Melissa Dent, Melissa Clydesdale, Leonie Quick, Jessica, Jasmine, Nevin, Michael, Chloe, Brayden, Renee and Rhys on the look out for the swooping magpie in Narre Warren.
By Callan Date
A TERRORISING magpie has forgotten spring is almost over and is still swooping vulnerable Narre Warren schoolchildren.
Parents at Hallam Valley Primary School are using umbrellas and other innovative devices to protect their children as they walk to and from school each day.
Narre Warren resident Melissa Clydesdale raised her concerns after the magpie attacks continued long after the young birds had flown the coop.
Annoying the parent even more than the swooping bird is the response from Casey Council.
“We have been on to the council several times who have done nothing. It’s on council property in a council tree,” Ms Clydesdale said.
The mother of two said she had resorted to driving her four and six-year-old children to school to avoid the daily danger.
“They said all they can do is put a warning sign up. We were told if we wanted it removed we would have to pay ourselves.”
The residents have been quoted as much as $500 to relocate the bird – money they say they will not be spending.
“I’m not very happy. It’s the safety of our children.”
Caroline Bell, City of Casey acting manager of community safety said it is still currently nesting season for magpies and residents need to be aware of swooping magpies.
“To minimise the likelihood of being swooped look out for the birds, avoid swoop areas, wear a hat and stay calm,” Ms Bell said.
She said concerned residents are encouraged to contact the Casey’s Environmental Health Unit to request warning signs to be placed in magpie danger zones.
“Relocating the birds from what is essentially their native habitat is not considered an environmentally suitable outcome.
“All native birds are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and there are serious penalties for illegally harming or capturing them or interfering with their nests and eggs,” she said.
