Queanbeyan Landcare has done it again! They hosted another splendid event, thanks to their dynamic team of Michele and Steve Dovers, Bill Willis, Ian Johnsson, Tom Barker and others. Kindly, they invited members of FNAC to attend.
A large group, including a dozen Field Naturalists, assembled at the base of Mount Jerrabomberra on the morning of Sunday 30 Aug. In fact, the group was so large, it was split into 3 smaller groups, each led by botanically knowledgeable members of Queanbeyan Landcare.
The event had been billed as a walk to celebrate National Wattle Day, and the wattles didn’t disappoint. Several local species of acacia were in flower, including Australia’s floral emblem, the Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha), as were many other plants, such as orchids and a profusion of Red Box (Eucalyptus polyanthemos) flower. Also, many healthy mistletoes were seen, but less encouraging was the dieback evident on the edge of Red Stringybark (E. macrorhyncha) stands. As Bill Willis explained, this species is very sensitive to a warming, drying climate and is starting to really struggle away from the centres of its refugia.
After recent rain and one of the warmest winters on record, there did seem to be a lot of early flowering happening, and insects were starting to appear too, but there was discussion about a possible mismatch occurring between flowers and pollinators. Were there different triggers, and if there was a mismatch, could it cause serious problems? Time will tell.
Another highlight of the morning was the bird activity. Many species were observed. (See below.)
At the conclusion of a loop walk, participants were greeted by a table of morning tea delights. This was generously provided by the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, and allowed everyone to mingle and debrief.
Thanks to the organisers for a very enjoyable outing
– John Stein
Bird List
Striated Pardalote
Spotted Pardalote
Buff-rumped Thornbill
Brown Thornbill
Superb Fairywren
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
White-eared Honeyeater
Crimson Rosella
Galah
Red Wattlebird
Noisy Friarbird
Rufous Whistler
Olive-backed Oriole
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Pied Currawong