Looking for landholders: Habitat trees for Phascogales
Posted on 22 October, 2024 by Lori
Do you have trees but not many hollows on your property? Are you in the Mount Alexander region? Do you want to increase habitat for local fauna?
Connecting Country has been successful in securing additional funding to create habitat for phascogales across the landscape with our project ‘Habitat Trees for Phascogales’. Working with private landholders we are offering property visits, ecological advice and installation of phascogale nestboxes to increase habitat for these creatures within our landscape.
The Mount Alexander Shire is home to many threatened wildlife species that survive in the fragmented woodlands across our region. Large old trees and the hollows they provide are vital habitat for many of these species. One of the species that relies on large old trees is the Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa), also known as the Tuan. This a small, nocturnal, carnivorous marsupial, a little larger than a domestic rat and with a very distinctive bushy tail.
In Victoria, the Brush-tailed Phascogale was once widespread, but now has a fragmented distribution. It is a threatened species listed under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and considered Vulnerable in Victoria. One of its strongholds is around Central Victoria and the Mount Alexander region.
The aim of the project is to enhance habitat for the Brush-tailed Phascogale. We’ll achieve this through providing and installing nestboxes and offering advice for practical on-ground actions including revegetation and strategic weed and pest animal control as needed.
Looking for local landholders
We are looking for landholders in the Mount Alexander Shire area who are interested in participating.
Appropriate candidates will have:
Large old trees are important habitat for phascogales. Photo Connecting Country
- eucalypt trees with reasonably large trunks for installation of nestboxes.
- a willingness to retain fallen limbs, leaf litter and areas of intact habitat.
- a commitment to ongoing low-level maintenance of nestboxes, weed and pest animal control.
If your property is suitable for the project, we will:
- Visit your property to identify and assess potential phascogale habitat.
- Conduct a site assessment.
- Provide and install Phascogale nestboxes using a qualified contractor.
- Provide additional advice and support as required.
Priority will be given to properties that contain, or are connected to, the most suitable phascogale habitat.
The iconic Phascogale, rarely seen but rarely forgotten. Photo by Geoff Park
Landholder expressions of interest
If you meet the criteria above and are keen to protect and restore phascogale habitat on your land, please complete our expression of interest form –EOI Click Here
Return it to Connecting Country via email (bonnie@connectingcountry.org.au)
Expressions of interest close on 25 November 2024.
To learn more about the Brush-tailed Phascogale, click here
The Habitat Trees for Phascogales project is supported by the Victorian Government through the Nature Fund and the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation.
Bird of the Month: Yellow-faced Honeyeater
Posted on 21 October, 2024 by Anna
Welcome to Bird of the Month, a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we’re taking a close look at one special local bird species. We’re excited to join forces to deliver you a different bird each month, seasonally adjusted, and welcome suggestions from the community. We are blessed to have the brilliant Damian Kelly and Jane Rusden from BirdLife Castlemaine District writing about our next bird of the month, accompanied by their stunning photos.
Photo by Damian Kelly
Whilst doing quiet activities in the bush, like walking or bird surveys, it’s often possible to hear and maybe see, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters. Anecdotally, I often associate them with Fuscous Honeyeaters because they visit the bird bath together, but they are frequently to be found on their own or in twos and threes as well. You may find their call is quite familiar.
The Yellow-faced Honeyeater is possibly one of the most widespread of the honeyeaters. It ranges from far north Queensland along the east coast across to South Australia. There have also been occasional records in Tasmania and even vagrants on Lord Howe Island and in New Zealand. This species is partly migratory with significant movement northward in autumn and returning southwards in spring. Migration has been observed in daytime with both small and large flocks on the move. This migration does not include all birds, with some remaining resident and sedentary in parts of their range. They can be found all year in our local bush.
Long term studies of migration have not shed a lot of light on overall patterns. Banding studies have proved inconclusive and we still know little about their movements. This is interesting given that are a relatively common bird. You’d think we’d know more about them!
An active and noisy bird, they can be seen in local gardens feeding on pollen, nectar, fruit, seeds, manna and insects along with lerp. They occupy a wide range of habitats ranging from woodlands to heath, mangroves, parks and home gardens. In short a very adaptable species. Locally they can be seen in any of the Box-Ironbark forests and in gardens.
