24 September 2019

Page 3

NEWS DESK

Swooping into spring

Players unite in a close one IN what is hoped to be the first of many games, years 8 and 9 boys from Mornington Secondary College hosted boys from the Clontarf Foundation at Alexandra Park last week. The Clontarf team is made up of Indigenous boys from across Victoria in Mornington for a sports camp. The foundation is set up to improve the education, discipline, self-

esteem, life skills and employment prospects of young Indigenous men. “The game was played in fantastic spirit as the two groups combined together to create two very even and well-skilled teams,” the college’s sport and community engagement teacher Ben Hall said. “It was a nail-biter as we headed into the final quarter, with the

Mornington team – made up of boys from the college and the Clontarf Foundation – claiming victory by five points. Later, the Indigenous boys hosted a football clinic at Mt Martha Primary School, showing off their skills and teaching the basics to the school’s budding players.

SPRING can mean many things: flowers, lawn mowing, weather warming, going for walks and bike rides. It can also mean swooping birds. Magpies, much admired for their warbling, seem to be the most feared of the winged warriors, although outdoor eaters in Mornington would most likely nominate seagulls as the biggest threat. There are several other bird species that can become aggressive when nesting or protecting their young, but magpies and seagulls are the most common. “Bird swooping is part of life in Australia, as we share our environment with native wildlife,” environmental compliance manager at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Suriya Vine, said. “Swooping occurs every year during breeding season and is largely a defensive manoeuvre carried out by some male birds when we come within close range of eggs or fledgling birds. “They are simply taking action to deter any threat to their young. “Being swooped by a territorial bird isn’t pleasant and can even cause injury. But the swooping is seasonal, healthy bird behaviour and so, if possible, the best response is to keep away from the area.” Ms Vine warned that it is illegal to harm native birds and offences can result in fines or impressment. “It is up to us to co-exist peacefully with wildlife and respect it.” To report a swooping incident by

any species of bird on Victoria's swooping bird map, visit delwp.vic.gov.au/ environment-and-wildlife/wildlife/ swooping-birds BirdLife, Australia says the swooping season has begun earlier than usual with many incidents reported in the latter part of winter. Protecting against swooping birds n Know swooping hotspots n Avoid the area n Move quickly n Cover your head n Draw eyes on the back of hats and helmets. n Don’t interfere with or throw stones at birds. n Do not destroy nests n Don’t feed swooping birds n Travel in a group n Put up warning signs for others who may not be aware that there are swooping birds in the area or ask your council to do so. Keith Platt

Curtains Awnings Blinds Shutters

You’ll love what we do

Born at The Bays Hospital Trusted by generations for over 80 years The Bays has one of the finest maternity units in the region. Each year we bring around 500 new babies into the world. It's a great start in life for the next generation. When you choose to have your baby with us you'll be taken care of by the finest professionals in the latest facilities. The first days of your baby's life are unforgettable. Spend them at The Bays.

Our Obstetricians Dr Kelly Griffin - (03) 5970 5353 Dr Andrew Griffiths - (03) 5976 5257 Dr Keith How - (03) 5976 6630

Dr Petra Porter - (03) 5976 5266 Dr Sarah Roberts - (03) 5970 5353 Dr Amy Swanson - (03) 5970 5353

Book your maternity tour on 5976 5262 or online at thebays.com.au The Bays Hospital Vale Street, Mornington VIC 3931 Phone 03 5975 2009

Enhance Your Outdoor Living Quality window décor at affordable prices For a free, no obligation in home measure & quote

call 03 5975 9366

Shop 8a, 1-13 Mornington - Tyabb Road (cnr Nepean Hwy)

MORNINGTON

www.shadesofaustralia.net.au Mornington News

24 September 2019

PAGE 3


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.