Category Archives: Nature Observations

Make yourself comfortable!

Posted on 16 November, 2011 by fobif

The brush tailed Phascogale, or Tuan, is FOBIF’s chosen symbol for a number of reasons: it’s an iconic box ironbark species, it’s endangered, and, let’s face it, it’s cute. One of the interesting things about the Phascogale is that it … Continue reading →

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It’s hard to like them, but they’re quite at home with us…

Posted on 8 November, 2011 by fobif

The picture below is of a dead Redback spider, Latrodectus hasselti, found in a Castlemaine garden. The species is infamous for its alleged propensity to lurk on toilet seats, but is actually quite shy, though it has made itself comfortable … Continue reading →

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Out and about in the Muckleford Forest

Posted on 21 October, 2011 by fobif

I always find that the call of the Peaceful Dove is enticing, but it can be a hard bird to actually locate. The call seems to move about and getting a fix can be hard. When you do, the view … Continue reading →

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An interesting Greenhood

Posted on 9 October, 2011 by fobif

Two FOBIF members recently went to the Wewak Track hoping to see the Matted Bush-pea Pultenaea pedunculata in flower. This creeper covers vast areas and is spectacular when in flower. Unfortunately we were a week or two too early. We did … Continue reading →

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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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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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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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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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Small birds – how to identify them

Posted on 8 August, 2011 by fobif

At this time of year, the Box-Ironbark forests are alive with birds – you can hear lots of different calls and see movements in the trees – but what are the common birds in the forests? Throughout the Box-Ironbark forests … Continue reading →

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