Some of you may remember that there was some argument (https://aussie.zone/post/36983352) as to whether it was safe or not for magpies to be translocated because of their swooping.

I had read some time back that it wasn't safe for them to be relocated because they could be attacked by local magpies defending THEIR territory from an intruder but I couldn't find where I'd read it. Other people provided an article which said it was safe.

So, to get current expert info, I wrote to the Qld Museum. They've responded but don't seem to be too sure either.

Magpie relocation has been studied with mixed outcomes. On the whole, the area from which problem birds are removed has a reduction in locally aggressive behaviours. However, the fate of the relocated birds is relatively unknown. A small percentage find their way back to their original territory, others establish near the relocation site but the outcome for most is unknown, and it is likely there is a high mortality rate.

Relocation is not performed lightly, the bird needs to be deemed a significant threat to the human population around them. It is only legally allowed by a permitted individual and relocation costs can be quite high. I