Magpies make protective parents and may swoop anyone seen as an intruder who might harm their chicks. 

In the vast majority of cases the swooping is simply bluff.

Sometimes however, swooping can result in minor head injuries requiring the services of paramedics or a doctor.

To reduce the risks of injury, walk away from the area and warn others; don’t provoke the birds; wear a hat or helmet; hold an umbrella or stick above your head, but don’t swing it as this will provoke an attack; hurry past nesting sites confidently, or better yet, avoid them altogether;  and if you are on a bike, dismount to avoid falling off and move away quickly. 

Magpies’ over protective behaviour only lasts a few weeks.  For the rest of the year, they are the peaceful and valuable insect eater we know them to be, renowned for their pleasant warbling. 

As a protected species it is against the law to harm them or collect their eggs.