WATCH out there are magpies about in Cootamundra. 

How much havoc can a little black and white feathered animal wreak with it’s beak? Magpies are highly protective of their eggs, nests, and young and will often swoop unsuspecting passers-by if they feel threatened.

Magpies are a protected species and these little fellas sure know how to populate. 

At present there are eight known magpie hotspots in town, where residents say they’ve been swooped.

- The showground entry on Pinkerton Road.

- The Country Club entry.

- The Bradman Oval.

- Fisher Park.

- At the bridge near the Ex Services Club.

- At the Gundagai Road railway gates.

- Southee Circle.

- Across from the heated pool on Bourke St.

- On the walkway at the hospital.

Member for Burrinjuck Katrina Hodgkinson was noticeably concerned on Thursday when she heard that locals have experienced aggressive behaviour from magpies in town.

Ms Hodgkinson says a number of preventative measures can be taken to reduce the incidence of attacks.

“Coming from Yass we’ve often had this problem,” she said. “I know that Yass Shire Council had to put up signs. 

“It’s a good idea to put signs out there as a visible reminder, and further measures can be taken if the birds are persistent in their attacks.” 

Dont forget…

THE Melbourne Cup is in town today and community members are invited to the post office from 12 noon-1.30pm for a photo opportunity with the cup itself. Do it now before it heads onto Melbourne for the ‘race that stops a nation’.

Think you can dance?

PUT on your dancing shoes and make your way to Dickson Hall tomorrow from 2-4pm as a community group facilitated by Nigel and Val Hughes will meet to dance to their favourite old-time tunes. Whether you like ballroom or new vogue, they dance a range of styles over the two hour period. You don’t have to know what you’re doing, all are welcome!

Welcome to town

COOTAMUNDRA council welcomes John and Bruna Nicholson, the new owners of the Cootamundra Caravan Park. The Nicholson’s have moved to Cootamundra from Melbourne for a lifestyle change, purchasing the business from Geoff and Marion Wallace. 

John and Bruna just love their new life in the country, and being approachable, warm and friendly themselves and we’re very happy to have them here.

Go and introduce yourselves, they’re learning more about Cootamundra each day and would love to hear from you.

Precious baby Ellis

PROUD parents Amber and Donald Ray would like to announce the birth of Ellis Frederick Ray.

Ellis was born on June 20 in Wagga Wagga.

Siblings Lilly, 1, Ella, 3, and Esther, 5, are all smitten with their baby brother.

Grandparents Susan Johnstone from Tarcutta and Don and Carol Ray from Junee also welcome the newest addition to the family.