Magpie swooping season starting in Tamworth

Northern Tablelands Wildlife Carers Tamworth co-ordinator Janina Price has been keeping tabs on magpies in the area, and said some are sitting on eggs at the moment.

"Once those eggs hatch, it will be a six to eight week scenario of swooping magpies," Ms Price said.

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Some well-known magpies around town hang out at places like Tamworth Public School, on the corner of Duri Road and Kent Street, at Oxley Vale and at Carter Street.

Local residents have reported some magpies have already started swooping.

Ms Price warned once a magpie starts swooping, it will take about four to six weeks to stop.

But, she said not all magpies breed at the same time, so the swooping season could last a lot longer.

"It's all a bit wild out there ... some magpies can get quite ferocious," she said.

"We need to remember that normally we love magpies and they give us beautiful songs in the mornings and afternoons but they need to protect their babies from threats, and they do see some people as a threat."

She had a few helpful tips to avoid the wrath of a magpie - avoid areas where they're nesting; hold up a stick but don't wave it; wear a hat and sunglasses when out and about; don't antagonise it.

A swooping magpie should be reported to Northern Tablelands Wildlife Carers on 1800 008 290, so the organisation can put a warning sign up.

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