Cinnamon Bells at Golden Whistler Reserve

Cinnamon Bells, Gastrodia sp (seasamoides?), or Potato Orchid, is a leafless, saprophytic or epiparasitic orchid. It grows in a variety of habitats and is fairly widespread throughout Victoria.

Being leafless, Cinnamon Bells does not use photosynthesis and chlorophyl to manufacture nutrient. It gets all its nutrition from decaying vegetation and fungi below the ground.

Cinnamon Bells grows to about 50cm and flowers from October to January.

The name cinnamon bells is for the bell-shaped, cinnamon-coloured flowers. Oddly, some flowers do give off a cinnamon odour.

Because the orchid grows from an underground tuber, it is sometimes referred to as the potato orchid. Members of the indigenous community used the tubers as a food source. Apparently, the location of tubers could be found by checking where Bandicoots had scratched the ground.

Recently-named Golden Whistler Reserve is in McGlone Rd, between the Drouin Golf Club and the freeway. Trigger Plants are well evident and there are plenty of Beard Orchids showing in the reserve at present too but, not unusually, very few seem to have decided to flower so far this season – fingers crossed!

Tip: if you Google the term ‘Golden Whistler Reserve’, you will get heaps of information and maps detailing the location and importance of this little environmental asset on the doorstep of Drouin.

Victorian Acclimatization Society

In 1861, the Victorian Acclimatization Society was formed with the express purpose of introducing plants and animals from other countries and releasing them free into the wild. It was the societies’ opinion that the introduced flora and fauna would benefit Australian society in the fields of sport, aesthetics and for food.

Most of the early introductions by the acclimatization society were from England and Europe and many were for nostalgic reasons. Not all attempts at acclimatization were successful. Some that were tried but failed or were not continued with include monkeys and giant snakes from Africa and birds that ate snakes.

Sparrows were introduced in Melbourne in 1863. Since its introduction, the Spotted Dove has adapted well to urban habitats, unlike our native species.

The Victorian Government Botanist, circa 1850, Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, was responsible for introducing thousands of exotic plants and seeds.

There were many introductions of the rabbit by private individuals and the Acclimatization Society. The fox was introduced around Melbourne and within 20 years was declared a pest species.

Before release, the introduced species were meant to be kept and acclimatized at Royal Park in Melbourne. Ironically, Royal Park was where Burke and Wills set off on their exploration to the Gulf of Carpentaria, one of their tasks being to record the variety of native species that existed on our continent.

Some early proclamations:

“English thrushes, larks, starlings, blackbirds and canaries, when liberated, will enliven the savage silence” – McCoy, professor of Natural Science, University of Melbourne.

“If it lives, we want it” – E Wilson, president Victorian Acclimatization Society.

“…possibility of peopling the woods, groves, forests, and rivers of Australia with the animals, birds, insects, and fishes of Europe, and especially of Britain, is sufficiently delightful to warrant an effort in that direction…” Sth Australia Advertiser, 1861.

“…investigated almost completely the Alps flora of this continent.” Von Mueller after an expedition from Mt Wellington to Mt Kosciusko.

“Let us alone with your new industries. You see what has come of them already. A Scot introduced their charming thistle, and we will have to put a sum on the estimates to extirpate it. Edward Wilson introduced the sparrow, and the sparrow is playing havoc with our vineyards. Some busybody introduced the rabbit, and the income of Ballarat would not save us from the consequences.” – Victorian Legislative Assembly, c1870.

The Victorian Acclimatization Society also sent indigenous species overseas: Echidnas to London, wombats to Paris, kangaroos to Mauritius and possums to New Zealand (for which the Kiwis have never forgiven us!).

The society didn’t last long and it folded in 1872. Its legacy however is still with us today.

  

Too many people?

It took about 18 centuries for the world’s population to reach 1 billion in 1804. Today, the world’s population has just passed 8 billion. The last seven billion has taken just 218 years. The UN predicts that by 2050 the world’s population will be 9.7 billion.

