social media and viewing the Victorian Swooping Bird Map.
The best way to protect yourself from a swooping bird is to avoid venturing into their territory.
If you must pass through the area, move calmly and quickly – do not run.
Wear a hat or carry a stick or umbrella above your head. Cyclists should wear a helmet, dismount and walk through the area.
5. Eyes at the back of your head
Draw a pair of ‘eyes’ and attach to the back of hats and helmets as birds may be less likely to swoop if they think you are watching them.
6. Do not harass wildlife
Don’t interfere with or throw stones at birds. This gives them added reason to see humans as a threat and may increase swooping behaviour.
This may prompt birds to rebuild their nests, prolonging the swooping behaviour.
8. Don’t feed swooping birds
This may encourage swooping behaviour.
If possible, try to travel in a group in areas where there are swooping birds.
Put up warning signs for others who may not be aware that there are swooping birds in the area or ask the Shire to do so.