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15 Oct 2019

What to do in bird swooping season

Centennial Parklands is home to many native birds, among them the Australian Magpie, Magpie Lark Noisy Miner and Grey Butcherbird. 

During their breeding season, some nesting birds may swoop people that get too close to their nest. These birds are protective parents and instinctively protect their territory, nest and young.

Swooping is their way of scaring off humans and other animals. Learn more about the amazing birdlife that call the Parklands home here.

Bird in Sydney's Centennial Park

What to do in a bird swooping area

 
  • Look for warning signs in Centennial Park that advise swooping has occurred in the area.
  • Avoid the nest area and take a slight detour.
  • Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses
  • Walk quickly away from the area. Do not run.
  • Carry an open umbrella above your head.

If you are riding a bike when a bird swoops:

  • Get off your bike.
  • Wheel your bike and walk quickly away from the area. Do not run.

Butcherbirds are known to swoop during the annual spring breeding season (from September to November). Swooping stops once the young have left the nest, so it’s only a problem for a few weeks.

Report it 

Swooping birds can be reported to the Centennial Parklands office via (02) 9339 6699 or email info@centennialparklands.com.au so we can install warning signs to alert members of public.

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