Bees in nest boxes – Campaign underway to re-home them

Posted on 27 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

In 2010 and 2011, Connecting Country assisted approximately 100 landholders to install 450 nest boxes across the Mount Alexander Shire and surrounds.  These boxes were designed and installed specifically for the endangered Brush-tailed Phascogale – also know as the Tuan.  Each year of so, we have gone back to check on the contents of the boxes (see our recent blog about this – CLICK HERE).   At a good proportion of the sites, we find Tuans using the boxes.  Much more commonly, we find Sugar Gliders or their nests in them – another native species, but not listed as threatened.  On increasingly rare occasions, we find unwanted occupants that have set up a colony in the nest boxes – European Honeybees (Apis mellifera).  In autumn 2016, 15 of the 450 nest boxes had active bee colonies, while many others had evidence of past colonies.  In past years we have attempted to discourage wild bees from taking over these Tuan-targeted nest boxes through methods such as colony destruction and by retro-fitting the boxes to make them less attractive to bees.

Carpet under the nest box lid had a poor success rate in discouraging bees (as seen from the residual bee wax).

Earlier in 2016, Connecting Country was approached by Daniel BeeShepherd of the Castlemaine Bee Sanctuary.  This organization’s aim is to ‘catch and lure swarms of honeybees and remove wild colonies …..These bees are then re-homed in responsibly managed hives and adopted out to hosts within the community.’  We accepted their offer to remove and responsibly re-home and manage the wild bee colonies that had taken over these boxes.  With the permission of the relevant landholders, this is currently underway.

The Castlemaine Bee Sanctuary is currently running a crowd-funding campaign to help cover the cost of purchasing and maintaining bee hives to house the translocated bee colonies. If you would like to learn more about this organization, and to possibly make a contribution towards the costs of their managed hives, follow this link for more information (CLICK HERE).

Smoke is used to calm the bees during nest box removal.

Daniel removing a bee-filled nest box.

2016 nest box surveys – what’s a Tuan?

Posted on 26 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

Tuan covering body with tail.

Connecting Country undertook its biennial nest-box monitoring surveys in autumn 2016.  The very exciting news is that the target of this program, the threatened marsupial known variously as the Brush-tailed Phascogale and the Tuan, significantly increased its occurrence compared to the 2012 and 2014 surveys.

There is so much else to report that its hard to know where to start.  As a brief summary:

• In all previous surveys, we had monitored only a sample of the 450 nest boxes located across 150 sites.  This year, we managed to visit all of them (bar one site).  Many boxes had not been checked since they were installed back in 2010.  Most boxes remain in very good condition.  Landholder interest in the boxes and their contents was very high.
• There are Tuan scattered across all parts of the shire and immediate surrounds.  In particular, they considerably in increased in occurrence in the north-east where there had been few previous records.
• Sugar Gliders remained the most abundant species, with evidence of their occurrence at more than 80% of sites.
• Colonisation of the nest boxes by feral honeybees was low again (15 boxes or 3% of the total).  As we’ll describe in another blog soon, we have been working with a local apiarist to move the bees out of our boxes and into carefully managed hives in urban settings.  The boxes can then be reused for tuans and gliders.

A more detailed report on our findings is available for download (CLICK HERE).

A copy of this report is provided to each landholder, as well as a more detailed report on the findings from the boxes on their particular property.  We are so very appreciative of all of the landholders that have taken on the responsibility of having boxes on their properties, and for allowing us to return to check them every year or so.

Volunteer helping with data collection.

La Trobe university PhD student Jess Lawton also undertook a complementary study on tuans at a sample of the nest box sites.  She temporarily installed wildlife surveillance cameras at these locations, and also collected extensive habitat data.  Her results are not yet available, but she has produced a short video compiled from the wildlife recordings made at one particular nest box location near Axe Creek.  The link to this video is provided here if you are interested (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTklMGskLyY).  We’ll prepare another blog about Jess’s findings soon.  It was a great experience having her work with us and local landholders.

