In Melbourne these birds are notorious for swooping on people, causing not only fear, but also sometimes scratches on the person that they swoop on (another picture off of Google Images).
When I arrived here in Melbourne I was on the plane and saw what looked like a skunk (due to the black and white color) in the field next to the tarmac. I asked the lady sitting next to me if what it was and she said a Magpie and to be careful. I was really confused as to why I would have to be careful around a bird; I am bigger what is there to be afraid of. She proceeded to tell me that around October these birds tend to start what is called ‘swooping’. This is when I started to laugh. This lady was not kidding, these birds become very territorial around the area they make their nests, and will swoop around to protect the nest. Every once in a while you will get the Seagulls that stick around outside the many outdoor food establishments begging for food, and even landing on tables to steal food. This is a common occurrence because well, birds like food. Magpies are the evil ones though. People can never be sure as to where these birds have made their nests and this can lead for quite a surprise when swooped upon by a bird. People around Melbourne are encouraged to wear a hat, so that if a Magpie does decide to swoop that it is more likely to get your hat and not latch onto your hair. The picture I attached is one that I took on the University of Melbourne grounds.
This goes to show you just how serious this problem is, and how crazy these birds are. I personally have never had an issue, but multiple of my friends have. I am not writing this to scare you, but just to let you in on the life of a person in Melbourne. It is completely possible to go through your time abroad and never have a run in with these birds, which is what I am hoping for!
