WIMMERA residents are cautioned to stay alert around bird species that might swoop by-passers
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Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning acting environmental compliance regional manager Paul Ryan said the first incidents of birds swooping at locations in the Grampians were reported over the past month. He said DELWP also received reports about plovers in the Horsham area.
Mr Ryan said birds will start breeding as the weather warms up and people need to be aware of swooping birds. He said people are most likely to be swooped in public places such as parks.
“Being swooped by a territorial bird is no fun, but this is just normal bird behaviour and, if possible, the best response is to keep away from the area,” he said.
“If you do end up in an area where there is a swooping bird, try to protect your head and eyes and move quickly through the area.
“They are swooping to defend their eggs and young and if they perceive you to be a potential threat, they may swoop.”
Mr Ryan encouraged people to log their encounter with swooping birds on DELWP’s swoop map.
People can report a swooping incident by visiting delwp.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/wildlife/swooping-birds.
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