A 40-year-old mother from Coogee suffered a severe eye injury when an aggressive magpie swooped down and scratched her eye with its beak as she walked from the Ross Jones Rockpool to her car.
The local woman was shocked by the sudden attack despite her previous experiences with magpie swooping during their nesting season. Immediately after the attack, she experienced sharp pain and sought medical attention at a nearby GP, where dye was used to confirm the scratch on her eye. The doctor prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection, citing concerns about potential complications.
This incident is not isolated, as other locals have faced similar aggressive encounters with magpies in the area. In one case, a person reported being swooped three times by a magpie, which resulted in bleeding above their eye.
Photo Credit: Magpie Alert
After learning about multiple victims of magpie attacks, the woman contacted Randwick Council to address the issue. However, she was told that they could not remove the bird. The woman has taken to a community Facebook group to warn others, urging them to be vigilant and to wear protective gear such as sunglasses and hats when in the area.
Birdlife Australia’s Dr. Holly Parsons remarks that while most magpies do not exhibit aggressive behavior, about 10% can become hostile during nesting season as they perceive humans as threats. Experts advise avoiding areas known for nesting magpies and recommend calm and measured movements when encountering these birds to minimise the risk of attack.
The local community continues to discuss safety measures to protect against magpie swooping, which remains a significant concern through the nesting season, typically from August to November.
Published 18-Sept-2024