CC staff members (Chris, Asha and Max) are also incredible grateful to all of the volunteers that supported us in various ways through the intense nest box monitoring period (Brandie, Brent, Damian, Daniele, Eva, Fritz, Greg, Hannah, Jan, Jane, Jeremy, Josie, Kerrie, Lisa, Mal, Naomi, Phil, Sean, Thea, Tim, numerous landholders, and the Maldon Urban Landcare groups.  Apologies to anyone that we have forgotten – there were a lot to remember!).

Typical nest box in a tree.

Family of gilders (5) in a box

Saturday 15 Oct 2016 – 30th Anniversary of Landcare Celebration event

Posted on 26 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

The North Central CMA Landcare team have asked Connecting Country to extend an invitation to our supporters and local Landcare group members to the ‘30^th Anniversary of Landcare Celebration event’ on Saturday October 15 2016 in St Arnaud.

Please find the  event details and RSVP information on the invite here. A hardcopy invitation is also on its way in the mail to each Landcare group contact.

Sunday 25 Sept 2016 – Final three Landcare Open Day events

Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

As part of Connecting Country’s Landcare Open Day several local Landcare and Friends groups are hosting public events. Here are the details of this weekend’s events to be held on Sunday the 25th September 2016, in Harcourt, Maldon, and Castlemaine.

Barkers Creek Landcare & Wildlife Group and Harcourt Valley Landcare Group

WHEN: Sunday 25th September, 9:30am-1pm
WHERE: Flora Reserve in Harcourt (off Binghams Rd behind the Harcourt recreational reserve)
DESCRIPTION: A flora walk followed by BBQ lunch

Barkers Creek Landcare Group after a working bee.

Tarrengower Cactus Control Group

Come and help get rid of cactus in the Maldon area on Sunday.

WHERE: Opposite Chapel’s winery on Seers Road, Welshman’s Reef. Follow the signs from the Maldon-Newstead Road.
WHEN: Sunday 25th September, 10:30 am – lunchtime
DESCRIPTION: Tarrangower Cactus Control Group will demonstrate the most effective ways to control Wheel Cactus. They’ll provide all the equipment and protective gear required, so just come along dressed in warm clothing and sturdy footwear and gets some hands-on experience at being a ‘cactus warrior’. The morning will start at 10:30am and finish with a delicious and friendly BBQ lunch. More information: www.cactuswarriors.org 

 Castlemaine Landcare

WHERE: Park on Montgomery St.
WHEN: Sunday 25 September, 10am with morning tea at 11.30am.
DESCRIPTION: Castkemaine Landcare have an exciting plan – do some weeding in the Montgomery St grasslands (see map below).  There are some unique plants there, but also plenty of weeds that shouldn’t be there. We have chosen this site as it is well above creek level, so even if there is some rain it should be OK working conditions. Bring weeding tools, mattocks, brush cutters, gum boots and gloves.

See Castlemaine Landcare’s website (CLICK HERE) or Facebook page (CLICK HERE) for more details.

Sunday 25 Sept 2016 – Cactus control working bee near Maldon

Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

Instruction on how to control wheel cactus will be followed up with practical experience on the ground.

Tony Kane from the Tarrangower Cactus Control Group has asked Connecting Country to spread the word that their next Cactus Field Day will be held on Sunday 25th September 2016.  This event is also part of our Landcare Open Day program.

The location is opposite Chapel’s winery on Seers Road, Welshman’s Reef.  Follow the signs from the Maldon-Newstead Road.

As per usual, the start is at 10.30 am, followed by a free community barbeque at 12.30pm.

Our Federal Member of Parliament, Lisa Chesters, has emailed to say that she will be coming along to help out. Lisa opened their 2014 cactus season and since then has taken a keen interest in the group.

Spring 2016 – CFNC Wednesday Wildflower Walks

Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

Scented Sundew, one of the many local species you’re likely to see on a walk with the Castlemaine Field Naturalists.

Each Spring, the Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club hosts a series of Wednesday afternoon wildflower walks.  With all of the rain over recent weeks and months, this is shaping up as being one of the best wildflower seasons in many years.

There are two more walks being held this year, both departing at 4pm sharp from the Octopus building car-park (Duke St, opposite the Castle Motel).  Members and visitors are welcome.