Australia’s population is 25.9 million. Our fertility rate is about 1.7 children per woman. The fertility rate or replacement rate to maintain our current population is 2.1 children per woman. The annual growth rate of Australia’s population is approximately 0.9%, due largely to immigration.

The world’s and Australia’s demographic is changing significantly. There will never be more children in the world than there is today. Our population is getting older and there are fewer people able to work to support more people unable to work. More and more people reside in urban settings and fewer in rural areas.

Some consequences of these changes are obvious. Caring for the elderly is becoming increasingly significant. Housing and transport systems will need modification. Can a shrinking workforce support our economy? Will we be able to produce enough food to feed everyone properly – indeed, on a global scale, do we now? Will there be enough arable land to grow crops and run stock? Will we need to change our diet? Should we stop built up development in farmland locations?

And what of our natural environment? Can we keep using and abusing it and expect it to remain healthy? What role is climate change having?

We know the challenges. Do we have the solutions?

Some further reading:

Drouin & Warragul Arterial Road Network Planning LINK

Baw Baw Shire Population Forecast LINK

Valuing natural capital

Natural capital is all the world’s natural resources: rocks and minerals, soil, air, water and all living things. Our natural capital underlies and supports human society and without it we will perish. It supplies society with fresh air, clean water, food and fibre and the natural environment provides spiritual and cultural values for our well-being.

Heathy woodland - Bunyip State Park

Climate change, natural disasters and biodiversity loss are challenging factors for maintaining our natural capital – and some would add the elephant in the room; population growth.

Sand mine - Nyora (Credit: Save Westernport Woodlands)

It is becoming increasingly important that we assess and account for how the environment contributes to human prosperity and well-being. Government and private jurisdictions are increasingly becoming aware of the need to account for the natural environment in their decision making.

Beard's Rd - Neerim East

Federal environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, has pledged to halt Australia’s extinction crisis and to securing support for her goal to place 30% of Australia’s land and sea areas under conservation management by 2030. This undoubtedly will require massive pecuniary support as it will involve adding 300,000km² - an area larger than Vic and Tas combined – to existing national parks and reserves.

Mangrove habitat - Rhyll

 

The minister wants to value our natural capital by generating environmental investment through the  creation of a market for biodiversity credits for protecting important habitats.

Those pesky doves

Since its introduction in Melbourne in the 1860 or 70s, probably thanks to the Victorian Acclimatization Society, the Spotted Dove has become quite ubiquitous in our region. The Spotted Dove is a native of the Indian subcontinent and South East Asia. The bird was believed to be introduced as a decorative species and for its pleasant ‘cooing’! Apparently, the native birds were ‘…dull and uninteresting’.

Later, Spotted Doves were introduced to Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney. Even as late as 1990, ten birds were released from an aviary in Alice Springs and their population there has increased rapidly.

The bird is now found in parks, gardens, agricultural regions and woodlands in numerous locations throughout the continent. It has ‘acclimatized’ rather well.

Although not especially aggressive toward other birds, Spotted Doves compete with native pigeons and other species for food sources and nesting locations. They will often go to nest at any time and can have several broods each year. It is really just their numbers that is the problem. 

Spotted Dove (introduced)                Crested Pigeon (native)        Common Bronzewing (native)

The native Noisy Miner and Bell Miner are far worse at driving away other native birds.

Noisy Miner (native)                                             Bell Miner (native)

Spotted Doves are basically seed eaters, taking their food from the ground, frequently in pairs or small flocks. They also take fruits and food scraps, pet food, etc. All pigeons and doves drink by sucking rather than having to scoop water into their bills and throw back their heads as other species do.

So, can you deter Spotted Doves from visiting your yard and displacing native species? Well, not really unless you don’t want any birds at all to visit, because pretty much whatever method is used to deter doves is going to deter other species as well. There are expensive electronic ultrasound devices that claim they can be adjusted to deter a particular species but their efficacy is questionable.

The best suggestion is to make sure you have plenty of native plants in the garden that will attract native birds in spite of the presence of some doves. Spotted Doves tend to prefer open grass areas on which to forage and open midstory or canopy habitat. Grow some dense understory shrubs for the native honeyeaters, wrens and thornbills to enjoy. Don’t leave seed or pet food outside for long periods.

