It’s that time of year when the days start to lengthen, wattles start to blossom and the thoughts of the magpies of the Fleurieu turn to breeding, nest-making and terrorising humans they think could threaten their young.

Magpie Alert has already recorded swoops on cyclists at Investigator Crescent in Encounter Bay, Seagull Avenue in Victor Harbor, Gulf Parade at Maslins Beach and Paris Creek Road at Paris Creek. 

Department for Environment and Water (DEW) Principal Ecologist Dr Karl Hillyard says magpies usually breed between August and October with females typically laying between three and five eggs in early to mid-August and will sit on them for three weeks until they hatch.

“Some male magpies defend their nests from the time the eggs are laid until the young birds are ready to fly, and they will attack anything they consider to be a threat, from another bird to a dog or a human,” Dr Hillyard says.

“Magpies have excellent recall for faces and very long memories, so if you’ve been swooped before, or even if you just look like someone they swooped last year, you’re likely to get the same treatment again.

“They only defend their nests within about a 100m radius, so the best way to avoid a visit from the black and white bombers is to take a detour around known nest sites if you can.

“They aren’t malicious – it’s just the natural instinct of some magpies to defend their young. It can be hard to remember that when you’re being swooped, though.

“Local council’s often install signs in areas where swooping is regularly taking place, so keep a look out for them and try to avoid those places for a few weeks if you can.

Dr Hillyard adds that magpies aren't the only birds that swoop during spring, but they do have the worst reputation.

The Department advises that the best way to avoid being swooped is to change your route, but if that’s not possible, suggests the following tactics:

Travel in groups as swooping birds usually only target individuals.

Carry an open umbrella above your head.

Wear sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat.

If you ride a bike, walk it through magpie territory or have a flag on the back of the bike that is higher than your head.

Do not act aggressively. If you wave your arms about or shout, the magpies will see you as a threat to the nest – and not just this year, but potentially for years to come.

Walk, don’t run.

Avoid making eye contact with the birds.

If you know of an area that has swooping magpies, put a sign up to warn passers-by.