Toowoomba Field Naturalists

CLUB OUTING: Sunday, 05 February to Ravensbourne N.P.

2012-01-26T10:23:00.000+10:00

This is anafternoon outing, and should be nice and cool in the rainforest if it is a hotday. We'll meet at the Blackbean(lower) Day Use Area at 2.00 pm where we'll walk the Rainforest Circuit andhave afternoon tea. From therewe'll move to Gus Beutel Lookout for a stroll around the Cedar Block Circuitwith a BBQ tea at about 5.30 pm.There are wood barbecues in the park, but no fuel, and limited shelter whichmay be occupied.

The fig tree at the Cedar Block day-use area

The history of the park stretches right back to the time when Aboriginal people travelled through this area on their way to the bunya nut feasts. During the 1860s timber was felled here and the cleared land was used for farming. In 1922 the land was declared a national park.

Level ofdifficulty: Both walks are on National Parks Class 3 tracks which are gentlysloping, well-defined tracks with slight inclines or some steps. The RainforestCircuit has a few steps.

What to bring: The usualinsect repellent, sunscreen, hat, stout footwear, etc. Your own refreshmentsand a chair. Ifyou're staying on for the bbq bring fuel for the wood bbq or your own gas bbqand a light or torch. If you don't havebbq equipment people will share, I'm sure. There are no rubbish bins so whatgoes in is taken out. Your owndrinking water is also advisable.

Wet weatherarrangements: None. If the rain is torrential the outing will be cancelled.

Car pooling: Please makeyour own arrangements.

More info: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/ravensbourne/about.html

CLUB MEETING: Friday, 03 February

2012-01-26T09:56:00.003+10:00

7.30 pm at the Judy Finlay Room, Cedar Centre (TEC), Baker Street, Toowoomba

Club memberLauren Marlatt talking on 'Seahorses, sea-dragons, plusplatys, penguins and scenic surprises'.

A Great Start to 2012

2012-01-26T09:52:00.000+10:00

The members'January Get-together was time for friends to have a good chat. With 48 peoplesitting down for lunch in Stockyard Hall, we had almost half our membership atone function. This is quite an amazing feat for any club. Well doneNatters.

Lunch at the Hall

After a scrumptious morning tea we wended our way up Sawpit Gully Road for a few kilometres. Here we parked the cars and walked back down to a little gully with steep sides covered in thick vine scrub. Butterflies were in abundance, especially the Australian Caper Gull, Cepora perimale. Members had good views of them as they settled on the damp ground at the side of the road.

Australian Caper Gull, Cepora perimale

As some Natters followed the small creek up the gully others walked up or down the road remarking on the abundance of Madeira Vine which is gradually smothering this lovely section of scrub. Noisy Pittas and Black-faced Monarchs were heard but not seen emphasizing the thickness of the vegetation as those monarchs were right above us but never showed us a glimpse of their distinctive colouring.

Then back to the Hall for lunch. We were fed until our eyesbulged and we could eat no more. It was a more leisurely stop next when wecalled in at Carol's place in Rockmount. While some people preferred to sit onthe verandah and relax, a group went looking for koalas on the ridge and otherswent down to the creek. Nora became entangled with a Garden Orb Web Spider, Eriophoratransmarina. These can vary greatly in colouring and patterning (Formore information on this hairy little beast see www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_orbweavers/Garden_sp.htm).

Garden Orb Web Spider, Eriophora transmarina

Carol had told us about a good lookout on the way home through Preston with panoramic views from Toowoomba down toGatton, and it was well worth the stop. While we there several members heardthe Rockmount Bellbirds calling from the valley to the south-east. It was alovely way to end the day.

Picnic Point and Tabletop from the Preston-Boundary Road

Christmas Social at Jondaryan Woolshed

2012-01-03T10:19:00.000+10:00

Oakey Bank of NSW

Enjoying each other's company
after morning tea.

It was a perfect sunny day, but not too hot at all.

We gathered outside the old Oakey Bank of NSW and went straight in to morning tea; damper & syrup, billy tea or coffee, of course.

After being introduced to our guide, Jeff, we set off on the tour. Many of our members hadn't been to the Woolshed since their children were young so they were interested in the changes. The old homestead, and the cold house were particularly noteworthy, and there was lots of conversation in the schoolhouse.

Being given the gen on the schoolhouse

On tour

Caper White, Belenois java

There were plenty of birds and butterflies about, but no lists were kept as it was a social day, but Ernie told us he saw a Rufous Songlark, and the Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters came in close by.

Shearing demo

Of course the highlight was the woolshed itself and the shearing demonstration. Eventually Louise, the events coordinator, had to come and tear us away as lunch was waiting. This was "Swaggie's Roast" with the beef and veges done over the open fire.

Afterwards Michael entertained us with his poem for the beardies which had us chuckling and was so appropriate for the day.

Michael entertaining us with his poem.

Then there was time to wander about by ourselves, looking at the machinery shed or some fascinating photos in the little history annexe of the Oakey Bank. We all agreed it had been a delightful day.

Who frightened who out of their skin?
Diana at Oakey Creek

Photos by Jim Ball, Lesley Beaton & Di Turner.

Bellthorpe Camp

2011-11-11T10:50:00.001+10:00

Happy Bellthorpe Campers with David Clark

Twenty-one exhausted but exhilarated people had a wonderful 3 days at Bellthorpe Cottage, the property of David and Wendy Clark. The weather was perfect and the views stunning.

David was an attentive host, leading all the outings, whether on the property or further afield. On the first night he also gave a talk on Bellthorpe, the cottage and the district; people, history, geology, wildlife and farming practices.

Jim, Maria and Diane
at the shed

Glenda not only supplied us with desserts and yummy slices, but had organized some interesting activities, and everything went like clockwork. Facilities were set up in the shed making everything very easy and civilized.

Our first walk was through the rainforest down to the waterfalls. On the way David showed us points of interest and explained the difficulties in building the tracks. In true Nats style people wandered off into the bush to check out fungi or birds, or anything else that caught their eye. Diane got a glimpse of the Paradise Riflebird which made her day.

Bellthorpe was also affected by the January deluge, and the Bellthorpe Road is still closed. The picture above was taken when a few of us had a recce in November 2010. The one at the right was taken on the camp. You can see how large logs were just swept aside like small branches. (Remember to right click on an image and open in a new tab for an enlargement.)

Happy hour

After 3 hours we were more than ready for happy hour. Good company, tasty nibblies plus a little restorative beverage soon had us ready for the evening's activites.

Wednesday dawned bright and clear to the sound of bird song. Some early risers went on a walk down near the dams and were rewarded with good sightings of Wompoo Pigeon and Green Catbird.

One of the dams along the creek

Rose-leaf Bramble, Rubus rosifolius

At 8.30 we were ready for the day and we set off for Bellthorpe Environmental Park where the Bellthorpe Progress Association has been clearing exotic weed. At the end of one of the tracks was a lovely view of the Glasshouse Mountains with Pumicestone Passage behind.

Glasshouse Mountains View

From there we backtracked to the Bellthorpe State Forest. After squeezing us all into the 4WDs we wended our way along a forestry road until it was time for morning tea including more of Glenda's scrumptious snacks. From here we walked along the track which meandered through rainforest grandeur with huge trees towering above us, wildflowers sprinkled at our feet, and treefern tracery.