A Yellow-faced Honeyeater as it decides if the bird bath is safe to have a drink. Photo by Jane Rusden
Nesting usually occurs in spring-summer with 2-3 eggs being laid in a nest composed of bark and grass fibre held together with spider web. Generally this nest in placed in the fork of a tree. Young are fed by both parents.
Find our more about Yellow-faced honeyeater, including their call:
https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Lichenostomus-chrysops
The bright yellow gape of a young Yellow-faced Honeyeater begging for food from a parent. Photo by Damian Kelly
Talking weeds in Taradale – Weed ID and Control Workshop
Posted on 17 October, 2024 by Lori
On Sunday 13 October, Connecting Country partnered with North Central Catchment Management Authority, to host a Weed ID and Control Workshop in Taradale.
Connecting Country’s Bonnie Humphreys teamed up with natural resource management expert, former Connecting Country staff and local farmer Jarrod Coote, to bring a suite of information on some of our local weeds. Specimens of noxious and environmental weeds were on display and participants were invited to delve into the biology of weeds in order to understand the best timeframe and course of action for management. When thinking about controlling a particular species, participants were encouraged to research:
- When is the active growth cycle?
- When does it seed?
- How are the seeds distributed?
- How does the plant reproduce (i.e. does it regrow from stems, does it have bulbs, or a tap root)?
An understanding of the biology of a weedy plant will help participants to undertake control methods more effectively and efficiently.
The workshop also covered legislation around noxious weeds, and responsibilities for landholders, weed control techniques and planning for weed control. Participants also had the opportunity to see a practical demonstration of an Eco Blade destroying gorse!
Photos by Carmen Bunting
“…I know I expressed my appreciation on the day, but this is just to reinforce how much the weeds day at Taradale was appreciated. It was well organised. The speakers were realistic, informed & practical in their presentations and contributions. The field component was accessible and, again, very practical – thoroughly worthwhile day…” (David Cheal)
More information on local weed control is available in Connecting Country’s Healthy Landscape Guide which is available electronically on the website or in hard copy for $15 through the Connecting Country office or at Stall #625 at The Mill.
This workshop was the first in a series of events that is part of Connecting Country’s new Partnerships Against Pests project funded by Agriculture Victoria in 2024-25, and was also supported by the North Central Catchment Management Authority.
Farewell Ivan and thanks for all the words
Posted on 15 October, 2024 by Anna
We recently said goodbye to our colleague and friend, Ivan Carter, who has been the Engagement Coordinator at Connecting Country for almost six years. Ivan managed all aspects of communication with a deft hand, a way with words and a pure form of enthusiasm for conservation and community engagement in a uniquely Ivan way.
Over the years he has been instrumental in getting the Connecting Country message out to the community, promoting and running our many engagement and educational events, with innumerable blog and social media posts, radio interviews, and live streams. He also created an online mapping portal for our precious local, large old trees which is still open for contributions -click here
Of special note was Ivan’s ability to navigate the task of community engagement during the COVID years, where he was able to pivot and create engaging online and socially distanced events that were extra important for social cohesion and connection during these challenging times. This included events such as the woodland bird walks through Kalimna Park, Castlemaine and Wildflower Drive, Greater Bendigo National Park, where Ivan drew on his broad knowledge of technology to coordinate a walk both in person and online via Facebook.
We already miss Ivan’s kind, thoughtful and quirky nature in the office and at our events. We wish him all the very best in his next exciting phase of connecting community and conservation.
Photos from the Connecting Country archives.
Aussie Bird Count 14 -20 October 2024
Posted on 9 October, 2024 by Anna
It’s that time of year again!
“BirdLife Australia is calling on all Australians to join tens of thousands of others taking part in this year’s Aussie Bird Count. Now in its eleventh year, the national Aussie Bird Count is one of Australia’s biggest and most beloved citizen science events – and all you need to get involved is your phone.” – BirdLife Australia.
To take part in this year’s Aussie Bird Count, register at www.aussiebirdcount.org.au and download BirdLife Australia’s free Aussie Bird Count app.
The 2024 event will run from October 14 to 20. Spend 20 minutes in one spot watching birds, using the super-easy app to count them. You can undertake as many bird counts as you like over this week long period. You can do this from your backyard, local park, or other favourite outdoor area.
