May 2024 – Aranda Bushland (Ian Loiterton Walk)

On a splendid Autumn morning, Kevin took about 20 field naturalists on a walk of discovery. He led us up a small ridge and explained that Ian Loiterton had called it “Chert Ridge” because of its unusual chert outcrops. These hard, sharp stones were long valued by the Indigenous People.

From the underlying physical environment, we gained insights of environmental and cultural history.

Many important old-growth trees were observed, and we were treated to a variety of birds. Some of the highlights were Scarlet Robins, a Golden Whistler and a Grey Shrike-thrush.

– John Stein

Photos: John Stein

Photo: Kevin McCue

Species list

Birds
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Crimson Rosella
Golden Whistler
Grey Fantail
Grey Shrike-thrush
Scarlet Robin
Superb Fairy Wren
Spotted Pardalote
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Weebill
White-browed Scrubwren
White-eared Honeyeater
White-throated Treecreeper
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
Yellow-rumped Thornbill

Plants
Amyema sp. (Mistletoe)
Acacia buxifolia (Box-leaf Wattle)
Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle)
Acacia dealbata x baileyana
Acacia genistifolia (Early Wattle)
Brachyloma daphnoides (Daphne Heath)
Cassinia sp.
Cheilanthes sp.
Dianella sp.revoluta (Blue Flax Lily)
Eucalyptus bridgesiana (Apple Box)
Eucalyptus blakelyi (Blakely’s Red Gum)
Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box)
Eucalyptus polyanthemos (Red Box)
Eucalyptus macrorhyncha (Red Stringybark)
Exocarpos cupressiformis (Cherry Ballart)
Juncus/carex
Leptospermum continentale (Prickly Tea Tree)
Leomandra sp.
Leucopogon sp.
Melicrus urceolatus (Urn Heath)
Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass)
Poa sp.(Poa labillardierei?)
Rubus parvifolius (Native Raspberry)
Xerochrysum viscosum (Sticky Everlasting)
Sedge
(Swamp Pea)?

Weeds
Thistles
Tall Fleabane
Common Centaury
St John’s Wort

Insects
Nasutitermes Termite
SwordflySawfly larvae
Ants

Mammals
Eastern Grey Kangaroo