Lunch was at the Bellthorpe Conservation Park on the site of the old Brandon's Mill. There is very little left of the mill now, and none of the town at all. While we were there all the exotic pines were being cut out and we scavenged some of the wood for our camp fire. David had shown us photos of the mill in its heyday so this virtually empty 14 ha paddock was difficult to picture as a thriving community with a school and homes as well as the mill. In 1998 it was recommended that the area be heritage listed as one of the best preserved sawmill communities, however this obviously didn't happen. There were plenty of birds, butterflies, and flowers to keep us happy as we strolled around the site and surrounding roads.

That night after happy hour and tea we went into the rainforest searching for fireflies. It was eerily beautiful to see them flickering through the trees. Then it was back to the camp fire where Phil played some tunes on his penny whistle.

Coming back from the rainforest walk

Despite the late night we were ready at 8.30 for another walk on the property. This time to the waterfall from the upper track and back past the shed. All that was left to do was say our thank-yous to David and Glenda. David was presented with a gift and an honorary membership for 12 months. This was followed with much acclamation and determination to return.

Looking from the eastern boundary
to the western boundary with cottage and camp site

For more information on:

Bellthorpe Cottage - http://bellthorpe.bigpondhosting.com/default.htm

Bellthorpe National Park - http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/bellthorpe/

Brandon's Mill - http://www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/50796/qld_se_saw9.pdf

Bellthorpe in the 1950s. This is a lovely website of one man's life and family. During the 1950s they lived at Bellthorpe. He writes a good story - http://g1uqf.weebly.com/bellthorpe.html

All lists compiled from members’sightings

8-10 November 2011

Bellthorpe Cottage and Cabin Bird List: (26°49’ 46” S, 152° 42’ 55” S – Bellthorpe Cottage ) AustralianBrush-turkey, Pacific Black Duck, White-headed Pigeon, Spotted Dove (SpotTurtle Dove), Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove, Wonga Pigeon, WompooFruit-Dove, Topknot Pigeon, White-necked Heron, White-faced Heron, Straw-neckedIbis, Brown Goshawk, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo,Rainbow Lorikeet, Australian King-Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Pale-headed Rosella,Eastern Koel, Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Southern Boobook(heard), Laughing Kookaburra, Sacred Kingfisher, Dollarbird, Noisy Pitta(heard), White-throated Treecreeper, Green Catbird, Regent Bowerbird, SatinBowerbird, Superb Fairy-wren, Red-backed Fairy-wren, Variegated Fairy-wren, Yellow-throatedScrubwren, White-browed Scrubwren, Brown Gerygone, Fairy Gerygone, White-throatedGerygone, Brown Thornbill, Eastern Spinebill, Lewin's Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, ScarletHoneyeater, Eastern Whipbird, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Cicadabird, CrestedShrike-tit, Golden Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Butcherbird, PiedButcherbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Spangled Drongo, Rufous Fantail,Grey Fantail, Torresian Crow, Leaden Flycatcher, Satin Flycatcher, Black-facedMonarch, Paradise Riflebird, Eastern Yellow Robin, Silvereye, Welcome Swallow, Red-browedFinch. 67 species

Bellthorpe Environmental Park: (26°51’ 50” S, 152° 44’ 48” E) Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Crimson Rosella,Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Noisy Pitta (heard), SatinBowerbird, Yellow-throated Scrubwren, Large-billed Scrubwren, Brown Gerygone,Lewin's Honeyeater, Eastern Whipbird, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush,Australasian Figbird, Pied Currawong, Spangled Drongo, Rufous Fantail. 17 species

Bellthorpe State Forest: (M=Old Brandon’s MillSite only, 26° 49’ 21” S, 152° 40’ 46” E at Crane Pivot) Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Wompoo Fruit-Dove(M), White-faced Heron (M), Purple Swamphen (M), Masked Lapwing (M), AustralianKing-Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Pale-headed Rosella, Laughing Kookaburra,White-throated Treecreeper, Satin Bowerbird, Red-backed Fairy-wren, VariegatedFairy-wren, Spotted Pardalote, Eastern Spinebill, Lewin's Honeyeater, NoisyMiner, Scarlet Honeyeater, Eastern Whipbird, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike,Cicadabird, Grey Shrike-thrush, Olive-backed Oriole, Pied Butcherbird (M),Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Grey Fantail, Torresian Crow, ParadiseRiflebird, Welcome Swallow (M), Red-browed Finch. 31 Species

Miscellaneous in the Bellthorpe Area: Cattle Egret, Buff-banded Rail, Willie Wagtail. 3 species Total species: 78

Long Live the Field Nats! Our 60th Anniversary Weekend

2011-11-07T09:13:00.000+10:00

At the tree planting

The fun started on Friday evening with a re-enactment of the first meeting held in November 1951. Ernie & Ben played the roles of President and Secretary respectively with other members playing minor parts. Diane P's script made sure there were a few laughs. Then Neil gave a good impression of a 1950s learned gentleman by the means of using a jacket and tie to change from a 21st century learned gentleman. He gave Keith Walker's talk of "How to Study Birds" also given on that august night sixty years ago. Neil commented on the changes in our way of studying birds since then. All this was followed up with the film shown at our Club's first general meeting, "Wildlife in Bushland", kindly given to the club by Stephen Fleay, David Fleay's son. There was quite a crowd with visitors, and past members and it was a very convivial night.

Sunday was also a day of nostalgia. We met at Olcott Hall in Russell Street where Ernie gave us some history of the place, and TFNC's connection. Pastor Nick was there to allow us to look at the upstairs room where our Club had its beginnings.

From there we went on to the Bicentennial Waterbird Habitat for a lovely morning tea in the sunshine.

Neil recounting the history of the Bicentennial Waterbird Habitat

At 10.30 am precisely we planted our Grass Tree, Xanthorrhoea australis. Not only our logo but a symbol of longevity, just like Toowoomba Field Naturalist Club Inc. By then more Natters had joined us and we were quite a crowd.

Planting the Xanthorrhoea

In 1951 the Field Nats went to a property in Middle Ridge on the outskirts of Toowoomba. It probably belonged to Mr Robert Angus Moncrieff our first president who lived very close to Nielsen Park which was where we adjourned for a stroll and lunch on Sunday.

The original 3.25 hectares (8 acres) block was donated by 97 year old Mable (I believe this is the correct spelling) Nielsen in 1990 to the State Government with Toowoomba City Council acting as trustee as long as the land is utilised as a park. In 2005 two more blocks to the north were acquired making the park a reasonable bushland reserve. The park contains some of the oldest trees in Toowoomba and also part of the old bullock trail up the range.

Lunch at Nielsen Park

Nielsen Park is close to the escarpment so there were plenty of birds, and we even glimpsed some of the local wallabies. Although as with all our bushland the exotic weeds are prevalent, there was plenty of natural bush to keep the botanists happy. It was a very pleasant pre-lunch walk. Lunch was a very social time with even more members arriving, and Ben spoke about his link to Angus Moncrieff.

We all agreed it had been a delightful day. Our thanks go to the 60th Anniversary Committee who made the celebrations such a success. Hip, hip, hooray!

Remember to see an enlargement of any photo, right click on the image and open in a new tab.

Photos by Cheryl & Phil, and Di T.

Wildflowers at Hartmann Park, Crows Nest

2011-10-22T11:20:00.000+10:00

Pink and cream Stylidium laricifolium

At Hartmann Park we set off with Kym and her naturalist pre-schooler, Jamie. Lovely yellow Donkey Orchids soon had the cameras clicking. We almost walked on the Chloanthes parviflora with their mauve flowers, growing on the side of the track. Xanthorrhoea was everywhere. Perhaps the highlight was the masses of Stylidium laricifolium or Tree Trigger Plant. A fascinating plant on which the narrow leaves grow in a thick mass up the stems giving the plant a furry look. The tiny pale pink, four-petalled flowers grow up the stem above the leaves. We had difficulty finding any to trigger and decided maybe the rain had set them off. Along the track we found only two specimens of Stylidium graminifolium, a very different upright plant with fine strap leaves supporting its base.