For more info and to download the app visit the BirdLife Australia site HERE.
Happy birding!
Photos by Geoff Park
Bird of the Month: Barking Owl (Ninox connivens)
Posted on 23 September, 2024 by Anna
Welcome to Bird of the Month, a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we’re taking a close look at one special, local bird species. We’re excited to join forces to deliver you a different bird each month – seasonally adjusted, and welcome suggestions from the community. We are blessed to have the brilliant Damian Kelly and Jane Rusden from BirdLife Castlemaine District writing about this bird of the month, accompanied by Damian’s stunning photos.
A pair of Barking Owls. Photo by Damian Kelly.
Late in the evening, many years ago, having recently moved into a new house we built ourselves, (this is important because back then I knew all the window dimensions by heart), an owl appeared spread across the window. It had been hunting moths attracted to the light I believe, and stared at us with these huge, cadmium yellow eyes, that made me feel quite insignificant. Then it was gone as quickly as it had suddenly materialised. Going to my bird books to work out what species it was, I knew exactly the bird’s wing span, as it was spread across the window from one side of the frame to the other. Together with distinct chest flecks and deep yellow eyes, it could only be one thing, a Barking Owl. Quite a dramatic first sighting of a species.
Closely related to the larger Powerful Owl, the Barking Owl is named after its very distinctive “barking” calls. Often heard as a duet between male and female with the male call slightly deeper. Unlike Powerful Owls, distinguishing male from female is hard unless you hear the calls, as sizes are quite similar. Calls can be heard at anytime of the day or night and are quite distinctive, especially the duets.
This owl can be found all over eastern and northern Australia with occasional records in the west, but it is missing from Tasmania. Birds are quite sedentary and have been recorded resident and breeding at the same tree over many years. Unlike most other owls they can be seen hunting before dusk and after dawn. Diet consists of a variety of insects, birds, bats, reptiles such as skinks and mammals. Quite large prey can be taken including birds such as Kookaburra and Magpie along with Sugar Glider and various rats and mice depending on the habitat. Rabbits are also taken. There are even records of Yellow-bellied Gliders and Ringtail Possums which are quite large prey for a bird of this size.
Their preferred habitat is open forest bordering on more open country and farmland rather than the more dense forests. They roost often in quite open foliage and can be easily observed at times. Breeding occurs over winter usually with a nest in a tree hollow. Usually 1-3 eggs are laid. Generally only the female incubates and broods the young with the male providing food until the young are larger and then both parents hunt for and feed the fledglings.
An interesting aspect of Barking Owl behaviour is that of their scream which can be made by both sexes. Variously described as a loud, startling tremulous scream suggestive of a woman or child calling. Unlike the barking call which is made with bill closed, screams are made with bill wide open and also can be made during flight. It seems to be related to the proximity of predators or dangers.
Although not common in this area, pairs can be seen (or heard) all around the region.
Read more about Barking Owls and enjoy Geoff Park’s stunning photographs HERE.
Learn more about Barking Owls and listen to their distinct calls HERE.
Photo by Damian Kelly.
Partnering against pests in the Mount Alexander Region
Posted on 18 September, 2024 by Hadley Cole
Connecting Country is excited to announce our new ‘Partnerships Against Pests’ project funded by Agriculture Victoria in 2024-25. Through this program, Connecting Country will work with a range of stakeholders to raise awareness of local pest plant and animal issues, and empower community with the skills to address these threats. The project will involve a series of field days, market stalls, a weed control video and training events alongside a seasonal communication campaign around key pest issues in the region.
The first event will be a ‘Weed Identification and Control Workshop’ on Sunday 13th October from 10 -1pm in Taradale. We will be focusing on a range of local noxious and environmental weeds, covering identification tips and control techniques with practical demonstrations. We are hoping to provide an opportunity for you to meet with local contractors from your area.
This event is FREE but places are limited so please book your tickets HERE. This secures a showbag of goodies to get you started and catering on the day.
We are also currently updating our ‘Mount Alexander Region Contractors List’. This list is available on our website as a connection for landholders looking for a local environmental contractor. If you work within the Mount Alexander Region and would like to be included on this list or involved with the above mentioned field day, please get in touch via email: info@connectingcountry.org.au
The Weed Identification and Control Workshop is funded by the Victorian State Government Partnership Against Pests Program and the North Central Catchment Management Authority.
