Tannymorel and Mount Colliery Area, 3 November 2013

We all had a wonderful day in the Southern Downs with plenty to do and see. The Mundey’s property had us enthralled at Tannymorel. We had morning tea in the garden near the creek bank. From here we watched the bowerbirds and water dragons or chatted to Kaye & Keith. Next we went for a tour around the garden with Kaye and admired Keith’s restoration of old wagons and carts. They are both very talented people and they work full time as well! We discovered this tiny Mistletoebird in her beautiful woven nest.

The Mistletoebird in her nest (Photo by Francis)

Ben fossicked a Cunningham’s Skink out of the wood pile so we could all have a closer look. It had some scars and was missing a toe so was obviously an old warrior.   

Cunningham's Skink Egernia Cunninghami,
notice the scars (Photo by Francis)

The fauna highlight would have to be watching the Jewfish mating and nesting in Farm Creek below the Mundey’s garden. Not something we Toowoombarites get to see very often.

Fishwatching (Photo by John)

Wasp Moth species,
possibly Orange-headed Wasp Moth Amata annulata
(Photo by Francis)

Common Brown Heteronympha merope
(Photo by Lesley)

When at last we moved on it was to take Bakers Road at Mount Colliery and after fording several creek crossings Ben stopped us at an ideal lunch spot. 

One of the many crossings on Farm Creek (Photo by John)

It is called Kellie’s Crossing and while we ate we watched Musk Lorikeets drinking at the creek, a stately White-necked Heron and butterflies fluttering everywhere. We were still beside Farm Creek and we spent the afternoon exploring further upstream or wandering about the banks nearby.

Exploring Farm Creek (Photo by John)

Ringed Xenica, Geitoneura acantha(Photo by Lesley)

There was plenty to keep everyone very happy. Thanks to Ben & Jean for their entertaining day.

Species Lists for Tannymorel-Mount Colliery area, 3 November 2013. Lists compiled by Lesley from member’s sightings.

Mundey property, Tannymorel (28° 17’ 20” S, 152° 14’ 37” E, within 100m):

Birds: White-necked Heron, Nankeen Night-Heron, Straw-necked Ibis, Dusky Moorhen, Little Corella, Cockatiel, Satin Bowerbird, Superb Fairy-wren, Brown Honeyeater, Pied Currawong, Torresian Crow, Silvereye, Common Myna, Mistletoebird in nest, Double-barred Finch.

Dragonflies & Damselflies: Stout Vicetail Hemigomphus heteroclytus, Gold-fronted Riverdamsel Pseudagrion aureofrons, Arrowhead Rockmaster Diphlebia nymphoides.

Butterflies & Moths: Orchard Swallowtail Papilio aegeus, Chequered Swallowtail Papilio demoleus, Caper White Belenois java, Cabbage White Pieris rapae, Common Brown Heteronympha merope, Meadow Argus Junonia villida, Common Crow Euploea core, Lesser Wanderer Danaus chrysippus, Wanderer Danaus plexippus, Blue Tiger Tirumala hamata, Common Pencil-blue Candalides absimilis, Common Grass Blue Zizina labradus labradus.
Wasp Moth species, possibly Orange-headed Wasp Moth Amata annulata

Reptiles: Eastern Water Dragon Intellagama lesueurii, Lace Monitor, or Lace Goanna Varanus varius, Cunningham's skink Egernia Cunninghami.

Fish: Eel-tailed Catfish (Jewfish), Tandanus tandanus.

Along Bakers Road, Mount Colliery:

Birds: Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Crested Pigeon, Musk Lorikeet, Australian King-Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Eastern Koel, Satin Bowerbird, White-throated Gerygone, Bell Miner, Noisy Miner, Noisy Friarbird, Olive-backed Oriole, Pied Currawong, Torresian Crow, Red-browed Finch.

Dragonflies & Damselflies: Blue Skimmer Orthetrum caledonicum, Scarlet Percher Diplacodes haematodes

Butterflies: Orchard Swallowtail Papilio aegeus, a small Grass-yellow sp. Eurema sp, Large Grass-yellow Eurema hecabe, Caper White Belenois java, Ringed Xenica Geitoneura acantha, Common Brown Heteronympha merope, Common Grass Blue Zizina labradus labradus.

Marsupial:

Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus

Miscellaneous extras between Yangan & Mount Colliery:

Birds: Black-shouldered Kite, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Red-rumped Parrot, Dollarbird, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Willie Wagtail, Welcome Swallow, Common Starling.