Good luck!

 

Who's to blame?

   Reduce your carbon footprint! Recycle your plastic and glass! Use less electricity, gas and water!

   We are constantly bombarded with messages that suggest we, individually, are to blame for environmental degradation and catastrophic climate change.

   There is now an argument that large corporations (and governments?) have engineered a sense of individual responsibility in order to distract from their own obligations. We are constantly being told we are too greedy, lazy and that we consume too much. And, yes, there is an element of truth to this and we should be mindful of how, as individuals, we could be doing more to save the planet.

   An emerging view is that large companies (and governments?) play a much bigger role in damaging the environment than do any number of individuals and that the focus for easing or reversing our slide into climate and environment catastrophe should be centered more on them than us.

   The contention is that if we are to properly address environmental decline and climate change, it is not just the behaviour of individuals that needs modifying but that the desire for continued exponential growth of corporations and the incessant aim of improving our GDP that needs attention.

   Further reading/listening:

“Who is to blame for the environmental crisis and what needs to change?” Radio National podcast.

“Big oil coined ‘carbon footprints’ to blame us for their greed”. The Guardian

“GDP on the way out as 'wellbeing budgets' put value in community and connection”. ABCNews

“Australians create 67 million tonnes of waste each year. Here's where it all ends up” ABCNews

“Overview of the State of the Environment Report” Dept Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Water.

My favourite Drouin Tree

The ‘Chairmaker’s Giant’, Buln Buln Rd

The Chairmaker’s Giant is a stand alone Mountain Grey Gum in the paddock east of Buln Buln Rd. It is perhaps best observed from the urban woodland in Elizabeth Cl or from the north-west corner of Crystal Waters estate.

Measuring 35m tall and a girth of 8.1m, the Chairmaker’s Giant is one of Drouin’s largest trees. It contains numerous hollows of various size, making it an excellent habitat tree for native wildlife.

“When I see this tree every day, I am reminded of the trees on a former property I once owned and the history of the chairmaker of the Drouin swamp is a fascinating one.”

In 1878, Antonio Debertolis, a furniture craftsman from Austria, settled in Drouin. Using natural materials gathered from the Gum Scrub Creek area, Antonio crafted chairs of remarkable beauty without the use of nails, screws or glue. One of Antonio’s chairs is on display in the Power House Museum in Sydney. (LINK 1 – Lincolnshire Windsor and rush-seated chairs. LINK 2 – The Chairmaker of the Drouin Swamp)

This old giant eucalypt would have been part of the landscape in Antonio’s day and it is hoped the tree will be preserved as development occurs in the locality.

 

Contributed: Rhipidura

Let us know if you have a favourite Drouin tree and why. Contributions welcome.

 

 

McNeilly Darter

It was good today to come across a Darter drying its wings amongst the reeds at McNeilly Park.

Darters swim with their body submerged and only their heads and long necks showing, which gives rise to their alternative common name, Snake Bird. They are a widespread species sometimes found on water bodies deep inland.

Like Cormorants, the Darter's feathers are not particularly waterproof and much time is spent by both species, between feeding dives, drying out in the sun.

The wonderful Strzelecki Gum at the southern end of the wetland was alive with at least four species of birds using or guarding nest hollows. This tree is like a high rise apartment for the many birds that use it.

A pair of Pacific Black Ducks were inspecting one of the lower apartments.

Out on the water, another 'blacky' was making a bit of a splash.

Don't forget that if you want more nature information on Baw Baw Shire, try visiting our new website, Baw Baw Biodiversity and explore some of the links. Feedback welcome.

The Nodders are up and about

The Nodding Greenhood, Pterostylis nutans, is a common, terrestrial orchid that flowers through winter. At the moment, there are several colonies of these orchids appearing in some natural bush areas in and around Drouin.

In a good season, Nodding Greenhoods can grow as tall as 30+ cm.

It is a distinctive species and is found widely throughout our district, growing in a variety of habitats.