Timber Trip 2024
Posted on 16 September, 2024 by Lori
Are you interested in working sustainably with wood and want to access local people and resources? This could be a trip worth taking.
Ballarat Region Treegrowers, in association with Moorabool Landcare Network, are holding their annual weekend Timber Trip in Central Victoria this October.
Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October
Curated by Newstead fine woodworker, Lachie Park, the weekend visits will take participants in vehicle convoy on a small beautiful journey from First Nations ‘forest gardening’ and cultural sawmilling by a Djaara work crew at a Leonard’s Hill demonstration site to small scale sawmilling, framing and woodworking in Newstead and Bendigo.
Tickets $15
View the full weekend itinerary and register here. RSVP essential by 7th October.
Download the flyer HERE
Vale Naomi Raftery
Posted on 16 September, 2024 by Lori
It is with regret and sadness that we report the death of Naomi Raftery.
From 2011 to 2017, Connecting Country was extremely fortunate to have Naomi’s unwavering support and commitment towards achieving its conservation objectives – originally as a hardworking volunteer and member, and then also as a part-time staff member. Naomi was the unsung hero behind the smooth running of field days, guest speaker events, committee meetings, restoration activities, and much more that Connecting Country undertook over this busy period.
In her humble way, she was invariably generous, friendly, patient, diligent, and insightful, and took steps to ensure that no-one would feel excluded or under-appreciated. Naomi demonstrated a strong sense of fairness, social justice and ethical behaviour – and inspired her colleagues and others she met to raise their game.
Naomi was also a Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests (FOBIF) committee member for several years, and secretary from 2014-2018. In that period Naomi was an important part of all of FOBIF’s work, including their publications, and especially in the running of their children’s programs.
She exemplified the best qualities of an environmental activist: idealism and hard headedness, tolerance and firmness, thoughtfulness and good humour.
Connecting Country, and many other organisations in Castlemaine and beyond, benefited from her passion for grassroots collaboration. She knew the power of community groups to take meaningful steps at a local level towards making the wider world a better place. Naomi was always among the first to put up her hand to offer help.
Her contribution and legacy is enormous, and she’ll be greatly missed. We extend our sympathy to her husband Sean and daughter Sophie.
(Words by Marie Jones, photos from Bronwyn Silver and Connecting Country archives)
2024 Great Southern BioBlitz – 20-23 September
Posted on 10 September, 2024 by Anna
Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club is again hosting the Great Southern Bioblitz for the Castlemaine region. GSB24 runs from September 20 to 23 2024 with citizen scientists from across the Southern Hemisphere photographing and audio recording as many living species as possible within their regions.
Get involved and help showcase all the amazing forms of wildlife living in our own Castlemaine region and help build the scientific databases that increase knowledge and understanding of our bushlands. These annual Bioblitz surveys collect vast amounts of data on species and distribution that would otherwise be unavailable.
To join the fun take photographs or make sound recordings of flora, fauna and fungi between 20-23 September. You have until 7 October 2024 to upload them to iNaturalist from your phone app or computer. iNaturalist is a global databank for observations of biodiversity made by scientists, naturalists and citizen scientists. Then skilled naturalists, scientists and other citizen scientists will help you identify as many of your observations as possible. If you’re unsure on how to use iNaturalist, the Field Nats will be running a Beginners Guide to iNaturalist on Wednesday 11th Sept at 7pm (bookings required at https://www.trybooking.com/CUPWG )
There are a series of events hosted by Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club, as part of the Bioblitz. See below for details.
Yellow-footed Antechinus. Photo: Castlemaine Field Naturalists Club
Friday 20th – Monday 23rd September – make your observations and attend the following special events. Observations must be from the Mt Alexander Shire or the eastern half of Hepburn Shire including Daylesford and Trentham.
Friday 20th Sept from 7pm: Moth Night
Moths hold vital roles in ecosystem biodiversity. They are an important food source and great pollinators. The majority of species are nocturnal and most of these are attracted to light. Come along to watch these moths flying onto illuminated moth sheets and be amazed at the variation in sizes and colour of these beautiful creatures. A moth scientist will be on site to help with identification.