Wednesday 28 September – Location: TBD.  Leader: George Broadway

Wednesday 5 October – Location: TBD.  Leaders: Peter and Rosemary Turner

Friday Sept 23rd 2016 – Newham Landcare talk about frogs

Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

A young tree frog pops up to say hello.

If you’ve wondered what all the noise is about following the recent rainfall, on Friday September 23rd 2016 the Newham and District Landcare Group will be hosting a talk about frogs by Richard Akers.

Richard will talk about the importance of frogs in the ecosystem, frog identification, sounds, the frog census and what we need to do to maintain a frog-friendly environment.

Learn also how to identify frogs in our area, what they sound like, the biology of frog life cycles, food chains, the impacts of fire and climate change and more.

The talk will be held at Newham Mechanics Institute Hall.

7pm drinks & nibblies
7.30 presentation
Supper to follow

RSVP appreciated: Helen Scott at orseda@bigpond.com or
0412 582 526

Have input into the future of Parks Victoria.

Posted on 21 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

As they look towards their 20th anniversary in December 2016, Parks Victoria are preparing a report on how they can strengthen Parks Victoria for the coming decades.

To help them do this, the Strengthening Parks Victoria project team has asked Connecting Country to spread the word about conversations they are having with community groups and community members; about what they value about parks and what they can do to help all Victorians enjoy our diverse and incredible places more!

There are a number of ways people can contribute to this project:

1. Through their online engagement platform – http://lets-talk.parks.vic.gov.au
2. By accessing their project information and conversation workbook and completing this workbook by 07 October 2016

CLICK HERE for more information about this effort to strengthen parks in Victoria .

Maldon Open Landcare Day: Boneseed and birds

Posted on 19 September, 2016 by Tanya Loos

On the look out for birds. Photo by Jane Mitchell

As part of the  Landcare Open Day events on 11 September 2016, the Nuggetty Land Protection Group and Maldon Urban Landcare Group (MULGA) joined with Connecting Country for a woodland bird walk and boneseed pull.

Despite the grey and glary day, we were treated to views of some thirty bird species as we walked from the Maldon Cemetery to the rock covered hillside known as The Common. We had some very experienced birdwatchers in attendance who spotted for the group some usually hard-to-see birds such as the Fan-tailed Cuckoo and the Shining Bronze-cuckoo. Small birds such as Striated Pardalotes, Thornbills and Grey Fantails were in great numbers, and the Scarlet Robin pairs we saw gave everyone great views, with or without binoculars. A Little Eagle soaring overhead went into a dramatic hunting dive at one point! Whilst walking the Common, many young Boneseed plants were located and pulled out, as were small Wheel Cactus. Luckily, staff from Parks Victoria have recently pulled out many of the larger Boneseed plants, as the flowering period has begun.

Small Boneseed plants were pulled along the way. Prevention is better than cure! Photo: Jane Mitchell

Jane Mitchell from Nuggetty Landcare shared some of the history of the Common, and Ian Grenda from MULGA gave a short talk on the weed known as Boneseed, and how to recognise its distinctive leaf. Ian also provided some samples of Bridal Creeper with a biological control known as ‘rust’ to take home for any home infestations.

Tanya, the Woodland Bird Project Coordinator from Connecting Country, explained that weeds such as Boneseed and Bridal Creeper grow prolifically and smother the leaf litter and branches where small birds such as Hooded Robins and Painted Button-quails nest and feed. This is one of the reasons why weed control is so very important for protecting Woodland Birds.

Tanya talks about why weed control is important. Photo: Jane Mitchell

After our walk we were treated to a fantastic barbecue and sandwiches – thanks to Ian and Bev for cooking! Tanya then distributed a short survey about the values and threats of the bird habitats in the region. These surveys will be used to generate some project ideas for future funding opportunities in the region.

Thirty-five people attended, and many of these people had not previously been to a Landcare event. Many thanks to all those that helped organise this enjoyable and informative event!

Tues 11 October 2016 – CC’s AGM: An invitation to think big!

Posted on 15 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

Connecting Country members and supporters are encouraged to help us to think big on the evening of Tuesday 11th October 2016!  We are holding our 2016 Annual General Meeting, and as part of this we have also invited six local experts to share their vision for the Mount Alexander landscape. Please join us as we work together to consider the future directions for Connecting Country. It’s also a great chance to catch up with Connecting Country staff, committee and other friends.