Nodding Greenhoods are pollinated by tiny fungi gnats. The insect is attracted to the flowerhead and crawls inside. The hairy labellum (tongue) of the orchid closes against the ‘hood’, trapping the insect which struggles to escape. In doing so, the orchid has deposited some pollen onto the insect.

After a short while, the labellum releases and the insect escapes, flies to another flower and the process repeated, hence cross-pollination occurs. Some greenhood species can also self-pollinate.

The native orchid world is a fascinating one and we have these remarkable plants on our doorstep.

Australia's favourite tree

As part of Science Week, 13^th – 21^st August, the ABC is conducting a poll to discover Australia’s favourite tree. To help you decide, ABC Science has provided a list of 33 trees with photos and information and a simple-to-fill-in voting form, from which can choose 3 of your favourites.

Here’s the LINK. (ABC Science)

The list will be ‘pruned’ to just 10 trees for a final vote in early August.

 

PS: Just in case you haven’t checked out our own website yet, here’s the LINK to Baw Baw Biodiversity (thanks Chris – magnificent job).

The pros and cons of infill development

Urban infill development is described as development that utilizes unused and underused land in urban areas in order to increase density and to place new developments closer to existing resources and infrastructure.

Infill developments usually involve subdividing one allotment into two or more titles, adding an extra residence to a title, constructing townhouses on a title, etc.

The pros…

Infill development is said to help stop urban sprawl which can involve costly infrastructure projects, loss of valuable farm land and natural environment.

Infill development done properly, is able to; encourage more diverse and affordable housing options, reduce the number and length of car trips, provide more options for children and the elderly, provide a better sense of community and even give healthier and safer outcomes.

Compared to infill, urban sprawl can add up being 300+% more costly to local government, aka the ratepayers.

Good infill development can offer the opportunity to address the environmental impacts of urban sprawl development. It can revitalize communities, meet housing demands and improve community health.

The cons…

Some infill developments are not compatible with the neighbourhood environment such as multi-story units in the middle of average sized, single homes.

While one view of infill development is that it promotes a better sense of community, another is that increased density creates a whole new set of issues, loss of privacy, etc.

Infill development often involves the removal, legally or not, of significant vegetation on private land, so reducing the ‘greening’ of a neighbourhood.

Increasing the density of population with infill development can give rise to issues of existing infrastructure not coping.

The paradox…

Sprawl versus density

Most people are against sprawl AND density. Anyone want to sort that out?

 

 

 

 

State of the Environment Report

The Australian Government has produced a State of the Environment Report every 5 years since 1995. The latest was released today, 19^th July 2022.

It is a large document; you can access it here LINK.

Here are some headlines…

The Daily Mail Australia: “The 'resoundingly bad' report Scott Morrison didn't want you to read: Scathing health check reveals Australia's environment is 'deteriorating' as list of animals at risk of going extinct grows”

The Guardian: “State of the environment: shocking report shows how Australia’s land and wildlife are being destroyed”

The Conversation: “This is Australia’s most important report on the environment’s deteriorating health. We present its grim findings”

Sydney Morning Herald: “Environment scorecard finds Australia’s habitat ‘crumbling rapidly’”

ABC News: “Majority of Australia's environment in 'poor' state as Labor blames the Coalition for decade of 'inaction and wilful ignorance'”

Herald Sun (subscribers only): “Australia’s ‘shocking’ environment report card”

The Age: “The five graphics that explain the State of the Environment report”

Nine News Melbourne: “Australia has lost more mammal species than any other continent, damning environment report warns”

The Washington Post: “Australia leads continents in mammal extinctions, climate report says”

BBC News: “Australia's environment in 'shocking' decline, report finds”

Pretty well unanimous!

 

 

Scarlet Robin at Golden Whistler

Golden Whistler Reserve is what we in the Friends of Drouin’s Trees call the narrow strip of woodland between the Drouin golf course and the Princes Freeway. Access to the reserve is via McGlone Rd.

