Ali Meade: Forest and Bird spokesperson on kārearea attacking Wellington walkers - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

This year's winning Bird of the Year, the kārearea, is attacking Wellington walkers on a popular bush walk.

The native falcons are nesting along Haywards Track - and swooping on unwary hikers.

Hutt City Council is asking people to hold off walking between Whites Line East and Mawson Street, for now. 

Forest and Bird's Ali Meade says people who see the birds should leave as quickly as possible.

"They might scour the back of your head a little bit - they just don't want you there and you could hurt them if they come into contact with you as well."

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