The miniature white flowers of the Leucopogan were more difficult to see, as were the tiny flowers of the purple Hylanthus and Glycene Pea Glycine tabacina hiding in the grass.

Kym pointed out New England Blackbutts Eucalyptus montivaga and told us there was a very rare suite of eucalypts in this park. Jamie pointed out his favourite flower Pimelia linifolia. We got to smell the leaves of the Platysace lanceolata (a member of the carrot family.)

A banksia was in flower, and the very thick stem of the Parsonsia vine was easy to see. Here Kym pointed out Angophora woodsiana, another member of the unusual suite of trees.

Amata nigriceps in a Toowoomba garden

Further along the track Jamie’s sharp eyes found a lovely black and orange moth on the underside of the Xanthorrhoea. It was a White Antenna Wasp Moth, Amata nigriceps.

Arriving back at our starting point we agreed it had been a very successful walk, and as we headed for the cars Jamie pointed out Great Cormorants flying overhead.

by Donalda

Applegum Bird Walk in October

2011-10-22T10:51:00.002+10:00

By the time I arrived at Bullocky’s Rest there was greatexcitement as Grahame and Donalda had already seen a Buff-banded Rail which wasa new species for the area. There were only five people brave enough to turn upon a rainy, early morning but we had some great birding with 44 species seen orheard in about 2 hours.

There were plenty ofwildflowers in bloom especially a little Pink Rock Orchid, Dendrobium kingianum which Donalda and I found beside the track.Another delight was the sighting of two Eastern Water Dragon Physignathus lesueurii at the Pump Hole.

Pink Rock Orchid

The rain had come on more heavily by then but it didn't deter the birds with the smaller bush birds in abundance.

We arrived at Hartmann Park for morning tea, and while we were waiting beside the creek Donalda and I had agood sighting of an Azure Kingfisher. This was a new species for the park.

Bird List for Crows Nest Outing, compiled from members’ sightings

Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Crested Pigeon, LittlePied Cormorant, Great Cormorant (o’head), Australian White Ibis (o’head),Straw-necked Ibis (o’head), Buff-banded Rail, Dusky Moorhen, Masked Lapwing, Galah,Rainbow Lorikeet, Little Lorikeet, Australian King-Parrot, Pale-headed Rosella,Channel-billed Cuckoo, Azure Kingfisher, Laughing Kookaburra, Sacred Kingfisher,White-throated Treecreeper, White-browed Scrubwren, White-throated Gerygone, Yellow-rumpedThornbill, Brown Thornbill, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Yellow-facedHoneyeater, Noisy Miner, Noisy Friarbird, Eastern Whipbird, Black-facedCuckoo-shrike, Olive-backed Oriole, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, PiedCurrawong, Rufous Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Leaden Flycatcher, Magpie-lark,White-winged Chough, Apostlebird, Welcome Swallow, Red-browed Finch.

Also seen in and around Crows Nest: Australasian Grebe,Blue-faced Honeyeater, Little Friarbird. Total: 47 species

White Mountain, September

2011-09-03T15:47:00.000+10:00

It was a lovely time to venture into the far western edge of the Helidon Hillsarea, near White Mountain. Our first stop was at the creek crossing below Greg's place to look at the havoc caused by the January flood.

Jenny & Nick in the ravaged creek

After morning tea we had an invigorating walk through his property. A particular plant of interest was the Climbing Orchid Erythrorchis cassythoides or Black Bootlace Orchid.

Erythrorchis cassythoides

The black stems

Looking at the long dark stems you can see the reason for its name. Go to Trish Gardner's blog for more about this lovely orchid, toowoombaplants2008.blogspot.com/2009/09/black-bootlace-orchid.html. Other plants that caught our attention were Large-leaf Hop-bush Dodonaea triquetra, the vulnerable Four-tailed Grevillea Grevillea quadricauda, and the Koala Fern Caustis blakai subsp macrantha.

Four-tailed Grevillea

Plenty of Koala Fern
on the rocky slopes

John and Bob coming through
the Koala Fern and Grass Trees

Bird list: +/- 250m from S27º 25.724' E152º 05.377' The honeyeaters were out in force on this fine spring day. The Scarlet Honeyeaters particularly were calling and fluttering everywhere. So though there was plenty of activity only 12 species were recorded on the morning. Perhaps some quiet time beside the creek may be worth investigating in the future. We also saw Button-quail platelets. Possibly Painted Button-quail as they've been recorded at Paradise Creek which is close by. Lorikeet sp. (Rainbow/Scaly-breasted), Fan-tailedCuckoo, Laughing Kookaburra, White-throated Treecreeper, Buff-rumped Thornbill,Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Scarlet Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird,Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Pied Currawong.

Relaxing at lunch

Photos by Lesley & Heather.

Durikai State Forest – 7 August 2011

2011-09-03T12:53:00.001+10:00

This was certainly a day for honeyeaters as far as birderswere concerned. 16 different species were seen. The highlight would have beenthe lunch stop at Durikai Waterhole where we had wonderfully close views of anumber of species as they came in to drink. Particularly amazing as there were about 20 people sitting around chatting. The lone Bell Miner was a very unusual bird to get at the waterhole.

The group of 5 Emus on the way homewas also a special sighting for our overseas guest.

Durikai Waterhole (28° 11’ 20”S/151° 37’ 27” E)
Little Lorikeet, Striated Pardalote, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Fuscous Honeyeater, White-plumed Honeyeater, Bell Miner, Scarlet Honeyeater, Brown-headed Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird, Crested Shrike-tit, Grey Shrike-thrush, Olive-backed Oriole, Eastern Yellow Robin, Mistletoebird.

Lorraine took us to the Scientific Area of the Durikai, and we searched along the fence line with success for fossils of the fern Otozamites feistmantelli from the Jurassic period.

Looking for fossils

And finding them!

There was plenty for the botanists too, with 3 types of mulga, several different wattle in flower, and other plants of the 'traprock' country.

Green Mallee Eucalyptus viridis flower

The wonderfully coloured calyptus, the bud-cap,
of the Baker's Mallee Eucalyptus bakeri.

Butterfly List

There was only one species seenflying on the day, a White or Common Migrant Catopsilia pyranthe. One wascaught by Nicholas Matheson and identified by members before being released.There were two individuals fluttering around the morning tea spot at the KararaShowgrounds.

The brown hairy caterpillarfound on the mistletoe (possibly Smooth Mistletoe Dendrophthoe glabrescens) was the larvae of a Scarlet Jezebel Delias argenthona. An ugly duckling of alarva compared to the beautiful butterfly it becomes.

Scarlet Jezebel caterpillar

Mt Peel Reserve & Federation Park - July

2011-07-14T16:24:00.002+10:00

This reserve on the south-western side of Toowoomba is a remnant patch of eucalyptus and acacia woodland. Many of the Yellow Box Eucalyptus melliodora were in flower and one tall tree in particular was heavily blossomed with Rainbow & Little Lorikeets and Noisy Friarbirds making a cacophony of sound as they fed in the high canopy. Nearer the northern peak Scarlet Honeyeaters were in abundance whereas the southern peak attracted a flock of 50+ Silvereye. Tricia and I thought we heard Speckled Warblers but they were elusive and we gave up the search.