The AGM will be held at the Campbells Creek Community Centre (Elizabeth Street, Campbells Creek) with the formalities taking place from 6pm until 6.30pm. CLICK HERE to view a copy of the agenda.

If you are a Connecting Country member, then:

• You are entitled to vote on any and all relevant agenda items.  If you are unable to make it to the AGM, but still wish to vote, then proxy forms are available. These must be received at least 24 hours before the AGM is held.
• You are also able to nominate to join the Connecting Country committee.  If you are interested in applying to join the committee, you are encouraged to contact the current president – Brendan Sydes – to talk more about what is involved in being on the committee, and the opportunities that are available (president@connectingcountry.org.au). A copy of the CC committee nomination form can be downloaded (CLICK HERE).

Please contact Chris (chris@connectingcountry.org.au) if you are unsure if you are a member; if you’d like a proxy form; or if you’d like a copy of the 2015 AGM Minutes or 2015-16 Financial Statements to read before the meeting.

From 6.30pm until 7pm, a light meal will be provided including locally made vegetarian soups and bread, along with tea, coffee and other drinks.  There are no costs for the meal, but gold coin donations are appreciated.

At 7pm, six local experts share their vision for the Mount Alexander landscape. Geoff Park, Beth Mellick, Ian Higgins, Paul Foreman, Carla Meurs and Ann-Marie Monda have five minutes each to provide their ‘think big’ vision, which explores the possibilities for this region into the future.  This will be followed by group discussions around how we could turn these visions into a reality.

In the lead up to the AGM we are conducting a survey which will also help inform our future direction. To participate in this survey please CLICK HERE.

To ensure sufficient catering and seating, please RSVP to Naomi by email to naomi@connectingcountry.org.au or call 5472 1594.

Saturday 24 Sept 2016 – Launch of identification guide to local eucalypts

Posted on 14 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

Have you ever had trouble seeing the forest for the trees?  That is probably because there has never before been an easy-to-use guide to identify the local tree species.  But all this is about change.  On Saturday 24 September, the Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forest (FOBIF) are launching their latest publication, Eucalypts of the Mount Alexander Region.  Guest speaker, and the official launcher, will be Geoff Park, a well known local environmentalist and author of the Natural Newstead blog.

This 90 page guide by FOBIF members’ Bernard Slattery, Ern Perkins and Bronwyn Silver aims to help the beginner train the eye to see the differences between eucalypts – and to appreciate how spectacular they sometimes are. It presents the commonest species of the Mount Alexander Region, generously illustrated, and clearly described in plain language. Though firmly based on one local area (the forests and reserves around the town of Castlemaine – within the shire of Mount Alexander and immediate surrounds), it describes species common to the whole Box-Ironbark region of central Victoria, and would be useful to any enthusiast in that region, from Ararat to Chiltern.

For those that all ready have a copy of FOBIFs guide to mosses and lichens, this new publication is of the same high standard and with a broadly similar layout.

The publication of this book has been made possible by a generous grant from the Worrowing Fund through the Norman Wettenhall Foundation. Connecting Country has been a supporter of this publication from near its earliest days of development, and is thrilled with the final product.  Other supporters have included the Castlemaine Field Naturalists’ Club.

The book’s cost is $10 and people buying it at the launch will receive a selection of free tree-related bookmarks and a FOBIF fungi poster. Proceedings will start at 10.30am in the Castlemaine library foyer. Refreshments will be served.  No RSVPs required, and everyone is welcome.

Farewell and HUGE thanks to the Green Army Team

Posted on 12 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

We recently said ‘good bye’ to our first Green Army team of 2016. During their six months, the team worked on projects for ten Landcare groups, including doing weed control, track maintenance, and planting. You can now see signs of their fantastic work all over the region.

The team asked Asha to pass on their thanks to all the Landcare members who took time to encourage them and assure them that their efforts will make a huge difference to the landscape and the community. Team member, Rachel, expressed that they have learned a lot during the six months, and that their time on the team has helped her career move forward. Most of the team will still be working locally, so keep an eye out for their friendly faces.

