Swooping Magpie Safety Tips

Last year's statistics at magpiealert.com shows that 13% of attacks resulted in injury so checkout these tips to help prevent attacks.

Below is a list of safety tips that we've collected over the seasons from our readers that may help with preventing and avoiding a magpie attack.

Wear sunglasses and with a nice wide-brimmed hat to protect your head and eyes. Great for sun protection too!

Swooped while riding? They often stop swooping if you get off your bike and walk, but remember to keep an eye on him in case he swoops again!

Keep alert and pay attention to any magpie nesting sites and listen for their distinctive calls.

Carry an umbrella and open it when you are swooped. It can help protect your head and eyes. Some readers use them just to get to their cars on their drives!

Some have suggested feeding the magpies to make friends with them so they don't see you as a threat. Best to choose bird mixes with Earthworms, mealworms and insects as they are high in natural nutrients.

We've had a number of tips to pick up the odd stick while walking, raising over the shoulder can help deter a swooping magpie.

Travel in groups where possible as the birds often target individuals.

Use magpiealert.com to warn others, to see where attacks are happening near you and plan your route/day accordingly.

We are continuously updating the tips through your own submissions.

If you would like to add some safety advice then please sign-up to submit your tips.