Federation Park was a perfect place to lunch on a windless day, with a short walk afterwards and a good sighting of a Fan-tailed Cuckoo.

Setting out

Yellow Box flower

Golden Orb-weaver

Reserve – Crested Pigeon, Cockatiel, Rainbow Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Musk Lorikeet, Little Lorikeet, Pale-headed Rosella, Laughing Kookaburra, Variegated Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Noisy Miner, Scarlet Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Butcherbird, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Grey Fantail, Torresian Crow, Silvereye, Mistletoebird, Double-barred Finch.
Federation Park – Spotted Dove, Galah, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Striated Pardalote, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Butcherbird, Grey Fantail, Magpie-lark, Common Myna, Double-barred Finch.

Eagleby Wetlands - June

2011-07-13T17:44:00.001+10:00

With Ben driving the bus, we set off for the Eagleby Wetlands and were joined by more Nats for morning tea in the picnic shelter, with a Brahminy Kite overhead. Most of us had never been to this part of Logan before so were very impressed with the wetlands, particularly the boardwalk. Here we got delightful views of Black Swans with cygnets, and a watchful Owlet Nightjar. Lovely.

Natters at Old Beenleigh Town for lunch

Owlet Nightjar

Natters checking out the Owlet Nightjar
with Black Swans checking out the Natters!

After lunch at Old Beenleigh Town we went to two properties along Schmidt Road which gave us some species we don't normally see up on the range.

Gull-billed Terns on the Steen property

The outing finished with afternoon tea at the Logan River Parklands, and a quiet and safe drive home.

Afternoon tea at the Logan River Parklands

Bird Lists:

1) Eagleby Wetlands - Black Swan, Australian Wood Duck, Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Hardhead, Australasian Grebe, Bar-shouldered Dove, Australian Owlet-Nightjar, Australasian Darter, Intermediate Egret, Straw-necked Ibis, Brahminy Kite, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Masked Lapwing, Comb-crested Jacana, Rainbow Lorikeet, Pale-headed Rosella, Laughing Kookaburra, Superb Fairy-wren, Red-backed Fairy-wren, White-throated Gerygone, Striated Pardalote, Scarlet Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird, Little Friarbird, Striped Honeyeater, Eastern Whipbird, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Golden Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Spangled Drongo, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Magpie-lark, Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Silvereye, Welcome Swallow, Mistletoebird, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin

2) Properties on Schmidt Road - Australian Wood Duck, Chestnut Teal, Australasian Grebe, Crested Pigeon, Australasian Darter, Little Black Cormorant, Australian Pelican, Intermediate Egret, Cattle Egret, Straw-necked Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Whistling Kite, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Black-winged Stilt, Black-fronted Dotterel, Masked Lapwing, Gull-billed Tern, Little Corella, Rainbow Lorikeet, Striated Pardalote, Scarlet Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Magpie-lark, Welcome Swallow, Common Myna, Australasian Pipit

3) Logan River Parklands - Black Swan, Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Hardhead, Australasian Grebe, Eastern Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Australian White Ibis, Purple Swamphen, Rainbow Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Noisy Miner, Brown Honeyeater, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Australian Magpie, Torresian Crow.

Roadside sightings - Spotted Dove, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo.

Mt Beppo - Camp Somerset

2011-07-13T16:46:00.001+10:00

On the second day of camp it was such a pleasure to visit “Peppertrees”, the Fysh property at Mt Beppo. They knew they had a piece of scrub with a reputation in the district as being of good quality, but I don’t think they knew, until Bill started recording the species, just how good it is. We started to see unusual things even on the drive in, which follows a long row of native dry rainforest trees (mostly Whalebone Tree Streblus brunonianus, Scrub Boonaree Cupaniopsis parviflora, and Scrub Wilga Geijera parviflora).

Starting the walk at Peppertrees

Native Bryony, Diplocyclos palmatus

The two Barrys enjoying a cuppa

The view from Peppertrees

Many of the trees and vines are butterfly host species, so it was not surprising that even at this time of year we found quite a few butterflies. The scrub must be alive with them in summer. We finished our morning with a picnic lunch on the lawn, and thanks to Betsy and Frith for letting us wander around their interesting property.

Bird List: Brown Quail, Australian Wood Duck, Grey Teal, Australasian Grebe, Little Pied Cormorant (overhead), Australian Pelican (overhead), White-bellied Sea-Eagle (overhead), Pale-headed Rosella, Red-backed Fairywren, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Lewin's Honeyeater, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Varied Triller, Rufous Whistler, Australasian Figbird, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Grey Fantail, Torresian Crow, Magpie-lark, Mistletoebird.

Butterfly List: Grass-yellow sp. Eurema sp., Black Jezebel Delias nigrina, Pearl White sp. Elodina sp., Evening Brown Melanitis leda, Tailed Emperor Polyura sempronius, Glasswing Acraea andromacha, Meadow Argus Junonia villida, Common Crow Euploea core, Wanderer or Monarch Danaus plexippus.

Snakes, Slugs and Sparklers

2011-07-13T12:58:00.005+10:00

Coming into Camp Somerset in the late afternoon

May was a busy month for TFNC as we also had our annual camp with Bill McDonald from the Qld Herbarium. Once again Barry organised a superb camp and we all had a great time. Having visitors from other organisations was an added bonus.

Phil and Lauren

Highlights were:
1) Celebrating Lauren's 65th birthday with sparklers, cakes and a serenade in Danish.

2) Seeing a Brush-tailed Planigale on one of the bird walks. (Sorry about the quality of the Planigale photos.) The phascogale is a rat-sized marsupial with a black ‘bottle-brush’ tail. It is said to be nocturnal, shy and rarely seen. Mating occurs between mid-May and early July. After that quite frantic activity all the males die. Females may live to three years old.

Fuzzy photo of the Planigale.

The brush tail

Ros, Bill, Sandra, Dawn, Marie
and Helen on the bird walk

Red Triangle Slug,Triboniophora graeffei

A Welcome Swallow
enjoying the morning sun

All fun and games, some of the evening entertainment.

3) Another good find was a Keelback Snake, Tropidonophis mairii. They are diurnal and found near freshwater dams, creeks, rivers and swamps. They are harmless, eat their prey rear first, and are able to eat small Cane Toads!

Young Keelback Snake hanging on Neil's glasses.

Bird List: (compiled by lesley from members’ sightings)
Australian Brush-turkey, Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Little Pied Cormorant, Australian Pelican, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Whistling Kite, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Bush Stone-curlew, Masked Lapwing, Gull-billed Tern, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Rainbow Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Australian King-Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Pale-headed Rosella, Pheasant Coucal, Laughing Kookaburra, Rainbow Beeeater, White-throated Treecreeper, Satin Bowerbird, Superb Fairy-wren, Red-backed Fairy-wren, Variegated Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Brown Thornbill, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Lewin's Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Dusky Honeyeater, Scarlet Honeyeater, Grey-crowned Babbler, Eastern Whipbird, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Golden Whistler, Little Shrike-thrush, Australasian Figbird, Grey Butcherbird, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Spangled Drongo, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Magpie-lark, Rose Robin, Eastern Yellow Robin, Welcome Swallow, Mistletoebird, Red-browed Finch.

Butterfly list: (compiled by Don from members’ sightings)
Small Grass-yellow Eurema smilax, Black Jezebel Delias nigrina, Caper White Belenois java, Evening Brown Melanitis leda, Brown Ringlet Hypocysta metirius, White-banded Plane Phaedyma shepherdi, Wanderer or Monarch Danaus plexippus, Blue Tiger Tirumala hamata.

