Each spring the territorial birds target the city’s walkers and cyclists and their are hot spots of swooping activity being reported across Bathurst. 

Rocket Street, near St Barnabas’ Anglican Church, has been the site of swoops, as has Furness Street and Forrest Place, according to www.magpiealert.com.

The website allows users to register the location of magpie swoops as well as any injuries received.

Also listed was a swoop on Eglinton Road, Abercrombie by user Jo.

“Swooped while walking. Also swooped a cyclist as they went past too,” Jo posted.

The Western Advocate also asked its Facebook followers where the city’s hot spots for swooping were.

“One on the corner of Durham and Commonwealth streets. Doesn't swoop people walking that I’ve seen, but definitely will have a go at the bicycle riders,” Kerryl Tobin wrote.

“Has anyone walked down William Street between Brilliant and Rocket yet? That bird is nasty! Cover your head, she draws blood,” Jo Dicksen posted.

“Paddock along booth street is always hectic for magpies,” William Peters wrote.

The territorial birds are also swooping in Raglan according to Nickcarnya Hodges.

“Right at the gates of Raglan Public [School] and the Raglan Park the poor kids are frightened.. the one at the park is terrible,” Nickcarnya posted.

Unfortunately there is not a lot people can do to avoid being swooped, NSW National Parks and Wildlife ranger Gavin Newton said.

“They’re territorial … primarily the male swoops often if they’ve got young in the nest, or eggs, or even when they’re nest building,” he said.

Mr Newton said removing overly territorial magpies from their swooping zones does not work.

“There’s been studies where they’ve moved magpies 20 kilometres away and they still come back,” he said.

His advice was that cyclists should dismount if being swooped and keep a watch on the magpie.

Mr Newton said people should not torment or throw objects at the offending bird as this can often bring on a more aggressive attack.

“Keep calm, it’s a matter of being tolerant,” he said.