We will set up the lights and moth sheets at the southern end of the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens near the Walker St bridge (Opposite The Mill).
Sunday 22nd Sept. 1:30-3:30pm, followed by afternoon tea. Bioblitz Afternoon in the Bush. All Welcome
As part of Bioblitz 2024, we are offering the opportunity to spend a very special afternoon in the bush with four of our highly regarded local wildlife experts. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the bush and record what you see and hear with photos or audio.
Bring your phone, camera, binoculars, magnifying glass and unbridled, childlike curiosity! And a cup for afternoon tea. If you wish, bring something for afternoon tea to share afterwards.
Meet at the Red White and Blue Picnic Area in Muckleford Forest – click here for directions.
Friday 20th Sept to Monday 7th October. Load and Identify
During this time, load your observations made between 20th and 23rd Sept to the iNaturalist platform. They will be automatically included in our GSB24 project. https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/projects/great-southern-bioblitz-2024-castlemaine-region. You can also help identify the observations that others have made.
Want a challenge? Can you make and load more observations than our very own “Babblerboy” who in 2023 recorded 799 observations of 256 species – no. 17 globally!
Wild discoveries: an exhibition of nature photography at Newstead Arts Hub
Posted on 3 September, 2024 by Lori
Throughout September, Newstead Arts Hub is hosting an exhibition showcasing the fabulous work of four local photographers entranced by and enthused about nature.
Photographers Marte Newcombe, Daryl Fleay, Patrick Kavanagh and Bronwyn Silver will present some of their most striking discoveries of the wild – visual testaments to, and explorations of, the natural world.
Photo images by Marte Newcombe.
‘Nature embodies breathtaking complexity, subtle and intricate relationships and ineffable beauty. Much remains hidden to the casual eye, yet much can be revealed through the photographic lens. Minute details of a feather or moss, connections in colour and texture, colours and vast plenty in the night sky invisible to the unaided eye.’
The exhibition will be launched by Geoff Park on Saturday 7 September at 11am. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be provided.
The show will be open every weekend in September from 10am to 4pm.
For more information and to see the full Newstead Arts Hub program – click here
One week to go: Feathery Festival kicks off with film night Thursday 5th September
Posted on 28 August, 2024 by Anna
The Feathery Festival kicks off next week, Thursday 5th September, with a screening of multi-award-winning documentary, ‘The Message of the Lyrebird’ at Theatre Royal Castlemaine @ 7:30PM
- This is a special fundraising event also featuring live music by Joel Bloom and Hilary Blackshaw, artwork by Jane Rusden, and a conversation with local Landcarers and ecologists.
- All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards Connecting Country’s Conservation Program and Balangara Films Education Distribution Program.
Tickets $25 or $20 concession. Make sure to get your tickets here as they won’t be available at the door.
Doors open 6pm for pizza and drinks.
Superb Lyrebird, from ‘the Message of the Lyrebird’. Photo: Balangara Films
Bird Walk at Rise and Shine Nature Conservation Reserve in Newstead.
Saturday 7th at 9am
Join us on a free guided bird walk in one of the regions bird watching hot spots!
This event is filling up so click here to reserve your place.
On Wednesday 11th at 7PM, the festival will wrap up with ‘Birds and Beers’, a talk by local author, Tanya Loos at the Taproom, Shedshaker.
Tanya will bring her wealth of experience living with wildlife, providing practical tips on how to make sure our homes and backyards are a haven for birds.
Come down earlier for dinner and beers.
For more info visit our events page here
Feathery Festival – September 2024
Posted on 21 August, 2024 by Anna
Connecting Country, Birdlife Castlemaine District and Barkers Creek Landcare and Wildlife Group are excited to present:
Join us for a series of events in celebration of woodland birds
September 2024 on Djaara Country
The Message of the Lyrebird Film Fundraiser
Thursday 5 September 7:30pm (doors open at 6pm for dinner and music)
Theatre Royal Castlemaine
Tickets $25/$20 concession HERE (tickets not available from the Theatre)
This is a special fundraising event also featuring live music by Joel Bloom and Hilary Blackshaw and a conversation with local Landcarers and ecologists.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards – Connecting Country’s Conservation Program and Balangara Films Education Distribution Program.
