Bellbird Park wetland

Attempts are generally made to maintain a positive ambience to these posts, but every now and then …

A recent bird survey at Drouin’s Bellbird Park wetland (the bit behind the lake) resulted in a ‘good score’ of 36 native species plus 4 introduced. Some of the sightings we thought worthy of highlighting include: Australian Hobby, plenty of Superb Fairy-wrens, White-browed Scrubwrens,  Eastern Yellow Robins, and others.

Always a pleasure to find a White-browed Scrubwren in urban Drouin

The piece of bushland behind the lake however has become seriously invaded with weed species that do very little for supporting native fauna and are having a significant effect on the survival of native flora.

Bellbird Park wetland weed invasion

In the above image, the following were quickly identified: Blackberry, Arum Lily, Kikyu, Dock Weed, English Ivy, Sweet Pittosporum, Tree Tobacco, Wild Radish, Thistle sp, Buttercup, Fog Grass, Cleavers, Wild Carrot, and Nasturtium. This without doubt would be an incomplete list. Dieback in the crowns of the eucalypts is also clearly visible.

This precious bit of remnant native bush in our town is being seriously threatened.

Whilst the area is contained within a proposed Landscape Plan (above) begun at least as long ago as 2020, not a lot has been achieved to date. One (of two proposed) viewing platforms has been built and a small section of the track through the fern gully has been resurfaced.

The plan states:

            “Gradual/incremental eradication of weeds …”

            “Clear the existing drainage channels …”

            “Plant additional trees, shrubs, grasses …”

            “Create two habitat islands within the wetland”

            “Provide boardwalks …”

            “Provide interpretive signage…”

I doubt I will be around to see much of this at the rate the plan is progressing!