It’s swooping season again in Brisbane, and pedestrians and cyclists are reminded to stay alert and take precautions, particularly at Lomandra Drive and Viola Place near the Brisbane Airport, where one particular magpie has earned a fierce reputation and its own distinctive moniker.
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The bird, nicknamed the “Guardian of Viola Place,” is known to swoop cyclists and pedestrians travelling along Lomandra Drive and Viola Place, an area long considered a hotspot during the breeding season, which runs from July through January and peaks in September and October.
Space4cyclingbne has urged cyclists to take extra care near the Brisbane Airport bikeways, reminding riders to use protective gear and stay alert during swooping season.
“Apparently a very small number of magpies are aggressive, but that might not be reassuring when one of those birds decides you are a threat to his nest,” the page shared through a Facebook post.
Several riders have already been swooped this year, with one cyclist falling from their bike after a close encounter with an aggressive magpie. While suburbs such as Forest Lake, Carindale, Oxley and Bald Hills are currently the worst affected by swooping birds, Eagle Farm residents and commuters are being urged to take precautions if they pass near the airport.
Wildlife experts say swooping is a defensive behaviour, carried out only by a small number of male magpies determined to protect their nests. Cyclists are frequent targets as their speed can be perceived as a threat.
To reduce the risk of injury, locals are advised to:
- Wear protective gear: Use a helmet, wrap-around sunglasses, and consider headwear that covers the ears.
- Stay calm: Don’t panic or swerve suddenly—maintaining control reduces the risk of falling.
- Travel in groups: Birds are less likely to swoop when more people are present.
- Report incidents: Log swooping encounters at magpiealert.com so others can be warned.
According to Council, 87 swooping bird reports have been lodged since July, and more than 40 aggressive birds were relocated in the past financial year. Queensland is also noted as having some of the country’s most defensive magpies, with a higher rate of swoop-related injuries than other states.
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For locals who use nearby bikeways and paths, being aware of the magpies like the “Guardian” and taking simple precautions could make the difference between a safe ride and an unwanted encounter.
Published 16-September-2025
