Swooping season is upon us.
And so far this season, residents and passersby in Forest Lake have tallied the highest number of bird nest sightings and swooping incidents in Brisbane City.
As of 18 September, Brisbane City Council received 7 reports of bird swoopings, of which only one report was a first-hand witness of a swooping incident.
Oxley is the fourth highest in Brisbane, where the council received four reports of bird swoopings, three of which were bird or bird nest sightings, according to council data.
Overall, the council has been contacted 87 times about swooping birds in Brisbane suburbs between 1 July and 18 September.
A council spokesperson said more than half of all swooping incidents reported last year were recorded during September and October.
In 2024, Forest Lake recorded 15 swooping incidents. The third highest in Brisbane, behind New Farm and Brighton.
Magpies and butcherbirds are the most common birds known to swoop, particularly during spring months, which fall in the peak of their breeding season.
Environment, Parks, and Sustainability’s Civic Cabinet Chair, Tracy Davis, said swooping was a protective measure taken by birds and that the public should be alert to bird activity near them.
“Magpies are protecting their young, but with care and caution, we can keep people safe and enjoying our fantastic outdoor lifestyle,” Ms Davis said.
“We want residents to stay alert and follow warning signs during swooping bird season.
“We place simple and highly visible signs in reported swooping locations to ensure people are aware and can take the necessary precautions to keep safe.”
To avoid swooping birds, Brisbane City Council recommends residents avoid areas with known magpie nests or use an umbrella and wear a hat or sunglasses.
The council also recommends slowing down under nests or groups of trees, as running or cycling past a nest can signal danger to birds protecting their young.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said residents should respect local wildlife but not let them deter swooping birds from enjoying the outdoors.
“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital, and our unique biodiversity is a big part of what makes it special,” Cr Schrinner said.
“We take swooping bird season seriously and work with wildlife experts to keep our feathered friends and the community safe.”