Currently labelled McGlone Rd Public Purposes Reserve, the FoDT has made a submission for a name change that honours the wonderful Golden Whistlers that are seen there. The FoDT has also been granted some funding to remove weeds, plant suitable understory and install some seats and signs. A nest box monitoring project is also being developed.

The bush is described as Lowland Forest which has a conservation status of ‘vulnerable’ in the Gippsland bioregion.

With the onset of winter, the Golden Whistlers, like many other birds, become way less active and consequently less noticeable. Some birds of course migrate to warmer climes. Others that spend much of their time in the high country consider the lowland bush as warmer at this time of year and so we get to see species such as Flame and Scarlet Robins, Gang-gang Cockatoos, Pied Currawongs and others.

It was a pleasure today to see a Scarlet Robin at Golden Whistler Reserve.

Scarlet Robins prefer eucalypt bush and woodland with an open understory. They generally perch on low branches and scan for prey in the ground litter.

The Scarlet Robin is listed as ‘secure’ in Victoria. Although their numbers can vary from season to season, anecdotally, they appear to be in decline. Various postulations are made for this: climate change, bushfires and fragmentation of habitat among them.

Whatever the reason for the Scarlet Robin numbers to be in decline, it is great that we still have a little of their suitable habitat on the edge of Drouin. The conservation and protection of such areas as ‘McGlone Rd Public Purposes Reserve’ are vital if we wish to preserve biodiversity (and save the planet).

 

 

Mycorrhizal fungi and trees

With the recent dramatic arrival of winter, we start seeing fungi fruiting bodies appearing in the bush, in parks and gardens and on nature strips. The wonderful, sometimes beautiful, sometimes weird ‘mushrooms’ and ‘toadstools’ (unscientific terms often used interchangeably) are just the fruiting body of the fungal organism that is mostly hidden underground.

It’s important to understand that fungi are not plants: they do not reproduce from seed, rely on sunlight for their energy or photosynthesize like plants do.

Most trees, in fact probably 90% of all plant species, require an association with fungi in the soil. This symbiotic relationship is called mycorrhiza. Some plants benefit from a mycorrhiza from one species of fungi. Some trees gain benefit from hundreds of different fungi and some plants, some orchids for example, will ONLY grow if there is just one particular fungus in the vicinity. Some trees can grow without the help of any fungi but this pretty rare.

Fungi have a network of thin fibres called hyphae growing through the substrate (the organic matter on which they grow). This network of root-like threads is called the mycelium. 

Hyphae on the underside of a piece of bark

The mycelium of mycorrhizal fungi connects with the root systems of nearby trees and enables the exchange of various substances from the fungus to the tree (and vice versa). It has been recently discovered that the mycelium can even enable the exchange of substances between the trees themselves.

Austropaxillus sp - a mycorrhizal fungus often found in eucalypt woodland.

In this way, the fungus increases the absorptive area of the tree roots by as much as 700%.

The familiar Fly Agaric mushroom is an introduced mycorrhizal fungus associated with exotic trees such as oaks and pines. There is some evidence this fungus might be adapting to native trees.

The increased quantity of water and minerals picked up by the tree is converted to carbohydrates through photosynthesis using carbon dioxide from the air, sunlight and chlorophyl in the leaves. Some of these carbohydrates are then returned, via the hyphae, to the fungus enabling it to grow: both organisms benefit.

Mycorrhizal fungi are just one group of fungi. Saprotrophic fungi only grow on dead organic matter and they recycle nutrients back to the soil. Parasitic fungi only grow on living organisms, plants and animals, and they absorb nutrients directly from their host generally to the benefit of the fungus only. Parasitic fungi can be so detrimental to a host plant or animal that it can cause its complete demise. When this happens, some parasitic fungi can change to become saprotrophic and continue to survive on the dead host.

Left: Saprotrophic Mycena sp growing on dead wood.   Right: Parasitic Cordyceps sp growing on moth larvae  under the ground.

The humble fungus deserves proper respect for its role in the environment. Our trees certainly need them.

 

  

Plibersek replaces Ley as Minister for the Environment

Sussan Ley, the former Minister for the Environment in the Morrison Liberal Government has been replaced by Tanya Plibersek, the Minister for the Environment and Water in the Albanese Labor Government.

