As the weather gets warmer and the days longer, we also start to see the occasional swooping bird.
Native birds enter their breeding season in spring, and some may get protective of their young.
Lachlan Clarke, manager statewide wildlife advisory services at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) said swooping is a normal, temporary behaviour for native birds like magpies, butcherbirds and masked lapwings to defend their eggs and chicks for a short time while their young are most vulnerable.
“Think of it as a warning sign...they're telling you to keep your distance," he said.
"While it can be a bit unsettling, it’s rare for them to make contact.”
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Swooping can occur in both urban and rural areas, including parks, gardens, and along bike paths.
“Not all birds swoop during the breeding season, so the presence of magpies or other common swooping birds does not necessarily mean you will be swooped," Mr Clarke said.
He said this behaviour only lasts a short time, usually ending once the young have left the nest.
If you are worried about being caught out by a protective bird this spring, here are some steps you can take to feel safe, while also protecting our native birds:
• Avoid known swooping hotspots.
• Move quickly, don’t run if near a swooping bird.
• Wear protective head and eye coverings.
• Don’t harass birds, as this can escalate swooping.
• Don’t feed birds or destroy their nests.
You can report a swooping incident on Victoria’s interactive swooping bird map by visiting https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds.
Mr Clarke said all native wildlife is protected by law.
He said harassing, harming or disturbing native birds and other wildlife is illegal in Victoria and penalties apply.
You can report wildlife crime such as harassing, harming or disturbing wildlife to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
