Conflicts in the urban landscape

During nesting seasons, tensions can rise between birds and humans as species like Magpies, Scrub Turkeys, Plovers, Butcherbirds, and others fiercely protect their territories, offspring, and nests. The nature of these conflicts varies widely, with each species presenting unique challenges and requiring tailored management approaches. These scenarios can range from physical attacks by defensive Magpies and Butcherbirds to the destructive nesting habits of male Brush Turkeys, who may build mounds in preparation for breeding.

Removing native birds is a delicate task that demands specialized knowledge to evaluate the specific conditions of each site. Successful removal strategies rely on a thorough understanding of the target species' individual characteristics and life history traits.

Trained experts specializing in Magpie, Plover, Butcherbird, and Bush Turkey removal use safe and effective methods to capture and relocate these birds, particularly when they pose a threat.

Here is some information on two of the more common species one may come across in our urban environment.

Brush Turkey

The brush turkey, a formidable bird renowned for its tireless work ethic, can wreak havoc on suburban gardens and delicate ecosystems. These industrious creatures transform meticulously maintained lawns and gardens into towering mounds of compost in mere days. Their relentless pursuit of mound construction often leads to the destruction of vegetation and the disruption of peaceful outdoor spaces. Traditional methods of deterrence have proven ineffective against these determined birds, necessitating significant alterations to backyard landscapes to discourage their presence.

When designing your garden, consider a strategic approach to deterring turkeys while ensuring a visually appealing and thriving space.

Breeding and Mounding Behavior

Breeding Season: Breeding typically occurs between August and December or January.

Nest Construction:

• Mound Building: Males construct large, terrestrial mounds composed of decomposing vegetation, leaf litter, and soil.

• Mound Dimensions: These mounds can reach impressive sizes, ranging from 2 meters to 4-6 meters wide and 1-1.5 meters high.

• Temperature Regulation: The mound serves as a unique incubator, maintaining a steady temperature of 32-33 degrees Celsius throughout the nesting season. The male meticulously regulates the temperature by adding or removing decomposing material.

Mating and Egg-Laying:

• Male Territoriality: Males fiercely defend their nest and surrounding territory from other males.

• Female Attraction: A single male may attract multiple females to his mound.

• Egg Deposition: Each female can lay up to 24 eggs per season, resulting in a mound containing as many as 150 eggs.

Incubation and Hatching:

• Incubation Period: Eggs incubate for approximately 50 days.

• Egg Size and Appearance: Eggs are significantly larger than chicken eggs, measuring around 90mm x 65mm. They are initially chalky white but become stained and mottled yellowish-brown during incubation.

• Precocial Chicks: Newly hatched chicks are precocial, resembling quail with large legs and feet. Remarkably, they are capable of hatching, digging themselves out of the mound, and becoming independent within hours.

Survival Challenges:

• Predation: Young chicks face high mortality rates due to predation by goannas, snakes, birds of prey, and domestic cats and dogs.

• Low Adult Recruitment: Studies indicate that adult recruitment is extremely low, with only about 1 in 200 chicks surviving to adulthood.

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Plant Selection and Placement:

• Dense Planting: Opt for densely planted ground covers like Lomandra, Dietes, Bromeliads, and low-growing Grevillea varieties. This creates a thick, impenetrable barrier that discourages turkey foraging.

• Protective Barriers:

  • Subsurface Barriers: Install a layer of diamond-wire or chicken-wire beneath the mulch to prevent turkeys from raking the ground.

  • Physical Barriers: Use tree guards to protect young or delicate plants.

  • Mulch and Gravel: Apply a layer of heavy mulch or larger-sized river gravel around the base of trees and plants to deter root disturbance.

By incorporating these design elements, you can create a garden that is both beautiful and resilient to pesky turkey visitors.

Australian Magpie

While magpies are iconic Australian birds, it's important to recognize the risks associated with their swooping behavior. Their attacks can result in significant injuries and may lead to accidents, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic.

How to Deter a Swooping Magpie

Magpies are a protected species in Australia, and harming them is illegal. Their swooping behavior is a natural instinct to protect their young. Here are some effective strategies to deter a swooping magpie without resorting to harmful measures:

Avoid Provocation:

• Don't Feed the Birds: Feeding magpies can attract other animals and make the area more appealing to birds, potentially increasing the risk of swooping.

• Avoid the Area: If possible, find an alternative route to avoid the magpie's territory.

Visual Deterrence:

• Maintain Eye Contact: Magpies often rely on surprise attacks. By keeping eye contact with the bird, you can reduce the likelihood of a swoop.

• Use Protective Gear: Wearing a hat, umbrella, or carrying a stick can help deter the bird.

• Group Travel: Walking with others can make you appear less vulnerable.

  
  

  If Swooped:

  • Stay calm: Panicking can make the situation worse.

  • Protect your head and eyes: Cover your head with your hands or a hat.

  • Move away slowly: Don't run, as this can trigger the bird to attack.

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Inform Your Community:

• Notify Local Authorities: Contact your local council to inform them of the swooping issue. They may erect warning signs to alert other residents.

Remember, patience and understanding are key. By employing these strategies, you can safely navigate through the swooping season and minimize the risk of injury.

Snake Safety: A Calm Approach

Don't Panic!

Remember, snakes are often as startled by you as you are by them. Most snakes will retreat to a safe spot if left undisturbed.

Observe, Don't Interfere

• Keep a safe distance: Avoid making sudden movements or trying to touch or kill the snake.

• Document for Identification: If you're unsure of the species, take a photo or note its appearance to help identify it later.

• Consult an Expert: If you need assistance, contact a local snake catcher or wildlife expert.

Preventative Measures

• Secure Your Property: Keep doors and windows closed, especially at night.

• Trim Overgrowth: Remove piles of debris and long grass that can provide hiding spots for snakes.

• Be Mindful Outdoors: Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants when gardening or walking in grassy areas.

If a Snake Enters Your Home:

• Maintain Vigilance: Keep a close eye on the snake's location.

• Contact a Professional: A snake catcher can safely remove the snake.

• Prevent Escape: If necessary, block off the room where the snake is located with a damp towel or blanket.

Remember, most snake bites occur when people try to handle or kill a snake. By staying calm, observing from a safe distance, and seeking professional help when needed, you can minimize the risk of harm to yourself and the snake.

Free Snake Identification for All of Australia!

Spotted a snake and unsure what kind it is? Don't worry, Snake Catchers Brisbane can help! They offer a free snake identification service for all of Australia.

Here's how it works:

1. Visit their main website at http://www.snakecatchers.com.au/

2. Look for the "Snake Identification" section or upload form.

3. Upload a clear photo of the snake you encountered. The higher quality the photo, the easier it will be to identify it accurately.

4. Submit your photo and wait for a response!

5. Identify snakes from all across Australia, not just Queensland. So, whether you're in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, or anywhere else in the country, they can help you figure out what kind of slithering friend you've come across.

Bonus! They also welcome high-quality images for potential inclusion on their website. This is a great way to help educate others about Australian snakes.

Don't delay, identify your snake today!

https://wildlifeqld.com.au/ for further info on species and relocation assistance.

Thank you for stopping by and reading. IF there is any one particular species that is of concern, please drop a note in the comments and I can send you the relevant information from my sources at Wildcare.