Sussan Ley, Wikipedia LINK: “Ley was born in Nigeria to English parents. She grew up in the UAE and England before moving to Australia as a teenager. Prior to entering politics, she worked as a commercial pilot, farmer and  public servant based in Albury, New South Wales. She was educated at Campbell High School, Dickson College, La Trobe University, the University of New South Wales and Charles Sturt University, and has master's degrees in taxation and accountancy.”

“Ley was elected to the House of Representatives at the 2001 election.”

“Also in March 2022, Ley approved a Coalition decision to scrap 176 out of 185 recovery plans designed to prevent the extinction of threatened species and habitats…”  (See article The Guardian LINK.)

Before becoming the Minister for the Environment in 2019, Ley held various roles in departments of Children’s Affairs, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Housing, Status of Women, Customs and Justice, Treasury, Employment, Early Childhood Learning, Regional Development, Health, Sport and Aged Care.

Tanya Plibersek, Wikipedia LINK: “Plibersek was born in Sydney to Slovenian immigrant parents and grew up in Sutherland Shire. She has degrees from the University of Technology Sydney and Macquarie University, and worked in the NSW Government's Domestic Violence Unit before entering parliament. Plibersek studied journalism at the University of Technology Sydney, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She then took a master’s in Public Policy and Politics at Macquarie University.”

“Plibersek was elected to the House of Representatives at the 1998 federal election, aged 28.”

Plibersek has had roles in portfolios covering Youth, Status of Women, Childcare, Human Services and Housing, Social Inclusion, Health and Education and Training.

Do either side of politics take the environment seriously?

 

Further reading:

Anthony Albanese ‘snubs’ Tanya Plibersek and hands education portfolio to Jason Clare News.co.au LINK.

New frontbench sworn in as deputy prime minister denies Tanya Plibersek was 'demoted' SBS News LINK

Five priorities for Tanya Plibersek, The Guardian LINK

  

Mistletoe

 What is Mistletoe?

Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on a host tree or shrub. The Mistletoe gets its water and nutrients from the host plant but produces its own energy through photosynthesis. Some Mistletoes are epi-parasitic and only grow on other Mistletoes.

Mistletoe infestation - Thornell's Reserve Longwarry North

Many Mistletoes very obviously use eucalypts as their host tree however many Mistletoes parasitize acacias, casuarinas, banksias, angophoras, melaleucas and numerous other native Australian trees and shrubs.

There are over 90 species of Mistletoe in Australia and nearly all of them are endemic. Mistletoes can be found on all continents except Antarctica and worldwide there are more than 1500 species.

What benefits do Mistletoes provide?

Mistletoes generally have long flowering and fruiting seasons. Because the roots are tapping into the host plant, Mistletoes can flower even through dry times, making them a dependable nectar and fruit source for fauna species when little else is available.

Mistletoes provide habitat for a wide range of fauna, especially birds, possums, bats, gliders and insects. These animals using Mistletoe as a resource are often themselves important pollinators in the broader ecosystem. More than 30 bird species are known to feed on Mistletoes and over 200 bird species have been recorded nesting in Mistletoe.

The caterpillars of many Australian butterflies use Mistletoes for a food plant.

Imperial White butterfly emerging from its pupal stage on a Mistletoe plant

How are Mistletoes dispersed?

Research has shown that Mistletoes rely principally on birds for pollination and seed dispersal. The Mistletoebird is one of the main seed dispersers of the plant.

Male Mistletoebird

Do Mistletoes kill trees?

Mistletoes do not kill healthy trees. Mistletoes rely on their host tree for their own survival. Some trees are capable of defending themselves from Mistletoe infestation by dropping infected limbs.

In general, trees with Mistletoe will die due to a range and combination of health factors – soil compaction or erosion, dieback, salinity, fire, drought, persistent inundation, etc.

Dead Mistletoe on a struggling host

Mistletoes are not resistant to fire in the way that many native trees are. Bushfire in fact can be seen as a cleansing agent in regard to Mistletoe infestation.

