Mystery of missing magpies + more April letters

East Thirroul Magpies Disappear

Are you able to enlighten me on the mysterious and sudden disappearance of a family of magpies who, until spring 2021, frequented our local area, Bath, Ocean, Harbord and McCauley Streets Thirroul, and were much loved and appreciated by the local residents?

This family group of magpies, numbering approximately 10 individuals, were daily visitors to our streets and homes for the last 15 years, and possibly longer, bringing their babies along as soon as they could fly each year. They would forage around us in our gardens, completely relaxed with our proximity to them, warbling their songs in reply to our poor attempts to mimic. They became so much a part of our daily lives that we could distinguish individual birds by their behaviour.

Coinciding with the erection of, “Caution Swooping Magpie”, signs by Council in early Spring, the whole family group disappeared from our locality without a trace. Initially we assumed they had temporarily moved somewhere locally to nest but none of the individuals have returned.

We miss their songs early each morning as well as their companionship in our backyards, and would like to know the reason for their disappearance. We know that Council, on occasions, relocate or cull troublesome individual birds and are curious to know if this or some other fate befell them.

– Adrian Johnson, Thirroul

Magpie mystery update: Council didn’t do it

The Illawarra Flame contacted Council and a spokesperson said: “The family of magpies in Thirroul is known to Council staff, and Council has not relocated or culled these birds.

“The signage in McCauley Street, Thirroul was installed at the request of a community member who reported being repeatedly swooped, and seeing others’ swooped as well.

“Magpies are a protected species and it is an offence to harm them.”

Our Backyard Zoology columnist Amanda De George suggested the magpies may have moved to where there is a more food or less competition

Meanwhile, Adrian is afraid that poisonous baits set for rats may have taken out the omnivorous songbirds.

Do you know more?

Email editor@theillawarraflame.com.au

Ethics teachers needed at Helensburgh

We are seeking volunteers, so that we can provide ethics classes for all the families who have requested it at Helensburgh Public School. We currently require teachers across all stages.

In ethics classes, children learn how to think logically, disagree respectfully and support their arguments with evidence, rather than act according to blind habit or peer pressure. No experience is necessary – all training is provided by Primary Ethics. If you are looking for an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to our school, please email ethics.helensburgh@gmail.com

– Lorraine Creasy, Helensburgh

Women of Scarborough Wombarra SLSC

A wonderful article highlighting the women now associated with the surf club, and the fact that it is now going from strength to strength, but it makes out that before Rachelle, there were no women patrolling in the club.

I undertook my Bronze Medallion (BM) at the club in 1996/97 – the Chief Instructor was a young woman called Allison. Another young local woman, Kelly van Loo, was Patrol captain.

Toner Stephenson (middle aged) and Jane Barnetson (about 16) did their Bronze with me, and went on to patrol for subsequent seasons.

I became Chief Instructor and we trained many young women/girls for their Surf Rescue Certificates (SRC) and BM, including Rachelle,
my daughter Meagan, and Hayley Ellis. These three school friends obtained their SRCs together, and then Meagan and Rachelle completed their BMs, Meagan at 15 and Rachelle when 16. Rachelle and Meagan patrolled for a few years.

Hayley’s older sister Errin and her friend Ashleigh Boers did their BMs prior to Rachelle and Meagan, and patrolled for many years. Errin was Patrol Captain.

Rhiannon and Phillipa Cooke with their friend Wendy, also undertook their BM whilst I was instructing and went on to patrol for years.

Whilst what is currently happening for the young women in the club is wonderful, we should not forget that there were some very dedicated and hard working young women at the club who had come before. I would Just like to see that they are not forgotten.

– Allan Bromwich

Help Aiden fundraise

My two boys and I live in Scarborough. We enjoy receiving and reading the Flame. Aiden is a well-known young artist in the local area. It would be lovely if you could run this letter and help Aiden reach a goal that is not all about monetary value. Aiden is hoping to reduce the stigma surrounding PTSD and Autism.

Aiden is cutting off his long hair to raise $6000 for two causes: he’s donating his hair to help make wigs for people who have cancer; and  he’s donating to Fearless, a charity that aims to improve the lives of those living with PTSD.

Aiden has Autism, and getting his hair cut is a big deal! Please support him any way you can.

Please click here.

– Simone Read, Scarborough