Community
19 September, 2025
Caution urged as swooping season starts
RESIDENTS are being urged to take caution as swooping season begins.
Native birds enter their breeding season in spring and some may get protective of their young.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) manager statewide wildlife advisory services Lachlan Clarke said many native birds take on the behaviour to defend their eggs and chicks during the most vulnerable period of their lives.
Swooping species around Camperdown include Australian magpies, magpie larks (Murray magpies), butcherbirds, red wattlebirds and masked lapwings (plovers).
“Think of it as a warning sign,” he said.
“They’re telling you to keep your distance.
“While it can be a bit unsettling, it’s rare for them to make contact.”
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.
“This behaviour only lasts a short time, usually ending once the young have left the nest.”
Residents can reduce their risk of being swooped by avoiding known swooping hotspots, not feeding or harassing the birds, leaving their nests alone, wearing protective head and eye coverings and moving quickly but not running.
Residents can report a swooping incident on Victoria’s interactive swooping bird map by visiting www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds.
While Camperdown does not have any recorded swooping incidents, residents should remain cautious.
All native wildlife is protected by law.
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.