The June 2008 newsletter provides an updated report on the release of 27 captive bred Regent Honeyeaters in the park and the associated tracking project. Eileen also reports on recently observed flora and fauna such as the spreading wattle Acacia genistifolia. 
Newsletter No. 163 June 2008
Dear Friends
Once again the Friends devoted the meeting day to assist with the Regent Honeyeater monitoring. The results so far are beyond our expectations. Twenty-two birds are still being accounted for twice daily, with morning and afternoon sightings. Two are confirmed dead and three have not been seen for some time.The flowering is still very good and it is anticipated that it will continue for another six weeks. We will be hoping that the White Box will flower as a follow up resource. Once again thank you to Friends members and other volunteers who are supporting this project so generously. Anyone who would like to assist can call Sarah on : 0427 619962 or Keith on : 0408993100 to arrange a time.
Around the park:
The welcome rainfall in early June has refreshed the park and softened the ground litter once more, hopefully it will not dry out again until summer. Fungi are appearing on the dead damp wood. Lerp is again forming on the eucalypt leaves to provide forage for pardalotes and honeyeaters. The Golden Wattle buds are swelling in readiness for a late June flowering. Lilies and Rock Ferns are the most obvious of the early ground 
Orchid rosettes of the Pterostylis species are emerging and the small flowered winter greenhood Pterostylis parviflora also called the Red-tipped Greenhood is in flower. The thread-like stems of the Twining Fringe Lilies are using the dead foliage of grasses and everlastings as support in readiness for flowering in August. This is a delightful little plant with sprays of dainty fringed purple flowers is so often overlooked. It has only basal leaves
which are not produced every year.
The pale flowered Spreading Wattle with its needle-like leaves, Acacia genistifolia is in bloom and brightening up the park.. It is more common in the northern section of the park. It is one of the least browsed of the understorey plants.
A male Rose Robin, one of our winter gems, has been sighted at Ryan Roads Dam. Sightings of Swift Parrots have been sparse despite the reasonable flowering of the Ironbarks
The weeds are enjoying the mulch in our Tuan Campsite enclosures and they will be one of our targets at the July meeting. We will also modify a group of nearby nest boxes.After lunch the afternoon walk, weather permitting, will be the Tuan track to Bartley Ryan’s circuit.
It has been disappointing to find garden rubbish dumped at the Tuan site and also along Depot Road.It does not create a good impression for visitors.
Rainfall for May: 27.0 mm over 11 days. Yearly total: 254.4 mm over 29 days. <hr />
NEXT MEETING: SATURDAY JULY 5TH MEET AT CHILTERN POST OFFICE AT 9.00AM Nest box modification and checking. Weeding the enclosures at Tuan Campsite. Contact Eileen 03 57 261 484 Byo lunch, chair, binocs. Gloves and a small trowel. <hr /> FRIENDS OF CHILTERN NATIONAL PARK inc MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL P.O. Box 60 CHILTERN 3683 To assist, please mark the envelope Membership. Friends have achieved a great deal during the past year. Surveys for plants, birds and monitoring, replacing and erection of new mammal boxes, tree planting and weed control are just some of our contributions. Your support for our activities is valued and your membership renewal is vital to our cause. Membership expires on June 30th. Please ensure your contact details are current. Thank you. Please find enclosed my membership of $10 for 2008-9 The fee covers the whole family and includes 11 newsletters.
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