FOBIF September walk

Posted on 24 September, 2011 by fobif

Marie relaxing during the lunch break

Twenty-six people enjoyed sunny spring weather on the September FOBIF walk. The walk followed bush tracks to the north and east of Expedition Pass Reservoir.

Marie Jones provided a fascinating commentary on the changing landscape based on her intimate knowledge of this area where she walks every morning.

 

 

Some of the highlights were seeing water flowing over the Cascades near the start of the walk, finding out about the history of Dunstan’s Flat and viewing two scar trees near Golden Point Road.

Photo by Dominique Lavie

Photo by Bronwyn Silver

Photo by John Ellis

There were plenty of wildflowers and towards the end of the walk we found a Crimson Spider Orchid. Photographers were busy.

Photos by John Ellis (left) and Dominique Lavie (right)

Posted in News | Comments Off on FOBIF September walk

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 two of these spring migrants and their calls.

The Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus is an early spring arrival. Rather cryptic in colouring, it moves about in foliage making it somewhat hard to spot at time. But it has a quite distinctive call that carries a long way in the forest.

Olive-backed Oriole. Newstead. Photo by Damian Kelly, 2 September, 2011

Sacred Kingfishers Todiramphus sanctus are another spring migrant. Generally found near water, it nests in hollows in the forest. With a rapid, high-pitched call this bird is another early spring migrant that can be heard calling long before your actually see it sometimes.

Sacred Kingfisher. Bells' Swamp. Photo by Damian Kelly, 24 August 2011

Posted in Nature Observations, News | Comments Off on The sounds of spring, part 1

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 seen a Rail. Chris Timewell saw another one near Wheeler Street bridge (CFNC newsletter, August 2001).


Posted in Nature Observations, News | Comments Off on Buff-banded Rail in Marie and John’s yard

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 project, ring Beth Mellick on 5472 1316.

 

Posted in Moss and Liverwort Field Guide group, News | Comments Off on Moss Identification Field Day

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.

Posted in Moss and Liverwort Field Guide group, News | Comments Off on Moss and liverwort field guide