We had a short but sweet morning tea to see the team off and wish them well into the future. Thanks to all of the Landcare members who have worked alongside the team in the last six months. A big thank you to Liam, Mitch, Paige, Kirra, James, Rachel, Melissa, Josh, Cindy, and Peter for all your hard work.

Sunday 11th September 2016 – Three Landcare Open Day events

Posted on 7 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

Join in on the fun at one of this weekends Landcare Open Days held across the shire.

Over the next few weekends in September, several local Landcare and Friends groups will be holding public events as part of Connecting Country’s Landcare Open Day. Here are the details of three events to be held this Sunday the 11th September 2016, in Sutton Grange, Chewton, and Maldon .

While everyone is always welcome to attend the regular working bees run by their local groups, these events will be specifically suitable for families and people new to Landcare. For further details on all events, including those to be held the following weekend, visit our landcare webpage. This page will be updated as new events are added. If you have any questions, contact Asha on 5472 1594 or asha@connectingcountry.org.au.

Sutton Grange Landcare

WHERE: 893 Coliban Park Road, Sutton Grange
WHEN: Sunday 11^th September 2016, 10:30am – 3pm
DESCRIPTION: Tree planting in Sutton Grange
Sutton Grange Landcare Group in conjunction with Connecting Country are participating in the Federal Government 20 million trees program by planting approximately 200 trees at Mike Abramowski’s property. We would like to make this an enjoyable group/family get together and plant a few trees. A BBQ and refreshments will be provided.  If you can provide an hour or more of your time on this day, please RSVP to sglg@live.com as soon as possible. Further details will be provided once Sutton Grange Landcare has confirmed numbers.
This project is supported by the 20 Million Trees Programme, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme

Post Office Hill Action Group, Chewton Primary School, Chewton Landcare and, Golden Point Landcare

WHERE: Railway Street, Chewton (between Hunter Street and the railway line)
WHEN: Sunday 11^th September 2016, 1.30 p.m.
DESCRIPTION: Discover the secrets of Chewton’s Post Office Hill
A free fun family orienteering event to celebrate the Landcare Open Day. Join Post Office Hill Action Group, Chewton Primary School, Chewton Landcare and Golden Point Landcare for this event followed by afternoon tea in the school grounds. Information about the groups and their activities, plant giveaways and prizes for the most interesting “discoveries”!! Register on the day at 1.30 p.m. at Chewton Primary School. For more details contact Jennifer Pryce; 0423 900 590 or  j.pryce@bigpond.com

Maldon Urban Landcare Group (Mulga) and Nuggetty Landcare Group

Tanya leads a group of keen birdwatchers through the basics of how to watch and ID birds through behaviour, habitat and appearance

WHERE: Meet at the Maldon Cemetery, Maldon-Shelbourne Rd, Maldon
WHEN: Sunday 11^th September 2016, 10am to 1pm
DESCRIPTION: Woodland birds and boneseed weed walk and talk
Join Tanya Loos, the Woodland Birds Project Coordinator at Connecting Country, in a walk along Back Cemetery Rd. and onto the area known as ‘The Commons’, observing the habitat for birds, and pulling out small bone seed plants along the way.  BBQ lunch provided. For more details contact Bev Phillips; 0407 770 350 or phillips1bev@gmail.com

September edition of the North Central Chat and sustainable farming in Sutton Grange

Posted on 7 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

Our Regional Landcare Coordinator, Tess Grieves, has sent through the September 2016 edition of the North Central Chat. Inside you’ll find plenty of great news stories and interesting courses coming up. There is also a detailed article about our recent Farm Field Day by Mandy Coulson. CLICK HERE to view the newsletter.

Tanya and Krista from Connecting Country making friends with the locals during a planning session for the recent Farm Field Day at Holy Goat Farm

If you missed out on our Farm Field Day on the 19th August 2016, co-hosts and Connecting Country supporters, Carla Meurs and Ann-Marie Monda from the Sutton Grange Organic Farm have an interesting blog with much useful information about sustainable and organic farming. It is an interesting insight into how these enterprising locals run their farm and Holy Goat Cheese production. CLICK HERE to view the Holy Goat Cheese blog.

