Warning issued about magpie swooping season after man gets pecked in the eye

While in the UK, and rest of Europe, people have been grappling with bad weather, and storm, and flood warning having been issued by the authorities, in Australia, spring is in the air. But while Aussies have been planning for warmer days, and activities outside, doctors have just issued a bird-related warning to the general public, and it is not for bird-flu!

As reported by 9News, a man in Australia was hurt so bad by a magpie's swoop, he required eye-surgery. Here are the details on what happened, why magpies swoop, and the warnings that doctors have raised.

Cyclist attacked by magpie

A cyclist in Melbourne, Christiaan Nyssen, was left needing serious eye surgery after being pecked in the eye by a swooping magpie. He made a full recovery due to Epworth Freemasons' eye surgeon Dr Elvis Ojaimi, who had to implant a prosthetic iris and lens to fix the damaged eye.

The gravity of the injuries underscores what a severe issue magpie swooping can be.

As per Australian Museum, magpies can be very territorial. When they perceive humans as a threat, they sometimes swoop down on humans at a very fast speed, occasionally making contact that could injure severely.

Magpies attacking humans though is not a normal occurrence, and usually happens during the magpie breeding season, from August through to November. This is what is referred to as the magpie swooping season.

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Warning issued about magpie swopping season

Eye doctors have issued warning about the magpie swooping season. Dr Ojaimi advises people to stay vigilant during swooping season, saying,

I think sunglasses, particularly wraparound sunglasses, are very important.

As per bird veterinarian Dr Adrian Gallagher, magpies seem to be getting smarter about finding ways to attack humans. He says,

A lot of magpies have learned not to attack the head but they attack the back and they'll get around a helmet.

If you happen to be swooped by a magpie, Australian Museums advises against fighting back or running away. Flailing your arms or panicking could be read as aggressive behaviour by the bird, which might worsen the attack.

You should stay calm, keep your head down, and move away from the area slowly. Do not expose your face towards the bird.

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Sources used:

9News: 'Eye doctors warn of magpie swooping season dangers after man left needing major eye surgery'

Australian Museum: 'Why do Magpies swoop?'