Daisies at Felton, 6 October 2013 (by Trish)

It was a pleasure to tramp around Len and Frank Mengels’ place on the last outing. Our morning walk took us to a paddock which hadn’t see the cattle for a while, so was in a very “natural” looking state.  Grasslands really need to be grazed to keep them in good condition, and the Mengels’ paddocks are a botanical delight. They’re probably also a gastronomic delight, if you happen to be a cow. 

A “rule of thumb” for a healthy Australian grassland is that it would have about half a dozen grass species and up to three dozen varieties of small herbs. I didn’t count, but we were certainly seeing something like that. It contrasted strongly with the heavily grazed grassland which we saw at Allora Mountain Conservation Reserve on our outing in August.

We found the Native Cornflower (Rhaponticum australe), Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra) and Tall Oat Grass (Themeda avenacea), all plants which tend to be lost with heavy grazing and are on the decline in Australia. The cornflower is now so rare that it is listed as vulnerable, and Kangaroo Grass, once the most common grass in Australia, has disappeared over huge areas of the country.

We also saw lots of the delightful little paper daisy, the Chamomile Sunray Rhodanthe anthemoides. 

Neil taking photos of the Chamomile Sunray,
Rhodanthe anthemoides. Inset the Chamomile Sunray.
(Photo by Trish)

Many of us took photos. It’s an annual or sometimes biennial plant, easy to grow from seed. 

Species report; compiled by Don

Butterflies: Greenish Grass-Dart, Chequered Swallowtail, Tailed Emperor, Wanderer, Lesser Wanderer, Common Grass Blue, Grey Ringlet, Orchard Swallowtail, Common Crow, Caper White, Cabbage White, Small Grass Yellow, Dingy Grass Skipper, Meadow Argus, Painted Lady, Common Brown, Black-ringed Ochre, Glasswing. (All common names from Butterflies of Australia M. Braby).

This is an impressive list, considering that butterflies are an indicator species, and that the greater the number of butterflies in a given area the better the health of the ecology of that area. The best find of the day for me was the Black-ringed Ochre, which I had not come across before. 

Black-ringed Ochre, Trapezites petalia (photo by Don)

Moths: Agrotis infusa (Bogong Moth), Helicoverpa punctigera (Native Budworm Moth), Chrysonoma fascialis (no common name), Utetheisa lotrix (no common name).

Allora Mountain, Sunday 25 August

Gateway to the Mountain

It seems there was quite a bit of interest in this area as over 30 Nats from both Toowoomba and Stanthorpe Field Naturalist Clubs and three visitors arrived at Dalrymple Creek Reserve. It was a beautiful day and all was quiet at the park as the colony of Black Flying Fox Pteropus alecto was missing. However a large mob flew in just as we set off for Allora Mountain.

Margaret had arranged a good outing starting with morning tea at the new gate of the reserve. Here Weebills, Pardalotes and Gerygones were calling while a Wedge-tailed Eagle harassed by Crows flew overhead. The habitat is Mountain Coolibah Woodland and a beautiful specimen of Eucalyptus orgadophylla caught peoples’ eye as we started the climb. 

The lovely Mountain Coolibah, Eucalyptus orgadophylla

On the way up the geology had people considering the volcanic era. Then at the top were the aboriginal scarred trees to wonder at.

As usual we scattered far and wide following our own interests. The birdos seemed to congregate at the northwest corner where a lively flock of Plum-headed Finches, a White-winged Triller and a Fan-tailed Cuckoo were notable amongst many birds. There was little obvious insect life though the Dusky Woodswallows and Rainbow Bee-eaters had to be after something. Lepidoptera were evident with plenty of nondescript moths and later in the morning the butterflies. The botanists were delighted with the Hairy Anchor Plant Discaria pubescens in flower. Read more about this from Trish Gardner in the newsletter and also on her blog Toowoomba Plants. John and Ruth saw a goanna peeking out of one of the hollows in a Coolibah but weren’t able to catch a photo; Lace Monitor Varanus varius has been recorded on the mountain. 

Bear's Ear, Cymbonotus lawsonianus 

 Lunch was back at Dalrymple Creek Reserve in Allora where both Clubs had a chance to socialize and review their morning. As we were packing up, a beautiful adult White-bellied Sea-Eagle cruised overhead. A few of us then left for home while the rest of the group moved on to the delightful owl sculpture on Ghost Gate Road.