Nature News September 2016 – The pleasures of crawling around in the damp

Posted on 6 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

On page 12 in this week’s Midland Express (6 September 2016) there is a great Nature News piece by local naturalist and co-author of the soon to be released local Eucalyptus guide, Bernard Slattery, about the wonder of those tiny and important life-forms – the mosses.

Moss on Mount Alexander… a world you can get lost in. Photo by Bernard Slattery

This year we can celebrate a goodish winter: cold, grey, and—most importantly—wet.

And, apart from replenished dams, this wet winter is good because it gives us a reason to go out into the bush, get down on our knees, and become completely absorbed in looking at the micro universe of…MOSS.

Moss isn’t just a green monotonous smudge. It’s beautiful and very variable. To appreciate this fully, you have to get right down close with a hand lens, or a camera with macro lens. You do risk embarrassment by doing this. A few times I’ve been lying flat on my stomach checking out the moss, and concerned passers-by have stopped to ask after my health so it does help if you can wave a camera or a hand lens to reassure people you’re OK.

The wet winter has created great beds of moss in our forests. Moss has repopulated crevices in walls and appeared in patches in lawns and corners of garden beds.

Mosses are tiny and simple. Unlike more familiar plants like grasses, they don’t have roots: they absorb water and nutrients directly into their leaves. They also reproduce via fine, dust-like spores, not seeds.

They’re ancient plants, maybe the first to have colonised the land. There’s a theory that early mosses, over 400 million years ago, played a big part in boosting oxygen in the atmosphere, laying the foundations for all sorts of future evolutions.

Mosses are useful. They’re amazingly hardy and can colonize bare land so they’re good at helping the recovery of eroded landscapes. They can tolerate long dry periods:  seemingly dead crusts spring to life at the first shower of rain.

Seen up close, mosses are intricate, colourful and enormously various. Although some are so tiny as to be hard to make out without a microscope, there are plenty of species noticeable to the naked eye. Some leaves are rounded, some are thin as wisps; colours are every shade of green; and spore head stalks can be red, orange, green or yellow.

A great resource for finding out more is Bernard Slattery and Cassia Read’s Mosses of dry forests in south eastern Australia. To purchase a copy visit the Friends of the Box Ironbark Forests webpage www.fobif.org.au.

Friday 9th Sept 2016 – Australian Ants in roadside and remnants

Posted on 4 September, 2016 by Connecting Country

The guest speaker for the next Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club on Friday 9th September is Ballarat-based entomologist Peter Muller.  Peter’s presentation will be about the great variety of interesting ants that occur in the local area and beyond.  Peter has provided the following text about himself and the talk:

Early life; lived, trained/educated/qualified in agriculture. Changed direction and pursued a career in natural land management. Worked for various environmental organisation, Parks Victoria and Conservation and land management, and the various forms that it has morphed into over the years. Have gained substantial land management experience in a variety disciplines and responsibilities. Over 30 years have worked in conservation in most areas in Victoria.

Nest mound of Rhytidoponera spp. Photo by Peter Muller.

For the last 15 years, until recently retired, I have worked in environmental education with Ballarat/Federation University, a challenging but rewarding profession. Now with a bit of time on my hands, I am devoting some of it researching ants and, hopefully, to answering some question about ants that I have had for many years. I hope, along the way, I can add a little bit to our environmental knowledge, and add value to natural areas particularly, roadside and remnants.

 I live at Enfield south of Ballarat, and have three daughters in various parts of the world.

Peter will also lead the club’s excursion on the following day, which will be a search for nests of sugar ants and other ants.  The following link provides some further information to assist with ant nest identification during the excursion (CLICK HERE).

Peter’s presentation will commence from 7.30pm in the Fellowship Room behind the Castlemaine Uniting Church (on Lyttleton St, next door to the Art Gallery and Museum) on Friday 9 September.  The excursion will depart from the Octopus building car-park on Duke St (opposite the Castle Motel) at 1.30pm sharp on Saturday 10 September.  Members and visitors are welcome to attend both, and there is no cost for attendance.

Winter bird survey highlights

Posted on 1 September, 2016 by Tanya Loos

Tanya has just completed our 2016 winter bird surveys – a grand total of 100 individual 20-minute surveys – with some interesting results.