May - Myall Reserve and Lake Broadwater

2011-05-19T17:00:00.004+10:00

This was the little creature that caught my eye at Lake Broadwater. It is crouching on Glenda’s finger.

A small group gathered around Glenda as we tried to photograph the spider. As you can see the profile doesn’t show the lumps and bumps as does the front view.

When it is hiding it folds some of its legs over its head and looks very cryptic, almost like a damaged Casuarina cone. In the background you can see what we believe is its (her) egg sac. This was long and thin and what first attracted Glenda. It is still unidentified. Any ideas?

Bird List for Myall Reserve and Lake Broadwater:

Brown Quail, Australian Wood Duck, Crested Pigeon(MR), Australian White Ibis, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Dusky Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Galah (B), Little Corella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Cockatiel (MR), Little Lorikeet, Red-rumped Parrot, Laughing Kookaburra, Variegated Fairy-wren, Weebill, White-throated Gerygone, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Noisy Miner(B), Striped Honeyeater, Little Friarbird, Grey-crowned Babbler, Rufous Whistler, Grey Butcherbird (MR), Australian Magpie, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow(B), Restless Flycatcher, Magpie-lark(B), Apostlebird, Jacky Winter, Eastern Yellow Robin, , Silvereye, Double-barred Finch.

Legend: MR = only seen at Myall Reserve, B = seen at both places

Butterfly list for Lake Broadwater:

Orchard Swallowtail Papilio aegeus, Caper or Australian gull Cepora perimale, Black Jezebel Delias nigrina, Caper White Belenois java, Striated Pearl White Elodina parthia, Grey Ringlet Hypocysta pseudirius, Varied or Common Eggfly Hypolimnas bolina, Meadow Argus Junonia villida, Common Crow Euploea core, Lesser or Native Wanderer Danaus chrysippus.

More Bingara Camp piccies, this time from Dianne

2011-04-23T19:01:00.000+10:00

Trees on the Gwydir

Palm Sunday Donkey

So many Nats looking the same way
- must be something interesting?

Interesting Grass Tree (trees?)

Some more camp piccies from Chris

2011-04-23T10:25:00.000+10:00

Artist at work, Upper Bingara

Who are those masked Nats?

Relaxing on the varved rocks
(We all know what that means, don't we!)

Lunch is a social affair,
Whitlow Road Bird Route, Bingara

Birding on the Gwydir

Morning tea needs to be studied!

Bingara Camp - some snapshots

2011-04-22T08:30:00.007+10:00

TFNC Inc has just enjoyed several days at Bingara in the Gwydir valley of northern NSW. Here are some photos of their activities.

Morning tea on the conglomerate rocks in the glacial valley.

Rock hopping

An evening at the Roxy

Out-of-focus Turquoise Parrots

Laughing in the rain

Scarlet or Northern Jezebel at Upper Bingara

Jewel Spider at Horton River

The little Swamp Wallaby at Upper Bingara

Bingara in the morning light

April - Snail Trail

2011-04-21T17:13:00.009+10:00

Boyce Gardens, Toowoomba
Here are the Toowoomba Nats fascinated with the snail hunt led by Snail Whisperer, John Stanisic.

We learnt much more about snails than we ever thought possible, such as the semi-slug without a full shell. Also that Australian native snails and slugs don't attack our garden.
It was lots of fun and we came away more careful about treading on the leaf-litter.

Natters, checking out the snails

Semi-slug above with snail below

March - Springs Creek and Loveday Cove

2011-04-21T15:56:00.010+10:00

Springs Creek, Blue Mountain Heights:

The weather was fine on Sunday morning and an 'army' of about 40 chattering TFNC’ers arrived and spread themselves over house, deck, lawn, gardens etc. There was so much happy conversation that most birds fled the scene.

The quiet little Springs Creek which is normally 10 centimetres wide had been a raging 10+ metre wide wall of water on 10 January. The little brown birds' small bathing hole, normally secluded on the edge of the rampant and an impenetrable privet and lantana area, was now quite exposed and straddled by a 6 metre long 25 centimetre diameter log from an unknown upstream source.

In the now-serene setting of the creek, conversation was more restrained and conducted with a sense of reverence so birds, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs and tadpoles were noted going about their life as usual and their regular observers had difficulty restraining their excitement.

People took various routes to arrive back at our house and some helpfully pulled cobbler's pegs en route. It was only at 12 noon that all agreed morning tea was over.

Adapted from Ian's report.

Female Blue Skimmer

Dragons Were There

Despite the extremely windy conditions at Loveday Cove a variety of dragon-flies were present but you had to look for them. On a Callistemon growing well out in the water a spectacular Australian Tiger was sighted. A small enthusiastic group watched its comings and goings. It constantly returned to one favourite perch. While observing this we became aware of the beautiful Red and Blue Damsel as well as the Common Bluetail. Both were sitting close to the water’s surface and not venturing far in the wind. As time passed other dragons such as the Australian Emperor, the Australian Emerald, the Wandering Percher, the Blue Skimmer and the large Common Glider paid brief foraging visits. The group was surprised to find that well over half an hour had been spent closely observing the antics of dragonflies. The lone bird that was feeding in the Callistemon flew off without being indentified.

Odonata at Loveday’s Cove

Common Bluetail Ischnura heterosticta, Red and Blue Damsel Xanthagrion erythroneurum, Australian Emperor Hemianax papuensis; Australian Tiger Ictinogomphus australis, Australian Emerald Hemicordulia australia, Wandering Percher Diplacodes bipunctata, Blue Skimmer Orthetrum caledonicum, Common Glider Tramea loweii. Barry's report

Glen Lomond and Duggan Parks, 06 February 2011

2011-03-03T11:59:00.065+10:00

Waterfall at Hell Hole Gorge

Following an early thunderstorm, the weather cleared up beautifully and a good number of naturalists snaked through the wet grass out onto the ridge that forms the southern boundary of Glen Lomond Park. This gave us an excellent view into Hell Hole Gorge and the rare sight of a sparkling stream cascading over the rock face at the top of the Gorge. This vertical cliff is attractively dotted with ferns whilst the steep slopes flanking it are covered with the ubiquitous lantana. The shady areas on the floor of the Gorge have nice patches of rainforest but also a fair amount of privet. Butterflies were more abundant than birds (at least until our President arrived!). Sharp eyes also discovered a variety of attractive spiders.

On to Duggan Park for morning tea and a very informative walk, and talk on the work done by Friends of Escarpment Parks. More birds and butterflies, a preying mantis (probably the Garden Mantis Orthodera ministralis), a large stick insect and again numerous spiders. Neil.

Skipper on a dandelion, Glen Lomond Park

Members' Combined Lists

Bird List for Glen Lomond:

Grey Goshawk, Pheasant Coucal, White-throated Treecreeper, Fairy-wren sp.(heard but not seen), Brown Thornbill, Striated Pardalote, Lewin's Honeyeater, Eastern Whipbird, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Cicada-bird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Spangled Drongo, Grey Shrike-thrush, Willie Wagtail, Leaden Flycatcher, Silvereye.

Bird List for Duggan Park:

Brush Cuckoo, Galah, Rainbow Lorikeet, Pale-headed Rosella, Laughing Kookaburra, White-throated Treecreeper, Variegated Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Lewin's Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Eastern Whipbird, Pied Currawong, Grey Fantail, Eastern Yellow Robin, Silvereye, Red-browed Finch.

