By Georgia Westgarth
IT’S the attack of a dive-bombing Mr Magpie and its proving to be a long-term battle.
At least one magpie in Brentwood Drive, Cranbourne North, has attacked passers-by and drawn blood several times.
Christina Arandall told the News her husband Luke can’t mow the lawn without getting attacked – and venturing to the mail box is a daily concern.
“This magpie is just so vicious, it has drawn blood on Luke’s ears and back of neck, it is attacking from the ground and from the sky, you have to be so vigilant,” Christina said.
“I’ve lived here seven years and it has definitely got worse the past five years.”
Christina said the nasty bird has a 20 to 30 metre swoop zone by a tree along Brentwood Drive – that all the residents in the street are aware of.
“The council put notices up last year which said beware of the magpie but all it does is make teenagers throw stones and sticks at it and antagonise it – making the situation worse,” Christina said.
The dangerous situation hit boiling point on Saturday 3 September when two primary school aged boys dropped their scooter and skateboard in the middle of the road to escape the magpie.
“I had to go out and retrieve the skateboard and scooter, because cars were stopped and everyone was in danger,” Christina said.
“Someone is going to get seriously injured because people are more worried about the magpie swooping them, than getting hit by a car.”
Casey councillor Amanda Stapledon was attacked by a magpie at the same location last year.
Cr Stapledon said “it drew blood” and that the situation was not going away.
At a Casey Council meeting on Tuesday 6 September Cr Stapledon brought up the safety concerns as an item of urgent business, saying she would like to see the magpie relocated.
“I am awaiting confirmation from council officers, but I am insisting they relocate the magpie somewhere where it can’t be taunted, but is safe for everybody,” Cr Stapledon said.
Christina said the battle with the magpie was never ending – with young school kids having to run past the tree with their bags on their head.
