Native wildlife

Narrandera Shire Council has no powers to authorise or carry out the destruction of magpies and cannot discharge a firearm in the town limits.

If you feel a magpie is a risk to public safety, you should report the matter to the nearest National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) office. The NPWS is under no obligation to arrange for the destruction of a bird in a public place, cannot obligate police to destroy the bird, and is not responsible for meeting the cost of a pest controller or licensed bird trapper.

Visit the NSW Environment and Heritage website for further information on dealing with magpies during the breeding season.

• Pay attention to any magpie nesting sites by listening out for their distinctive calls
• Keep an eye out for signs in areas in which the birds are known to be nesting
• Walk quickly and carefully away from the area and – if possible – avoid walking there when magpies are swooping
• Wear a large, wide brim hat and sunglasses or carry an open umbrella
• Walk in a group as the birds often target solo travellers
• Do not provoke or harass the birds as this may make them more aggressive
• Carry a stick or small branch above your head but do not swing it at the magpie, as this will only provoke it to attack further
• Keep an eye on the magpie while walking carefully away as magpies are less likely to swoop if you look at them
• If you have been swooped, make a temporary sign to warn other people

• Wear a bicycle helmet and sunglasses
• Get off your bike and wheel it through the area
• Fit a bike flag to your bike
• Avoid areas where swooping magpies are known to be particularly hostile