Guided Birdwalk
Saturday 7 September 9am
Rise and Shine Nature Conservation Reserve, Newstead
Join expert bird watchers from Birdlife Castlemaine District on a free guided walk in one of the region’s bird watching hotspots, including a ‘how to identify birds’ session, followed by a delicious brunch in the outdoors with entertainment from the Chat Warblers. Kids welcome.
Reserve your spot HERE
Birds and Beers
Wednesday 11 September
Talk starts at 7pm (come down earlier for dinner)
Shedshaker, Castlemaine
Enjoy a beer and some delicious grub, and Join Tanya Loos, author of forthcoming book Living with Wildlife: a guide for our homes and backyards, while she delves into the delights of our local bird fauna. As well as describing commonly seen birds of the Castlemaine region, Tanya will provide tips on how to make sure our homes and backyards are havens for birds.
Practical advice will also include addressing some of the more maddening aspects of our feathery friends such as birds attacking windows and cockatoos destroying houses!
Bird of the Month: Blue-faced Honeyeater
Posted on 20 August, 2024 by Anna
Welcome to Bird of the Month, a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we’re taking a close look at one special local bird species. We’re excited to join forces to deliver you a different bird each month, seasonally adjusted, and welcome suggestions from the community. We are blessed to have the brilliant Damian Kelly from BirdLife Castlemaine District writing about our next bird of the month, accompanied by his stunning photos.
Adult Blue-faced Honeyeater. Photo by Damian Kelly
When we first moved to Castlemaine about 14 years ago, the Blue-faced Honeyeater was almost unknown in the local area. Fast-forward to the present day and now it is not unusual to hear and see these birds around town. They range from northern Australia along the east coast to South Australia. They can be found in a wide range of habitats from open forests to orchards, banana plantations, parks, golf courses and home gardens. To me they are a bit of a ratbag of a bird – often in groups and always noisy, diving in and out of foliage in the quest for food, even right in the centre of town.
In the breeding season they rarely build their own nest, preferring to take over the abandoned nests of a variety of species ranging from Red Wattlebirds to Noisy Miners, Magpies and Magpie-Larks. In some areas Babbler and Friarbird nests are also used. Often they don’t bother modifying these nests but may re-line them if needed. Occasionally they will build their own nests. In this case it is a neat cup-shaped construction of bark and grass. Usually 2-3 eggs are laid.
Like several other Australian species the Blue-faced Honeyeater is a co-operative breeder and immature birds may help at the nest to feed the young.
In feeding they are quite adaptable, consuming insects and invertebrates along with nectar and fruit when available. This may be sourced from native and introduced species – as an adaptable species they get food wherever it is available. Occasionally they are known to be orchard pests and are not popular in this regard.
Identification of adults is easy with their distinctive blue face. Immature birds, however, lack the blue and instead have green around the eyes.
Immature Blue-faced Honeyeater with green around the eye, as it matures it will turn vibrant blue. Photo by Damian Kelly
Feathery Festival – September 2024
Posted on 14 August, 2024 by Anna
Connecting Country, Birdlife Castlemaine District and Barkers Creek Landcare and Wildlife Group are excited to present:
Join us for a series of events in celebration of woodland birds
September 2024 on Djaara Country
The Message of the Lyrebird Film Fundraiser
Thursday 5 September 7:30pm (doors open at 6pm for dinner and music)
Theatre Royal Castlemaine
Tickets $25/$20 concession HERE
This is a special fundraising event also featuring live music by Joel Bloom and Hilary Blackshaw and a conversation with local Landcarers and ecologists.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards – Connecting Country’s Conservation Program and Balangara Films Education Distribution Program.
Guided Birdwalk
Saturday 7 September 9am
Rise and Shine Nature Conservation Reserve, Newstead
Join expert bird watchers from Birdlife Castlemaine District on a free guided walk in one of the region’s bird watching hotspots, including a ‘how to identify birds’ session, followed by a delicious brunch in the outdoors with entertainment from the Chat Warblers. Kids welcome.
