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| Brachychiton x turgidulus in bloom November 2023 Photo: D. Pagel |
After morning tea, we explored below the house with our hosts, following various interests. There was no flora expert with us to compile a plant list, though we were provided with a comprehensive list compiled by botanists in 2019. Insects were elusive and many birds were sheltering elsewhere.
A shallow embankment beside the shed caught the attention of
our geologist, Dougal, and those nearby learned from its profile something of
the weathering of basalt rock and associated soil formation. The basalt on the property supplies many soluble elements through weathering and with little
quartz the thin soil is dominated by dark-coloured swelling clays with organic
content. Below, the subsoil has prominent weathered rock fragments and below
that again, larger pieces of basalt. On the slopes the thin soil dries out and
moves downhill with rainfall, limiting the plants that can grow well there. 
Weathering and soil formation
Photo: D. Johnston
When we re-gathered late morning, we drove up the hill to the ridge top. A gate was left open for us to explore remnant dry vine scrub and take in the expansive view to the north-west. A second walk along the road south took us to another open gate and we strolled back along the fence line birding and observing vegetation.
At lunch, notes were compared and members expressed their appreciation for the hospitality shown them and the opportunity to visit a property cared for and developed with such commitment and passion. The outing did not produce the significant lists it might have done if the weather had been different, but it was certainly stimulating and enjoyable.
Bird list for the day from members' observations:
Black
shouldered Kite, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel, Superb Blue-wren, Brown
Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Striated Pardalote, Brown Thornbill, Australian
Magpie, Pied Butcherbird, Torresian Crow, Willie Wagtail, Grey Fantail, Restless
Flycatcher, Double-barred Finch, Silvereye (Tasmanian race). A small list but
such a windy day.
