This year's winning Bird of the Year - karearea 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.

She says their talons could scratch people's heads, and the contact could also hurt the birds.