The one ‘foolproof’ way to avoid being swooped by a magpie

Swooping season is fast approaching and a bird expert says there’s only one “foolproof” way to ensure you’re not swooped by a magpie.

National Public Affairs Manager of Birdlife Magazine, Sean Dooley, says only about 10 per cent of male magpies swoop.

“It’s the male birds protecting the young in the nest,” he told Ross and Russel.

“Only about 10 per cent of the males do swoop and they only swoop those they perceive as a threat.

“Some magpies will just target individual people because they don’t like the cut of your jib but others will swoop if there’s too many people around and they can’t recognise the individual people then they … start to stereotype.”

Mr Dooley says the one “foolproof” way to make sure you’re not swooped is by feeding magpies.

“That’s the way to a magpie’s heart,” he said.

“You don’t want to give them junk food … fresh meat is the best or even dog biscuits, especially if they’re soaked in a bit of water.”

Press PLAY below to hear more about why magpies swoop (and how to stop them)