Newsletter No 63 May 1999
Dear Friends
The long dry Autumn continues to bring warm, calm weather making conditions ideal for pursuing activities in the bush. However they are less favourable for tree planting since the hoped for follow up rain did not come. Despite the conditions the trees at Pit Road and some of the quota for Poole’s block were planted mid-month with the assistance of some Australian Conservation Trust Volunteers. Friends completed the work at Poole’s block and began the fill-in work at Chiltern Valley No. 2 Dam. The understorey planted at V.2 two years ago has done particularly well considering the poor seasons. Hopefully we will be able to complete the work at V.2 at the June meeting. Mr Poole is taking care of the watering on his block and Jim Blackney has watered the Pit Road trees again. Good rain would ensure the success of these plantings.
Following lunch we retired to Greenhill Road to search for Regents. For one of our members the sighting of this bird would be an addition to his list. After a search on Perimeter Track 2 birds were located and were seen heading to the dam. Back at the dam four birds were bathing and the mission was accomplished! However the variety of birds using the dam has decreased over the last couple of weeks.
Elsewhere the Mugga Ironbark is flowering heavily and Friarbirds and smaller honeyeaters are plentiful. Regent Honeyeaters are about but are now a little more difficult to find as they have spread across the park. Time and patience is required to catch them drinking at Greenhill Dam. Swift Parrots are about in small groups and if you are familiar with their calls they can be easily located. Best time to pursue Swift Parrots is in the early morning when they seem to be most active and noisy. Purple-crowned Lorikeets are present in the park in small groups. They are infrequent visitors to Chiltern. Their softer calls should alert the birdwatcher to their presence. They have been seen at Frogs Hollow and Greenhill Road. Painted Button-quail are out and about again and if you drive slowly in early morning or evening your chances of seeing them along the track are high.
The Autumn Greenhoods, Pterostylis revoluta and Midge Orchids, Genoplesium despectans and G. ruffum, Dark Midge Orchid, have made the best show for years. The latter, although plentiful, require a sharp eye to locate.
From the meeting:
1. It was decided to go ahead with new display boards.
2. Accounts were passed for payment.
3. Discussion re speaker/s for AGM
Note: Since the meeting I have realised that the AGM date falls on a Sunday. I suggest that the AGM be held on Saturday, August 7th. If this change affects you please discuss it at the next meeting. Thank you.
Omission: The article “Woodchippers Attempt to Ban Forest Friendly Timber Book” was submitted by Barry Traill and I neglected to acknowledge it.
North East Victoria Regional Forest Agreement Directions Report. Anyone wishing to read this report may borrow it from Friends. Please ring or email if you require it.
Doug Robinson, Grey-crowned Babbler co-ordinator advises that Indigo Shire has been given a number “Significant Roadside” signs featuring the Babbler. We look forward to seeing them in place. Locally, one will be placed on Fisher’s Road, which is important for several species of fauna as well as being rich in flora.
Killawarra Regent H/e search. Although this turned up only two Regent H/es those attending had a great weekend. There were 100+ Swift Parrots which made their roost close to the camp so that we were able to estimate their numbers early on the second morning. They hung around the camp area for quite some time feeding in the Mugga blossom in the morning sun. They were exquisite.
Up to 12 Hooded Robins were recorded in a 500 metre strip and many were young birds so it would appear that breeding was quite successful. Gang-Gangs, King Parrots and Purple-crowned Lorikeets were among other birds listed.
THE NEXT KILLAWARRA SEARCH IS ON MAY 22/23.
If you are camping BYO everything. Information: 1800 621 056 Your assistance will be appreciated.
FRIENDS ACKNOWLEDGE THE SUPPORT GIVEN BY WAW CREDIT UNION, CHILTERN BRANCH, THROUGH THE PRINTING OF THIS NEWSLETTER..
NEXT MEETING SATURDAY JUNE 5th 9.00am AT CHILTERN POST OFFICE 9.OOAM
Tree planting at various sites. Bring tools, gloves a bucket, lunch, a friend and energy.
Anyone unable to be present at 9.00am please ring 0357 261 484 for details of the venue. Thank you.
Regent Honeyeater Survey Dates Killawarra Forest
Please keep these dates handy and if you are able to assist contact:
David Geering on 1800 621 056
April 24/25
May 22/23*
June 12/14
July 10/11
August 7/8*
* National Survey days.