Just as Collingwood looks like it won’t make it to finals next month, nature’s own magpies are coming into their prime, with swooping already reported around the country.
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A central Victorian cyclist last week took to website Magpie Alert, where the birds’ victim share swooping hotspots, to report he came under fire on Carlsruhe Road, near Kyneton.
A Bendigo man was also attacked outside his home last week when preparing for a bike ride.
Other incidents were recently reported in outer Melbourne suburbs Wallan and Craigieburn.
Magpies normally swoop during their mating season, which can last from late August to the end of October.
Tips compiled by Magpie Watch to ward off the black-and-white dive-bombers include:
- Staying clear of known magpie nesting sites
- Tell others about the sites and informing local council
- Staying calm; if you panic and flap then this is more likely to appear as aggressive behaviour and provoke a further attack
- Wear sun glasses and with a hat to protect your head and eyes
- Get off your bike and walk if attacked while cycling
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat or carry an umbrella