Author Archives: fobif

The sounds of spring, part 1

Posted on 20 September, 2011 by fobif

Each spring a variety of birds migrate back into the area for breeding. Hence the forests become alive with the calls of these species that haven’t been heard in the area for quite a while. This post introduces you to … Continue reading →

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Buff-banded Rail in Marie and John’s yard

Posted on 18 September, 2011 by fobif

This Buff-banded Rail, Gallirallus philippensis stayed in Marie Jones and John Ellis’ house yard for two days and enjoyed the easy food pickings. With no cats it didn’t have too much to worry about. This is the first time they have … Continue reading →

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Moss Identification Field Day

Posted on 18 September, 2011 by fobif

The next Moss Identification Field Day is on Saturday 8 October at 10 am. The group will be meeting at Clinkers Hill Bushland Reserve. Bring hand lenses and record books. If you would like to find out more about this … Continue reading →

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Moss and liverwort field guide

Posted on 7 September, 2011 by fobif

To assist in the identification of mosses for the proposed field guide, scanned diagrams can be downloaded here. If you are interested in joining the Moss and Liverwort Field Guide group, ring Beth Mellick on 5472 1316.

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Small birds, part 4

Posted on 6 September, 2011 by fobif

Other common birds you are likely to see in the forests include the Silvereye Zosterops lateralis which frequents a range of habitats from town gardens to open forest. They often move about in flocks searching for food. A bird that … Continue reading →

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The Selwyn map: a glimpse of the past

Posted on 5 September, 2011 by fobif

One intriguing feature of Arn Tolsma’s Connecting Country talk on August 27 [see our post], was his reference to the 1853 Selwyn map. It’s quite an aborbing exercise to pore over this map and line it up against the landscape … Continue reading →

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What price gold in a recovering landscape? And what price the Prospector’s and Miners’ Code of Conduct?

Posted on 30 August, 2011 by fobif

When walking along Forest Creek recently we came across a series of freshly dug holes that varied in shape and size.  Ones made by the hungry echidna (see below) were a delight to see as it meant that the rehabilitation … Continue reading →

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Moss: Examining the detail

Posted on 30 August, 2011 by fobif

Fifteen people took part in a fascinating moss field day at Clinkers Hill Bushland Reserve on 27 August. This was part of the Moss and Liverwort project that is working on producing a brochure about local mosses and liverworts. The group … Continue reading →

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FOBIF walkers enjoy a sunny August day

Posted on 27 August, 2011 by fobif

Sunny weather made for a great FOBIF walk on 21 August. There were thirty walkers on this excursion to the Muckleford bushlands. Paul Hampton from Muckleford Landcare was the leader with Doug Ralph providing a commentary on the mining history … Continue reading →

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Small birds, part 3

Posted on 26 August, 2011 by fobif

The more noisy and active of the birds are the Honeyeaters, often flying rapidly between trees, calling loudly and chasing one another. The Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculatais is the largest and most aggressive, chasing all comers away. Please upgrade your … Continue reading →

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