The Australia Letter is a weekly newsletter from our Australia bureau. Sign up to get it by email. This week’s issue is written by Isabella Kwai, a reporter with the Australia bureau.

I thought it might be safe for me and my vulnerable head to go outside. But I wasn’t sure. Swooping season for the Australian magpie might not be over yet.

The birds, which seek refuge in the well-watered parks and scattered trees of city suburbs around the country, are an Australian favorite.

For a few months each year, beginning around August, male magpies will aggressively swoop perceived threats near nesting areas during the breeding season. I’m sorry, but that means you (and me).

The large, black-and-white birds have instilled fear in cyclists and passers-by, who have faced off with them and been left worse for wear.