Being swooped by a magpie is unpleasant at the best of times. And there’s cause to believe this year’s magpie-swooping season will be the busiest one yet.
The reason? Face masks.
Magpies can recognise up to 100 different people and swoop at those they deem a threat.
This reaches its peak in September to October when they’re guarding their nests.
Bird experts believe there’s a chance swooping might be worse this year, particularly in regions like Melbourne where magpies struggle to recognise people who are wearing face masks.
“There is a chance, because what we do know is magpies can recognise individual people,” Birdlife Australia’s Sean Dooley told 3AW.
Dooley says if you think a magpie has it in for you, you’re probably right.
“What we’re really fascinated with is whether, especially in Melbourne in lockdown … is if you’re wearing a mask, they may not be able to recognise you.”
It might be a sign to keep your guard up when spring arrives.
But if you do get swooped and you’re wearing a mask, don’t take it personally.
