An Australian magpie swooping through the air in defence of its nest.
Camera IconAn Australian magpie swooping through the air in defence of its nest. Credit: Supplied/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Swooping season has hit Perth a month early and now no one is safe

Rachel FennerJoondalup Times

It’s official – swooping season has hit Perth and now no one is safe.

The first magpie attack of the season was recorded on August 5 in Joondalup.

It was about 11.15am and the victim was minding their own business while walking their dog at the park when they were attacked by the devil bird.

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Thankfully they weren’t injured.

This year’s swooping season has started early (cheers climate change) as male magpies don’t usually become territorial until spring.

Stock image.
Camera IconStock image. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Around Australia, Magpie Alerts has recorded more than 100 magpie attacks this August (view the attack map here).

Last year, Australians voted for this dangerous animal to be crowned the most popular bird in Australia via a Guardian poll.

The magpie beat out the harmless bin chicken and hilarious Kookaburra to take out the title.

In the meantime, feel free to remember a time when magpies were still cute – before nesting season hit – by watching Rooster Girl the magpie crow like a chicken (click here).