After our very dry Spring in 2015 we have had a very wet winter in 2016 – what a relief! Bird activity this winter has seemed to mirror the strange weather patterns – with large numbers of some species, unusual breeding behaviour, and increased numbers of ‘out-of-towner’ visitors!

For the Winter bird survey, I visit our fifty sites in both morning and afternoon which we have been monitoring since 2010. These sites are a mix of paddock sites, restoration sites and intact sites in bushland areas. For more on this monitoring program, follow this link HERE. The sites are located on both public and private land, however I have also included some observations of species seen whilst traveling around from site to site.

The numbers and distribution of our ‘Feathered Five’ seem to be unchanged this winter, with our Hooded Robins of Muckleford and Blue Hills remaining steady, Diamond Firetails in small numbers around Yapeen, Newstead and Clydesdale, and not a single Painted Button-quail observed during surveys! One of these elusive button-quails was  recorded and photographed by a local birdwatcher – great shot David Adam and thanks for permission to use the pic.  Happily, Brown Treecreepers were recorded in the southerly farmland areas of Metcalfe for the first time – a thrilling result as there are no database records for them in the Metcalfe or Taradale Conservation Reserves. With new areas of private land being enhanced for conservation, we may see more of these birds on this eastern side of Castlemaine.

A Painted Button-quail on Mia Mia Track, 23/07/2016, by Victorian Birders Group member David Adam.

Silvereyes have been around this winter in big numbers – I have seen flocks of thirty birds!  There are two populations of these lovely little birds – our locals with silvery buff and light rufous underparts, and some winter visitors from Tasmania with a deeper richer version of this lovely reddish colour on their flanks. Geoff’s blog Natural Newstead has more on these attractive birds (CLICK HERE).

I noted large flocks of the brightly coloured European Goldfinch in the Harcourt area, and flocks of about thirty Common Mynas (also known as Indian Mynas) just west of Newstead. Happily, I also noticed a LOT of small native birds, with large numbers of Spotted Pardalotes, Striated Pardalotes and Weebills busily feeding on the flowering Yellow Box.

The Little Corella, a smaller cousin of the Long-billed Corella with a little more blue and less pink around the face, is moving southwards with sightings in Sutton Grange and Baringhup. Pied Currawongs are in greater numbers this year, and not only in town. For the first time since surveys began, Pied Currawongs have been recorded in bushland during surveys. Another bird that is increasing  locally is the Grey Butcherbird, with a few sightings in Castlemaine and also in Walmer. A large  honeyeater may also be increasing locally – the Blue-faced Honeyeater, with sightings around town (including the Castlemaine Botanic Gardens) and in Maldon. Again, check out Geoff’s blog here for more on this species.

I observed Noisy Miners mating in Maldon in May which is quite late in Autumn to commence breeding! But after a poor spring in 2015, perhaps it seemed like a good idea. These aggressive native birds do not seem to be at the high numbers that they are elsewhere such as Bendigo and outer Melbourne, but their local populations are definitely worth keeping an eye on if we are to keep all our abundant bush birds.

I was surprised to see a pair of Scarlet Robins busily building a nest in Barkers Creek in late July, as it was still a very fresh 5 degrees celcius at 10:44am! Getting in early for a good Spring, I suspect. I would have to say though that the highlight of the Winter Bird Surveys was a most unusual visitor – a very confiding and lovely Olive Whistler. The Whistler was recorded by myself and volunteer Jane Rusden on the first survey of Winter at the magnificently regenerating Forest Creek in Golden Point. He or she hopped along the transect for nearly the whole twenty minutes, affording us excellent views.

A special winter visitor: an Olive Whistler. Pic by Francesco Veronesi (Olive Whistler – Victoria_S4E5352) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

If you have noticed unusually high numbers of certain species, or new species visiting your area – we would love to hear from you!

Email tanya@connectingcountry.org.au or call me at the office 5472 1594

Our Woodland Bird Monitoring program is supported by Connecting Country’s Connecting Landscapes program, through funding from the Australian Government.

By Tanya Loos, Woodland Birds Coordinator.