 

Wollemi Pine

There are fewer than 100 Wollemi Pines known to exist in the wild. It is one of the rarest and oldest trees in the world.

The Wollemi Pine, Wollemia nobilis, was discovered in a national park in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, in 1994.

Image credit: National Parks NSW

Much effort has gone into safeguarding the survival of this ancient tree. Its location in the wild is generally kept confidential and propagation methods have been exhaustively explored.

The Wollemi Pine forms male and female cones on the same tree - monoecious. Male cones form in early summer and female cones appear in late summer usually on the upper branches and they are pollinated in the following spring. 

Male cones on 'Drouin's' Wollemi Pine

Since 2006, the species has been available to the public through garden centres and nurseries as part of the strategy to ensure its continued existence.

Now, thanks to a very generous donation by the Holt family, Drouin has its own Wollemi Pine in Alex Goudie Park. Hopefully, the Holt Wollemi Pine will help continue the viability of this special species.

 

 

Threatened species in the Monash electorate

The Conversation, LINK, has developed a very interesting web app, LINK, that enables voters to discover the species of plants and animals that are listed as threatened within their electorate by simply entering their postcode.

As the front article points out, so far, not much is being said by any party about protection of threatened species. Should we care?

The Conversation also gives tips on how politicians could help our threatened species such as required funding, targeted policies, legislative reform, etc.

Among the species listed for postcode 3818 is the ‘Threatened’ Southern Brown Bandicoot and the ‘Vulnerable’ Swamp Greenhood.

It is pretty obvious that our native plants and animals are not only impacted by processes such as climate change, infestation of weeds and pest animals, bushfire and habitat loss due to urbanization and forestry activity but also by inert political agendas.

In case you do care:

Liberal – Russel Broadbent – Russell.Broadbent.MP@aph.gov.au

Labor – Jessica O’Donnell – jessica.odonnell@vic.alp.org.au

Greens – Matt Morgan – mat.morgan@vic.greens.org.au

UAP – Christine McShane – monash@unitedaustraliaparty.org.au

One Nation – Allan Hicken – monash@vic.onenation.org.au

LDP – Meg Edwards – meg.edwards@vic.ldp.org.au

Independent – Deb Leonard – contact@debleonard4monash.com.au

AFP – David Welsh – via the web portal - https://ausfedparty.com.au/contact-us/

 

 

 

Drouin Bird Surveys

The bird survey team has nearly finished the autumn surveys of the control sites.

The remaining dates for the control sites are: Golden Whistler Reserve, 20/04/22; Bellbird Park wetland, 26/04/22; Thornell’s Reserve, 28/04/22. If you would like to join in – Drouin Bowls Club car park 830am.

A few non-control sites will be surveyed in early May; dates and sites to be circulated later.

The results of each survey are being uploaded to the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas. As soon as the results have been curated by the Atlas staff, a link will be provided for viewing.

A few highlights to date have included a Spotless Crake at Gum Scrub Creek wetland. The site where the crake was spotted (J) was a hundred metres from Hopetoun Rd, beside the Two Towns Trail and barely 5m from the bulldozers and other machinery working on the development behind the fence!

Spotless Crake (amid the pollution)

Spotless Crakes are not uncommon but are rarely seen because of their furtive nature. Their movements are poorly known and they are thought be sedentary and dispersive.

At the same location, we twice ticked an Australian Hobby. The Hobby is a small, dark falcon with diagnostic narrow wings and rapid, agile flight. It catches most of its small bird and insect prey on the wing.

Australian Hobby c2013

Our most recent survey at McNeilly Park yielded 34 species, including these three usual suspects…

Little Pied Cormorant

White-faced Heron

Narcissistic Pelican (plus pollution, again!)

The ubiquitous Wood Duck was present in good numbers. Here they are lined up for some fun with depth of field camera settings.

In the middle of the line up was a male whose ‘mane’ is clearly visible – two other common names are Maned Duck and Maned Goose.

Maned Goose aka Australian Wood Duck