About a decade ago I witnessed a magpie in our street swooping kids on bikes heading to school.
I encouraged the folk in the homes near mine to feed the little peckers the occasional titbit.
Not enough for them to become dependant on us but more a gesture of goodwill really.
We have about half a dozen in our street. Now a decade later they still sit outside singing their friendly song. As I sit on the front step in the sun with my morning coffee they pop down for a chat and later in the year bring their next brood of youngsters down for an introduction.
We have gone through a few generations over the years but as your map clearly shows we have no reported swoopings.
No Picture
Bird W - September 26th, 2019
Jo Maher - September 7th, 2018
If they welcome you into their group, you will become a friend to an extensive network of birds, and they will not attack you
Lish - November 9th, 2016
Though it has never attacked I believe that it knows that this is our home and has left us be as we have also let it be.
Today was a strange day and I came home and was sitting out the front soaking up the afternoon sun as I usually do and I noticed an attack only a few houses up reported on this site by some poor walker who managed to be walking at an obviously inconvenient time for this magpie. I sat here wondering if perhaps it was the same bird.
As I was sitting, the same magpie who has been hanging around for a few weeks hopped around in the driveway watching me until it decided to test me (I believe.) It hopped closer as I was sitting there until it was a couple of feet away and just sat by my feet for a few minutes before hopping off and going about its business.
Such a strange thing to see.
I believe because we have spent so much time in such close quarters to this bird that it has realised we are not a threat. Although I havent fed this bird, I strongly believe that it truely doesnt see us as a threat and we can continue to live alongside it and go about our day.
Our gardens are quite healthy and full of yummy treats for it and I think it knows that haha!
Sara - October 13th, 2016
However, this year we were attacked (at home, same yard) to the point I couldn't let the kids out, clean the car, mow the yard and then it was like a light bulb turned on and I remembered last year. I started racking the same spot and this newbie come down for some grub also to feed their babies. Not one attack since! I've had a love hate relationship with them over the years as one nearly took my brothers eye out and all I remember was being at a park, the bird attacking and blood dripping down my brothers face (only missed his eye by about 1cm).
I can't say I like them but don't dislike them, I would rather them any-day of the week then the Miners who attack the maggies.
Maggie's mate - October 12th, 2016
They certainly recognise me, as I was walking along the banks of the creek opposite my home, and 3 of the birds came up to me, and walked alongside me for 2-300 metres, making the noises that they make to each other, and also obviously "talking" to me .I love 'em !!
Raymonde - September 14th, 2016
Magpies are meat eating birds so any meat is fine to feed them, preferably not too fatty, mince or pet food works well.
See here for more advice detailed info and advice, Professor Darryl Jones has been studying magpies for years along with other urban wildlife and is very knowledgeable on the topic
https://theconversation.com/from-cable-ties-to-losing-eyes-how-to-survive-magpie-season-17579
John Cumming - September 8th, 2016
Olivia Dawood - September 2nd, 2016
Lisa Hayward - August 31st, 2016
Beck Cole - September 30th, 2015
Lee P - September 21st, 2015
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