A tell-tale clue that spring has sprung is resonating from the tree tops as a gifted song bird serenades all those who pass by.  

The stunning magpie, with its soothing warble, heralds a welcome seasonal transition. Their distinctive chortling lifts our post-winter spirits while their ability to consume vast quantities of damaging lawn grubs makes them a welcome visitor to our gardens. A striking songbird, magpies have an aptitude to mimic, a wonderful crescendo reverberating across the octaves. 

To my mind, magpies truly capture the essence of a splendid spring. Nature is stirring in all its natural glory. A magical moment to embrace. 

With their sweet love song echoing across the nation’s capital, swooping season is upon us. 

Our expansion of suburbia into their woodland habitat gives us reason to embrace the philosophy of ‘living with magpies’. Swooping is a territorial behaviour. Magpies are simply doing what comes naturally, protecting their patch as they care for their offspring. 

We humans have left an indelible impact on the humble magpie through our behaviour towards them. Magpies have remarkable memories. Be it a raised stick, an object thrown or a disturbed nest, from a magpie perspective it’s a threat. Through these interactions some magpies now view us as a risk to their fledglings. It’s a lesson learnt in the past that drives current behaviour.

There are things we can do to ease this tension, creating a sense of natural harmony. If possible, give the humble magpie some space. Consider walking; don’t ride through a magpie hot spot. If you do have to travel through, protect your head with a hat, umbrella or helmet; wear glasses to protect your eyes. Maintain direct eye contact as you calmly leave their territory.  

Their amazing memories mean various acts of kindness can also be detrimental. Can be fertile ground for future human conflict. As tempting as it is, hand-fed magpies soon become dependent upon us, causing dietary complications and a fundamental shift in their natural instincts. 

With their powerful recall, magpies can develop aggressive tendencies simply associating people with food. To avoid complications down the track, it’s best not to feed magpies in the first place. 

As spring looms large on the horizon consider how we can all live in natural harmony with these magnificent songbirds by visiting Swooping Birds - Territory and Municipal Services