Butterfly List for both parks:

Orchard Swallowtail Papilio aegeus, Lemon Migrant Catopsilia pomona, Black or Common Jezabel Delias nigrina, Caper White Belenois java, Common Brown Heteronympha merope, Glasswing Acraea andromacha, Meadow Argus Junonia villida, Common Crow Euploea core, Lesser or Native Wanderer Danaus chrysippus, Wanderer or Monarch Danaus plexippus, Blue Tiger Tirumala hamata, Small Green-banded Blue Psychonotis caelius.

Spider List for both parks:

Dewdrop Spider Argyrodes antipodianus, Jewel or Spiny Spider Austracantha minax, Golden Orb-weaver Nephila edulis.

Merry Christmas, Natters!

2010-12-19T12:53:00.000+10:00

The TFNC Naturalist year came to a close with a wonderful gathering at Clifton. After a sumptious lunch we spent the afternoon crooning with Bing in "White Christmas". Thanks to Shirley who organized the event.

Enjoying the lunch

Preparing for Bing Crosby

Merry Christmas Everyone, and a safe and Happy New Year. See you in 2011.

Camp Somerset

2010-12-19T12:30:00.005+10:00

We had a wonderful time at Camp Somerset. Thanks to everyone involved, especially Barry and Bill. The rain kept away, the surroundings interesting to explore, and the accommodation excellent.

TFNC members engrossed in the Rainforest Plants workshop

Facilities a Camp Somerset

Mt Tyson-Stoneleigh area - November

2010-11-10T14:31:00.009+10:00

We went looking for the Grassland Earless Dragon. We didn't find it, but we sure found plenty of other reptiles to keep us happy. First of the day was Boulenger’s Skink Morethia boulengeri. It was brightly striped and very photogenic.

Boulenger's Skink Morethia boulengeri

Another reptile that caught members’ attention was the Blind Snake, Ramphotyphlops weidii. Its eyes like two pinholes under its scales are quite clear in the photo.

Rod showing enthusiastic members the Blind Snake Ramphotyphlops sp

Later in the day we came across this beautifully marked Australian Coral Snake Brachyurophis australis. It is such a tiny snake, a true gem.

Australian Coral Snake Brachyurophis australis

Unimpressed! Bearded Dragon Pogona barbata

Underbelly!

The Bearded Dragon Pogona barbata was on the track as we came up to the scrub. As it was being moved to safety away from the vehicles we were able to get ‘close-up and personal’, but it was totally unimpressed with us. We had the chance to look at the markings on its abdomen. Something one doesn’t see very often.

There were plenty of insects and spiders to check out too. If it wasn’t duelling scorpions or fat centipedes carrying their eggs, then it was this colourful little spider that took a liking to Betty.

Yellow Scorpion Spider Arachnura higginsi
(Not photographed on Betty's arm, however.)

You can just see the eggs under the curve of the abdomen.

One of the highlights of the day was to go into an area of native grassland with little exotic weed. Because of the good rain the grass was as tall as our shoulders. This is how the Darling Downs would have looked to the original inhabitants, and explorers such as Cunningham and Leichhardt. This is reportedly one of the most threatened of Australia's habitats with only 1% remaining.

A Field of Nats in mainly Plains Stipa Grass Austrostipa aristoglumes
Photo by Trish

Bird List for Mt Tyson area: Brown Quail, Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon), Crested Pigeon, Bar-shouldered Dove, White-faced Heron, Black-shouldered Kite, Nankeen Kestrel, Galah, Cockatiel, Pale-headed Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Rainbow Bee-eater, Superb Fairy-wren, Weebill, White-throated Gerygone, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Striated Pardalote, Noisy Miner, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Striped Honeyeater, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Cicadabird, Olive-backed Oriole, Grey Butcherbird, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Magpie-lark, White-winged Chough, Apostlebird, Horsfield's Bushlark (Singing Bushlark), Golden-headed Cisticola, Common Starling, Common Myna, Mistletoebird, Zebra Finch, House Sparrow.

Bird List for McEwan State Forest: Pale-headed Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Superb Fairy-wren, Weebill, White-throated Gerygone, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Lewin's Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Torresian Crow, Eastern Yellow Robin, Silvereye, Mistletoebird, Double-barred Finch.

Butterfly & Moth List for Mt Tyson area: Orchard Swallowtail Papilio aegeus, Chequered Swallowtail Papilio demoleus, Small Grass-yellow Eurema smilax, Scarlet Jezebel Delias argenthona, Caper White Belenois java, Cabbage White Pieris rapae, Common Eggfly Hypolimnas bolina, Meadow Argus Junonia villida, Lesser or Native Wanderer Danaus chrysippus, Blue Tiger Tirumala hamata, Common Grass-blue Zizina labradus, Heliotrope Moth Utetheisa pulchelloides, Semi-looper Moth Trigonodes hyppasia.

Butterfly & Moth List for McEwan State Forest: Orchard Swallowtail Papilio aegeus, Small Grass-yellow Eurema smilax, Caper White Belenois java, Meadow Argus Junonia villida, Common Crow Euploea core, Lesser or Native Wanderer Danaus chrysippus, Wanderer Danaus plexippus, Blue Tiger Tirumala hamata, Chequered Copper Lucia limbaria, Crow Moth Cruria donowa, Heliotrope Moth Utetheisa pulchelloides, Heliothis sp. Moth, Semi-looper Moth Trigonodes hyppasia.

Gowrie in the Spring

2010-10-07T18:22:00.021+10:00

When we started out from Toowoomba the weather didn't look too hopeful. It was cold and very foggy. However 17 members turned up at Tara Park to be greeted by Diana.

Hairy Vetch Vicia villosa on the lower paddock

First we spent time in the lower paddocks coming back to the house after checking the Austral Cornflower Rhaponticum australe though not in flower. Morning tea and lunch was in their garden full of the scent of blossom and the sounds of birds.
After morning tea we climbed the hill behind the house with magnificent views of Gowrie Mountain and the eastern Downs.
After lunch we drove by road to the back of the property, gaining access via Baxter Rd, Rosalie Heights. From there we went to the Gundry's at Glencoe for afternoon tea.
There will be more on this outing in the TFNC Inc November newsletter.

Nats checking out the flowering brigalow

A female Yellow-spotted Blue Candalides xanthospilos sunning itself in the weak morning sun.

Members’ Bird List – 43 species

Pacific Black Duck, Crested Pigeon, Bar-shouldered Dove, Tawny Frogmouth, Little Pied Cormorant, Australian Pelican, Nankeen Kestrel, Galah, Cockateil, Pale-headed Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Pheasant Coucal, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Laughing Kookaburra, Dollarbird, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Leaden Flycatcher, Magpie-lark, Weebill, White-throated Gerygone, Brown Thornbill, Superb Fairy-wren, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Scarlet Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird, Striped Honeyeater, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Rufous Whistler, Figbird, Olive-backed Oriole, Golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Silvereye, Double-barred Finch.

Members’ Butterfly List – 7 species

Orchard Butterfly or Swallowtail Papilio aegeus, Black or Common Jezebel Delias nigrina, Cabbage White Pieris rapae, Australian Admiral Vanessa itea, Common Crow Euploea core, Wanderer or Monarch Danaus plexippus, Yellow-spotted Blue Candalides xanthospilos.

Natting in the Rain - Picnic Point Outing

2010-09-03T10:10:00.017+10:00

TFNC and ANN visitors.
The TFNC crowd came out in force to welcome our visitors from the Australian Naturalists Network, and it was great to see members who can’t always get to our outings. Luckily the weather brightened slightly and so we went ahead with the Picnic Point walk. The Fantail walk has great views out to Tabletop and further east. The flowering vines were particularly noticeable.