Time for the two clubs to socialize 
at Dalrymple Creek Reserve, Allora

On the mountain (28° 1’ 28.92” S 151° 59’ 40.92”): 

Birds: Crested Pigeon, Black-shouldered Kite, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel, Galah, Eastern Rosella, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Laughing Kookaburra, Rainbow Bee-eater, Weebill, White-throated Gerygone, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Noisy Miner, Striped Honeyeater, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, White-winged Triller, Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Dusky Woodswallow, Grey Butcherbird, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Jacky Winter, Silvereye, Common Starling, Double-barred Finch, Plum-headed Finch.

Butterflies: Small Grass-yellow Eurema smilax, Cabbage White Pieris rapae, Meadow Argus Junonia villida, Australian Painted Lady Vanessa kershawi, Wanderer Danaus plexippus, Common Grass Blue Zizina labradus labradus.

Extras at Dalrymple Creek Reserve (28° 1’ 42”S 151° 58’ 60”E): Bird: Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon), White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Magpie-lark. Mammals: Black Flying Fox Pteropus alecto

Murphys Creek Outing, 8 September 2013

Mick certainly lives in a little spot of paradise as he’s happy to tell people. He is also happy to share it. Natters had a very enjoyable time at Tiddalac with some unusual recordings. We were greeted at the gate by Mick and Al and after introductions we scattered, as usual, into this drier area of the property, dominated by eucalypts with a fairly heavy understorey. The botanists disappeared up the track with the etymologists, the birders looked to the tall timber while those who just love the bush slowly meandered down to the cottage.

Looking to the tall timber

Although it was late for birding on a very warm morning the birds were busy. Most members had great views of the Jacky Winter and the Rainbow Bee-eaters. The Little Bronze Cuckoo was calling loudly, but unfortunately was too deep into the neighbouring property to be seen.

Natters enjoying the ambience

We had morning tea on Mick’s deck overlooking the creek. He showed us where he had seen the Platypus earlier in the week. We had a good look at the Autumn Cluster Moths behind the cottage. This is an uncommon species found in south-east Qld and as we approached them thousands flew up from the leaf litter and surrounding plants where they were resting. It is well worth visiting this site to see some in action.

Intrigued by the moths

From there we continued exploring the creek where we had plenty of Odonata and Lepidoptera to keep us busy. We also had a sighting of a beautiful copper-coloured Eastern Water Skink Eulamprus quoyii sunning itself on the rocky bank.

Dragonflies & Damselflies: Eastern Billabongfly Austroagrion watsoni, Common Bluetail Ischnura heterosticta, Australian Emerald Hemicordulia australiae, Blue Skimmer Orthetrum caledonicum, Scarlet Percher Diplacodes haematodes, Common Glider Trapezostigma loweii

Common Glider Trapezostigma loewii
(Photo by Al)

Butterflies & Moths: Chequered Swallowtail Papilio demoleus, White Migrant Catopsilia pyranthe, Pink Grass-yellow Eurema herla, Large Grass-yellow Eurema hecabe, Caper White Belenois java, Evening Brown Melanitis leda, Orange Ringlet Hypocysta adiante, Tailed Emperor Polyura sempronius, Glasswing Acraea andromacha, Meadow Argus Junonia villida, Australian Painted Lady Vanessa kershawi, Common Crow Euploea core, Lesser Wanderer Danaus chrysippus, Wanderer Danaus plexippus, Pea Blue  Lampides boeticus, Common Grass Blue Zizina labradus labradus.

Autumn Cluster Moth Dichomeris capnites

Reptiles: Eastern Water Skink Eulamprus quoyii

Birds: Australian Wood Duck, Common Bronzewing, Crested Pigeon, Peaceful Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove, White-faced Heron, Straw-necked Ibis, Collared Sparrowhawk, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Dusky Moorhen, Masked Lapwing, Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Rainbow Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Australian King-Parrot, Pale-headed Rosella, Pheasant Coucal, Little Bronze-Cuckoo, Azure Kingfisher, Laughing Kookaburra, Sacred Kingfisher, White-throated Treecreeper, Superb Fairy-wren, Variegated Fairy-wren, Red-backed fairy-wren, White-throated Gerygone, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Striated Pardalote, Lewin's Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Brown Honeyeater, White-throated Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird, Little Friarbird, Striped Honeyeater, Eastern Whipbird, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Magpie-lark, Jacky Winter, Welcome Swallow, Fairy Martin, Mistletoebird, Double-barred Finch, Red-browed Finch, Australasian Pipit.

Mammals: Brown Hare Lepus capensis.