Fear and magpies in Australia: Swooping season begins

Ireland is not the only place in the world where the sight of these birds causes us to unravel at the seams as we try to unearth the old rhyme from the depths of our memory banks.

Magpies also strike fear into the hearts of many in Australia.

September and October means swooping season for magpies and human victims of attacks update this online map to warn others of the danger.

Magpie Alert allows users to record details of attacks.

A recent report reads: “Magpies were swooping from all angles. It was vicious. They were perched, ready to attack in all of the trees on either side of Galloway Street, looking down on me.”

Magpie Alert states that last year 12.4% of attacks resulted in injury.

A Countryside Bird Survey has revealed that the magpie is the 8th most widespread species in the Republic of Ireland, having been recorded in 85% of the survey’s 1-kilometre squares.

Hopefully the magpies will refrain from violently swooping people in Ireland.

However, if in doubt, here is the magpie rhyme. May it keep you safe.

One for sorrow,

Two for joy,

Three for a girl,

Four for a boy,

Five for silver,

Six for gold,

Seven for a secret,

Never to be told.

Eight for a wish,

Nine for a kiss,

Ten for a bird,

You must not miss.