SWOOPING SEASON IS NIGH!

01st Oct 2024

Last week I sat and watched a small toddler as he doggedly pursued an adult Magpie, round and round some bushes, in an Armidale park. I was impressed by the child’s tenacious fascination as he wobbled after the bird, matched only by the tolerance of the bird as it patiently circled, keeping a few metres ahead of its pursuer.
The child’s mother, occasionally intervening when the child got too far away, finally took up the child and left.
I wondered at our fascination and general love for these birds, with their beautiful carolling call, vivacious temperament and admiration for their courage in defence of their young.
Most people have experienced a particularly notorious, protective parent Magpie who makes a walk or stroll in a park, a harrowing ordeal.
Each year, wildlife rescuers are presented with “orphan” baby Magpies, rescued by overly cautious people, genuinely concerned about the welfare of these “helpless babies”.
The truth is that it is natural for baby magpies to leave the nest early, hopefully with advanced wing feathers, enough to enable it to flutter into low shrubs and trees at night. Invariably, the parents are present and are well aware of their babies whereabouts.
Many of these babies are not in need of rescue and are far better off being left with their parents. They can do a far better job of raising them than any carer can do.
Taking them into care disrupts their family structures and territorial instincts.
Last year, I raised 6 babies together and all were finally released for day flights and food gathering and all returned at night to be fed and locked up for their safety. Two went off with the local wild mob, one was predated by a raptor (I think?), one drowned and two are still here.
The two remaining birds come for a few tidbits each evening but are fully self-reliant to feed themselves.
So, what is best?
If we see a baby magpie on the ground, the first reaction should be to observe the bird. Is it just after a storm when a very small baby is lost from the nest? Are the parents actively caring for the baby? Is your presence keeping the parents away? Are there cats and dogs nearby that are causing a danger? Have kids been harassing the baby? Is it obviously injured?
All this needs to be taken into account before we interfere. Phoning your local wildlife group for advice, can allay your fears and there are alternatives that can be tried. The babies can be placed in a makeshift nest made of wicker baskets, wire hanging baskets or colanders, with some branches and grass lining and cable tied into suitable positions. This is often a better alternative to rescue.
That said, if a Magpie baby is in obvious danger, it should be placed in a cardboard box in a quiet place, not fed or watered and a call made to your local wildlife group. We can then assess the situation and the appropriate measures taken.
This way we can all continue to enjoy the dawn chorus and antics of these intelligent and fascinating birds.
Chris Baker

If you find orphaned or
injured wildlife please call Northern Tablelands Wildlife Carers on 1800 008 290.

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SWOOPING SEASON IS NIGH!

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