Smilax
australis, Barbed Wire Vine
Lunch was also at Picnic Point, and Ed gave a short talk about the history of the Australian Naturalists Network and a vote of thanks to TFNC. The rain got heavier at this point so we abandoned the afternoon program and voted to go to the Cobb and Co Museum where the "Butterfly Man from Kuranda" exhibition was on. We all had a great time.

There were plenty of birds on the outing, but only a few species. The overcast to rainy weather meant they were very active and noisy. Walking down the escarpment makes great viewing as you are above or looking out to the high canopy. Some of the birds are locals, so our interstate and overseas visitors were either getting rare sightings or first sightings. These included Pale-headed Rosellas that came down to the small dam at the end of Tobruk Drive, and the male Red-backed Fairy-wren in all his finery. However the bird of the day and the one that excited our Japanese visitors the most was the Striated Pardalote going in and out of his nesting burrow in the cutting at South Street.

Members’ Bird List - 22 species: Australian Brush-turkey, Pacific Black Duck, Rainbow Lorikeet, Pale-headed Rosella, Laughing Kookaburra, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Grey Fantail, Torresian Crow, Red-backed Fairy-wren, Variegated Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, White-throated Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird, Eastern Whipbird, Silvereye, Red-browed Finch.

Clematis aristata, Old Man's Beard

Great Day at Goomburra

2010-08-10T10:15:00.006+10:00

Perfect weather, plenty of birds, orchids in flower, an excellent day.

Beth, Helen, Glenda & Lesley on the track

Fascinated by the Bowerbirds

(Photos by Chris)

TFNC & National Tree Day, 1 August 2010

2010-08-01T17:48:00.014+10:00

TFNC Inc showed the flag at the National Tree Day celebrations at Peacehaven Botanical Park in Highfields. Although the day started off cloudy and cold it brightened up considerably over the morning.

Peter, John & Alison getting ready for the crowds

We shared a tent with the Wildlife Preservation Society. Members will remember Trish Leehong coming to speak to us last year and bringing her little puggle, P4. Well you'll all be pleased to know that P4 is doing very well. She was released back into the bush but unfortunately was found again having being knocked by a vehicle. Her injuries were slight and now is kept by Trish for these educational events. P4 and the half a dozen wallaby joeys in their artificial pouches were the star attractions.

Wallaby joeys waiting for a feed

P4 getting into the termites

A big thank you to all that helped on the day. In order of appearance, John, Peter & Alison E, Tricia, Flora, Alison S, Linda & Francis, Cheryl, Phil & Jess. We all had an enjoyable time, and as often happens, caught up with friends we hadn't seen for a while.

Sauntering through Sandisock

2010-07-31T15:56:00.005+10:00

Sandisock, north of Crows Nest

Twenty-seven people set off for Sandisock, an ex-dairy farm north of Crows Nest, owned by two of our Club Members. It was a beautifully sunny day but with a cool breeze. So it was a welcome sight to behold a campfire burning on our arrival, just outside the cottage on the property. Francis.

Along Emu Creek

Checking out the equipment!

Birds observed on Sandisock

White-faced Heron, Pacific Black Duck, Australian Wood Duck, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Brown Quail, Galah, Pale-headed Rosella, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Laughing Kookaburra, Australasia Pipit, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Australian Magpie-lark, Jacky Winter, Red-capped Robin, Rufous Whistler, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Superb Fairy-wren, Red-backed Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, White-throated Gerygone, Striped Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, Striated Pardalote, Silvereye, Double-barred Finch.

Our birding started in the garden with Jacky Winters flitting about and a female Rufous Whistler fossicking in the shrubs. Along the creek were plenty of birds for the time of day, and we had great sightings of a party of Red-backed Fairy-wrens including two males in full plumage. However the bird of the day because it is uncommon in our area and a first “tick” for a couple of our members was the female Red-capped Robin that spent some time hunting insects in the bottlebrushes.

In the afternoon

June Outing - Indigiscapes Fun

2010-07-03T10:19:00.017+10:00

The trip to the Indigiscapes open day was a big hit.

There was a wide range of interesting displays, plenty

of entertainment and time for a wander through the

centre.

Nats enjoying the entertainment

The Foys fascinated with the morris dancers.

The invertebrate display kept us enthralled.

A sleepy koala. What's new?

Checking out a wild koala in the Bushland reserve.

We had lunch at the Brisbane Koala Bushlands and were lucky enough to see a koala in a tree along the walking track.

Nats at the Quarry, May 2010

2010-05-29T09:46:00.012+10:00

Nats at the quarry

Helidon Sandstone Industries (H.S.I.)

As I had long wanted to take the Field Nats to this place, it was gratifying to see such a large group turn up. We were informed that the sandstone deposit was originally a fresh water lake. Approximately 40 million years ago during the Jurassic Period, massive volcanic activity and earthquakes formed the sandstone deposit. Most of the earth that was dumped on top of this deposit compressed the sand in the lake into sandstone rock. This earth has since weathered away leaving only about half a metre of cover over the sandstone.

We began the morning by all travelling in a group higher up the pro-perty to view the revegetation of the bushland and the present extraction sites. What a difference there was between the moonscape of present or recently mined areas and revegetated early mined spots.

After morning tea near Lump Lake, we split into two groups. Lesley lead a group of bird watchers back up the top, while the rest of us made our way up the base of the gorge where black cockatoos, spiders and a great close-up view of a beautiful Evening Brown Butterfly took out interest. The group then met again to hear Greg, our minder from H.S.I. explain the differences in the quality of rock sites we had seen and the different methods of extraction. He then showed us the amazing cutting machines involved and explained that they are now the only sandstone site to process the rock entirely in Australia, as most is being sent 'raw 'to China for processing. I think everyone was impressed with the finished product, with the 'lolly' stone being the crowd favourite. Tricia

Quite a crowd

Quarrying, er …. Birding in the Helidon Hills – 09 May 2010

Some of the group decided to retrace their steps to do some birding in the heavier wooded gullies. There were plenty to see; Weebills, Buff-rumped Thornbills, a juvenile Golden Whistler, and White-throated, Striped, Yellow-faced and Fuscous Honeyeaters all fossicking in amongst the saplings. Across the track on the way down to the rock face were a number of spiders’ webs. The largest being the Golden Orb Nephila edulis with the golden silk shining in the sunlight. The female was very obvious in the centre and in one web we saw the small male on the outer edges. Sharing these webs were some Dew Drop Spiders Argyrodes antipodianus. Another spider to catch our attention was the Jewel Spider Austracantha minax. After morning tea a small group went birding on one of the ridges while others went exploring the little gorge. The ridges were found to be more interesting for the botany than the birds, and Al showed us a Copper-tailed Skink Ctenotus taeniolatus.

Bird List: Helidon: White-throated Gerygone, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Weebill, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Fuscous Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, White-throated Honeyeater, Striped Honeyeater, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Golden Whistler, Grey Fantail, Jacky Winter, Willie Wagtail, Eastern Yellow Robin. Lake Apex, Gatton: Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Grebe, Australian White Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Dusky Moorhen, Noisy Miner, Torresian Crow. Lake Galletly and Lake Lenor, Gatton Campus: Magpie Goose, Plumed Whistling-Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Grebe, Little Black Cormorant, Australian White Ibis, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Crested Pigeon, Laughing Kookaburra, Sacred Kingfisher, Superb Fairy-wren, Noisy Miner, Brown Honeyeater, Striped Honeyeater, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Butcherbird, Pied Butcherbird, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Magpie-lark, Welcome Swallow. 38 species

2010-05-02T07:30:00.009+10:00

Mary Ann at Platypus Pool

Bird List for Storm King Dam Camp, 26-29 March 2010 [Christidis & Boles (2008) Checklist for Australian Birds]

I’ve joined the separate lists into three: 1) Sommerville Valley Camp, Amosfield, Mt Tully and all roadside birds in the area,

2) Maryland area, 3) Undercliffe & Boonoo Boonoo Falls, Bald Rock.

