Also keep an eye out for Peewees!

UPDATE: Locals have told The Bugle of recent magpie attacks at the top of the hill at Pheasant Point Drive, heading south (both pedestrians and cyclists).

Also the cycleway/path near The Boneyard at Kiama Downs has been the site for some incidents for cyclists.

A Kiama Woolworths worker received a compensation payout in 2018 for an eye injury after being attacked by a peewee nesting near the entrance to Kiama Village. In response, Kiama Village deployed two rubber owls on its roof to discourage the courageous mother bird, but an additional 10 people were attacked some receiving eye injuries, and eventually Kiama Council was forced to cull the bird on 20 June 2018. 

One of the two fake rubber owls deployed on top of Kiama Village in 2018. Pic courtesy of twitter account DaisyKiamaCow

One recommendation for protecting yourself is to carry an umbrella and use it as a shield. You are not allowed to hurt the bird, as they are protected by both the Nature Conservation Act and the Animal Welfare act, and we all know that magpies never forget a face. 

Magpie breeding season runs from August to October, but swooping can occur right into summer. You could try to make friends with your local magpies! Some safety recommendations include a style choice of wearing your sunglasses backwards on your head. 

If you hear of any magpie hotspots where birds are regularly attacking pedestrians and cyclists, let Kiama Council know, and also let The Bugle know and we will get the warning out promptly.