Sustainable and Biodiverse Farm Field Day makes a splash

Posted on 25 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

Friday the 19th August 2016 was forecast to be wet in Sutton Grange, and it really was! However, around sixty local people braved the weather to attend the morning session at our recent Field Day at the Holy Goat Cheese farm.

Participants see sustainable dairying in action at the Holy Goat Cheese farm.

Participants listening to Ian Higgins explaining biodiversity values at the Holy Goat Cheese farm in Sutton Grange

Whilst on the farm, these hardy souls learnt about sustainable property management, goat farming and cheese production with Carla Meurs and Ann-Marie Monda. They also explored the values of biodiversity, birds and cultural heritage with Ian Higgins from Campbells Creek Landcare group, Tanya Loos from Connecting Country, and Gerry Gill from La Trobe University.

People were revived at lunch time in the warm and dry Sutton Grange Hall with hot drinks and delicious food from Growing Abundance.

The morning group were joined by an extra crowd of around thirty people who enjoyed the afternoon session listening to six local producers –  Katie Finlay  (Mount Alexander Fruit Gardens), Mandy Jean (Guildford Winery), John Cable (JCBee Honey), Ben Boxshall (Farm Forest Growers of Victoria), Sam White (Sidonia Road Organics), and Clare de Kok (Pig in a Box) – talk about viability, sustainability and biodiversity on their farms.

To quote one participant: “Thanks for putting together such a great and inspiring day. It was really beyond expectation and I got a lot out of it.”

A huge thanks to all the presenters and participants for their good will and endurance in attending this event. It is amazing how much can be gained from other farmers and producers sharing their experiences and knowledge.

Thanks also to Mandy Coulson and the North Central Catchment Management Authority for their support in  planning and running the day. This event was part our Connecting Landscapes Education Program with funding from the Australian Government.

Taking a closer look at conservation covenants

Posted on 25 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

One of the most inspiring aspects of the Sutton Grange Organic Farm (home of Holy Goat Cheese which we visited as part of our Farm Field Day) is how Carla and Ann-Marie have protected their remnant vegetation with a Trust For Nature Conservation Covenant.

Connecting Country would like to share an article by Mat Hardy from the August 2016 edition of Decision Point magazine about conservation covenants. This piece discusses their strengths as a mechanism for protecting nature and recommendations for ensuring their benefits are maintained into the future. To read the article click here.

For more information about conservation covenants check out Trust For Nature’s website.

Tarrengower Cactus Control Group thanks local landholders

Posted on 23 August, 2016 by Connecting Country

The Tarrengower Cactus Control Group have asked Connecting Country to share a hearty thanks to local landholders who are working to control cactus on their properties and to promote their next community field day.

Tarrangower Cactus Control Committee and volunteers at a community field day in April 2011 (Photo from TCCC)

“Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) would like to say thanks very much to all our local landowners who continue to control Wheel Cactus plants on their property. Very importantly, this also helps to stop the spread of seeds to their neighbours and other properties and parks nearby.

Have you noticed some Wheel cactus on your property but don’t know what to do with it? Tarrangower Cactus Control Group can show you how to kill it, and can even loan you the equipment to do it.

Local property owners Robyn and David McPhee contacted us for help and are now well on their way to controlling their wheel cactus infestation. “The Cactus Warriors came out to our property for a field day, brought all the equipment needed, and taught us all we need to know about killing this terrible weed” said David. “And they killed lots of plants which really gave us a boost to get into it” added Robyn. “The group has lots of experience and knowledge, we’re really glad we contacted them”, David commented, “plus they even fed us all”.

Wheel Cactus from the Tarrengower area (Photo from DELWP).

TCCG, with Parks Victoria, have regular Community Field Days when we’re happy to bring our team of ‘cactus warriors’ volunteers to give you a hand to get started with treating Wheel Cactus. Contact us via our website at www.cactuswarriors.org

Our next Community Field Day will be on Sunday 28^th August 2016 in our Historic Park, along Mount Back Road. Follow the signs along South Parkin’s Reef Road. The morning’s activities will begin at 10:30 am and end with an enjoyable BBQ and friendly chat.”  CLICK HERE for a flyer.