1) Black Swan, Australian Wood Duck, Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Grebe, Common Bronzewing, Crested Pigeon, Australasian Darter, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, White-faced Heron, White-necked Heron, Great Egret, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Eurasion Coot, Masked Lapwing, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, Laughing Kookaburra, White-throated Treecreeper, Satin Bowerbird, Superb Fairy-wren, White-throated

Gerygone, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Brown Thornbill, Spotted Pardalote, Eastern Spinebill, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White-eared Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Red Wattlebird, White-naped Honeyeater, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Grey-crowned Babbler, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Butcherbird, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Restless Flycatcher, Magpie-lark, White-winged Chough, Eastern Yellow Robin, Welcome Swallow, Fairy Martin, Mistletoebird, Double-barred Finch, Red-browed Finch.

2) Brown Quail, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, White-eared Honeyeater, Australian Magpie, Australian Raven, Fairy Martin, Diamond Firetail.

3) Wedge-tailed Eagle, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella, Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Laughing Kookaburra, White-throated Treecreeper, Red-browed Treecreeper, Satin Bowerbird, White-browed Scrubwren, Speckled Warbler, Brown Thornbill, Spotted Pardalote, Eastern Spinebill, Red Wattlebird, New Holland Honeyeater, Whitenaped Honeyeater, Varied Sittella, Golden Whistler, Australian Magpie, Grey Fantail, Scarlet Robin, Flame Robin, Eastern Yellow Robin, Mistletoebird.

71 species, Lesley

2010-05-02T06:54:00.007+10:00

Storm King Dam Camp 26-29 March

A big vote of thanks to Genevieve, Margaret and Lesley for the extensive preparations made prior to TFNC pre-Easter camp at Storm King Dam. Pete and I enjoyed it all – the deluxe accommodation overlooking the water, the shared evening meal followed by an interesting talk and slide presentation by well known members of Stanthorpe FNC, the opportunity to explore creeks, waterfalls, climb Bald Rock, visit Boonoo Boonoo National Park and learn something of the history of the area during our visit to Maryland, a long established sheep property near Stanthorpe. The ideal weather was a bonus. Chris & Peter

Storm King Dam - waiting for breakfast?

2010-04-24T16:26:00.003+10:00

Did you see the sun dews around the dam? It was hard to put a foot down without treading on these flowers.

A Passion for Poaceae

2010-04-04T08:00:00.016+10:00

Settling down to some identification

15 keen participants attended the Grasses (Poaceae) Workshop presented by Rosalie Eustace at Perseverance Hall. I'm not sure if we were passionate but we were certainly enthusiastic.

Rosalie introduced grasses, compared them with other grass-like plants such as rushes and sedges, and explained the physiology of grasses. Also some time was spent on using a grass key to identify species. Then came the highlight of the day, identifying local grasses for ourselves.

Plenty of grass samples to choose from

Unfortunately, due to the heavy rain we were experiencing, we were unable to identify the plants in the field though there were plenty of grass samples on hand to keep us busy. Rosalie had also set up a microscope so we could get up-close and personal to grass flowers which are almost impossible to see with the naked eye.

Trish provided the delicious morning and afternoon teas

which we munched while watching Perseverance Creek rise and fall from the safety of the Hall porch.

We all agreed it was an enthralling day conducted by an excellent leader and shared with friends.

2010-03-23T06:54:00.025+10:00

Leprechaun’s Hat

On the March outing to Len and Frank’s property this enchanting gall was spotted attached to a struggling eucalypt on Mt Rubislaw. After checking with Rod Hobson and the Queensland Museum Enquiry Centre it seems that inside this large four-pronged gall is the female of the scale bug Apiomorpha munita. Almost beyond belief the bug has injected a cocktail of chemicals into the host eucalypt which responds by making just this particular type of gall. The female will never leave and although mature after some months could live in the gall for up to five years.

It came as a surprise to find out that the multiple red structures below were the gall homes of the males. After some months the adult males leave their home and will die after only a few days. However this allows sufficient time for the now mature female to be fertilised. Thousands of minute offspring called crawlers will later emerge from the female gall through a hole in the top. Some crawl to the edge of the foliage and are dispersed by the wind. Maybe it is easier to believe that this bewitching structure was left there by a forgetful leprechaun. Barry

Above photo: Female scale bug gall (upper), male scale bug gall (lower)

2010-03-23T05:52:00.029+10:00

Mengel Property at Felton, 7 February 2010

Despite uncertain weather after more than a week of rain, 15 Field Nats headed for the Mengel's farming property at Felton, about 30 kilometres south-west of Toowoomba, for the monthly club outing. The 153 hectare Mengel property, combining beef cattle grazing and cultivation, had benefited greatly from more than 100mm of rain, and light showers in the afternoon did not interfere with the day's planned activities.

View from Mt Rubislaw

Among the Field Nats were four members who had attended the previous day's basic grass identification workshop at Perseverance Hall, and the wide variety of seeding grasses gave them a chance to put newly-acquired skills into practice. Before setting out on the morning walk part-way up 673 metre Mt Rubislaw, we gathered near a quarry on the Mengel property. This quarry is leased to Toowoomba Regional Council, and provides gravel for road works in the Felton-Cambooya area.

View from the top

After negotiating a tightly-stranded barbwire fence onto adjoining Harrow, a historic grazing property of more than 3000 acres, we climbed rocky slopes through open timbered country to picturesque views of Cambooya farmland. Highlights of the morning walk were the brief sighting of a snake (described as black with brown features), and on the walk downhill, strolling through a grove of white cypress pine (Callitris baileyi).

After a leisurely lunch at the Mengel farmhouse overlooking part of the farm and the beautiful Felton valley beyond, most of the Nats drove, in light rain, to a grass paddock at the back of the farm. There, as well as seeing grey kangaroos, they found about a dozen Stemmacantha australis (Austral Cornflower), past flowering, but with seed pods. This native species is threatened by overgrazing, and is listed as vulnerable.

Nats on Mt Rubislaw

After the welcome rain of previous days, the Felton valley was a picture of green, yet, within view of the Mengel farmhouse is the site of a proposed large-scale mine and petrochemical plant. It is hard to believe that such a project would even be considered in this fertile farming area.

At the end of the day's energetic and informative outing, Field Nats warmly thanked Len and Frank for giving their time and energy and for increasing everyone's knowledge of natural history in the area and for giving them an insight into ‘life on the farm’. Michael

2010-03-10T10:42:00.007+10:00

THE BIRDS AND THE BEES ….

….. or, in this case, wasps.

While we were wandering through Irongate Reserve on the February outing, Shirley brought to my attention a bird’s nest in a low scrubby bush. It was not complete and looked abandoned. We were checking this out when I noticed a Common Paper Wasps’ nest further along the branch. Here's one of their nests at my home.

Unfortunately we were too busy looking to take a photograph at Irongate, but this is a particularly interesting association between birds and wasps. Honeyeaters, gerygones and finches have been known to purposefully build their nests near paper wasps nests. It appears the wasps keep predators away from the nest. Overseas research shows that it is only small birds that take advantage of this as wasps seem to attack the larger birds. One study in Costa Rica found that nesting attempts were significantly more likely to fledge young than nesting attempts without wasp nests. Lesley