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Spring may have only just sprung but Canberrans are already falling prey to swooping magpies around the capital. There have been more than 60 magpie attacks throughout the ACT since swooping season began in late July, according to social tracking website Magpie Alert. While aggressive magpies are widespread across the capital, some pockets of Canberra are already proving particularly troublesome. Four Canberrans have reported attacks on Dairy Road in Fyshwick, including one resulting in injury. The injured cyclist said he was riding at about 35km/h when a "Vampire Magpie of Doom clawed and pecked at the back of my neck twice within about ten seconds". "Both attacks drew blood," he wrote. Another Dairy Road victim said he was struck on the ear three times. Two magpie hotspots have also emerged on Cotter Road. Canberrans have already reported five attacks, including one injury, near Equestrian Park, and another four south of Wright, also including one injury. One unlucky bike rider heading past Equestrian Park was injured by a "very aggressive and large magpie". "Nearly came off my bike taking evasive action," the cyclist wrote. "Slipped out of the pedals and fell onto the top tube, shoes skidded along the road. Mild scratch on leg. Saw it swoop another cyclist travelling in the other direction six times moments later. Avoid." Another cyclist came off much lighter. "No contact, three or four close swoops," he said. "[It] stopped when I got off my bike." Another three swooping reports were recorded at Donaldson Street near Rugby League Park. Magpies can swoop walkers and cyclists from as early as July to as late as December but particularly during Spring when the birds are building nests, protecting eggs and raising fledgling birds, according to the ACT government. ANU Associate Professor Phil Gibbons, of the Fenner School of Environment and Sociology, said about 10 per cent of magpies were aggressive towards humans. He said euthanisation might be the only option in some circumstances, citing an example of aggressive magpies relocated 35km away finding their way home. Reports of an aggressive bird stealing food from a child's mouth forced rangers to destroy seven birds near Yerrabi Ponds in Gungahlin earlier this month. Professor Gibbons said most attacks didn't result in injury however, the most common forms of harm were eye injuries, facial cuts and bicycle-related injuries. Recent research from Griffith University has also revealed what many have long feared - magpies pick on particular people. Canberrans can report details of swooping magpie attacks via website Magpie Alert, including the location and any injuries sustained. ACT hotspots can also be reported to Parks and Conservation via Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or via www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au.

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