Cranbourne North’s Steve Lentini was attacked by a magpie on Monday as he rode by the Merinda Park Community Centre.
By Sarah Schwager
A CRANBOURNE North man feared for his life when he was attacked by a magpie on Monday.
Steve Lentini was riding his bike past the Merinda Park Community Centre when the magpie swooped, attacking his eyes.
“I thought that was it, that my number was up,” Mr Lentini said.
“It looked like they were surrounding me Kamikaze style.
“It was lucky that I was wearing a helmet.”
Mr Lentini ended up with a bloodied and bruised eye after escaping the magpies.
He said in such a populated area, he was worried what could happen next time.
“Year after year people are attacked,” he said.
“It is only a matter of time before someone is blinded by one.”
Mr Lentini, 49, had a cornea transplant two years ago and said he was worried the magpie was going to undo all that work.
“I know they are a protected species but there are children playing around those trees. The magpies should be relocated.”
He said his daughter Katarina, 9, had also almost been attacked once.
According to the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Australian magpies are widespread and common in Victoria, especially in suburbs and farmland.
They breed from August to October and are very protective of their young and may swoop on intruders if they feel threatened.
Swooping usually occurs for about six weeks and most birds will swoop within 30 to 50 metres of their nest.
Caroline Bell, City of Casey acting manager community safety, said as it was now nesting season, it was timely to remind residents to be aware that magpies could swoop from trees in a bid to protect their young.
“To minimise the likelihood of being swooped look out for the birds, avoid swoop areas, wear a hat and stay calm,” Ms Bell said.
But she said birds would not be relocated.
“Relocating the birds from what is essentially their native habitat is not considered an environmentally suitable outcome.
“All native birds are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and there are serious penalties for illegally harming or capturing them or interfering with their nests and eggs.”
Under the Act it is illegal to kill birds, destroy their nests or eggs without a permit or authority.