Reserve your spot HERE
Birds and Beers
Wednesday 11 September
Talk starts at 7pm (come down earlier for dinner)
Shedshaker, Castlemaine
Enjoy a beer and some delicious grub, and Join Tanya Loos, author of forthcoming book Living with Wildlife: a guide for our homes and backyards, while she delves into the delights of our local bird fauna. As well as describing commonly seen birds of the Castlemaine region, Tanya will provide tips on how to make sure our homes and backyards are havens for birds.
Practical advice will include preventing window collision, owl friendly rodent control, how to stop birds attacking windows and why bird baths are a better option than feeding birds.
2024 National Tree Day Community Planting
Posted on 13 August, 2024 by Hadley Cole
This year Connecting Country teamed up with McKenzie Hill Action & Landcare Group and Mount Alexander Shire Council to host a community planting to celebrate 2024 National Tree Day. The event was funded by community donors, businesses and Mount Alexander Shire Council, which is a wonderful credit to our local community! We clearly value biodiversity restoration and providing community members with opportunities to contribute to healing Country.
The day was a huge success with approximately 60 people in attendance. McKenzie Hill Action and Landcare Group (MHALG) worked tirelessly in their planning of the event and made sure there was a hot free lunch at the end of the planting for all participants care of Rotary Castlemaine.
Happy community members.
Maisie, Connecting Country work experience champion!
Fury friends were welcome.
Mount Alexander Shire Council worked with MHALG volunteers to coordinate a kids activity area which included badge making, seed ball making and colouring, all of which had a pollinator theme providing opportunities to learn about the regions local insect pollinators.
Participants enjoying the kids activity area. Photo by Connecting Country.
Amelia and Olive from McKenzie Hill Action & Landcare Group and Sally from Mount Alexander Shire Council coordinating kids activities.
Participants of all ages came along, from young toddlers to grandparents and everyone in between, including fury canine friends! Everyone was keen to get their hands dirty. The species chosen for the planting included a variety of lifeforms (grasses, shrubs, trees, ground covers etc,) including species such as, Matted Bush-pea (Pultenaea pedunculata), Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra), Tree Violet (Melicytus dentatus) and Bushy Needlewood (Hakea decurrens).
The planting was held at the Langslow Street Old School Site, a long standing site MHALG have been working on for over ten years. The focus of the planting is to increase the number of pollinator attracting plants to the area and is part of Connecting Country’s Bee Line project, a pollinator corridor project carried out in partnership with local Landcare Groups funded through the 2023 Victorian Landcare Grants.
MHALG have big plans for the Langslow Street Old School Site, including promoting the plantings across the site as educational resources to encourage biodiverse plantings of indigenous species in our region. The community planting day resulted in 400 pollinator attracting plants going in the ground, which will add enormous value to the groups’ long term plans and bring a diversity of pollinators to the local area.
If you would like to learn move about McKenzie Hill Action & Landcare Group you can contact them via Facebook – click here
If you wish to learn more about attracting native insect pollinators to your garden, check out Connecting Country’s guide to pollinator attracting plants of the Mount Alexander region – click here
Lori, Bonnie and Hadley from Connecting Country. Photo by Connecting Country.
The Connecting Country team send a big Thank You to all the collaborators involved in this event and to all the wonderful participants who helped to get plants in the ground!
Thank you also to the local event sponsors including, The Good Op Shop, Shed Shaker Brewing and Mount Alexander Shire Council.
We look forward to watching these plants grow!
Budding young volunteer Fynn.
Planting brings big smiles!
Superstar Ben stayed till the end.
Rethinking Planned Burns presentation with Philip Zylstra – 20 August 2024
Posted on 6 August, 2024 by Anna
Our friends at Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests (FOBIF) are partnering with Kinglake Friends of the Forests, Friends of the Whipstick and the Whroo Goldfields Conservation Network to present an interesting evening with fire behaviour scientist Dr Philip Zylstra from Curtin University on Tuesday 20 August at 7.00pm in Castlemaine.
Please see more details below provided by FOBIF.
Rethinking Planned Burns’ by Dr Philip Zylstra
Dr Philip Zylstra is a fire behaviour scientist and Adjunct Associate Professor from Curtin University. In his former work as a remote area fire fighter, he realised that planned burns for fire mitigation were not only causing immediate environmental harm, but could increase fire risk to communities in subsequent years. As many others noted, the bush responded to these burns with a dense flush of understorey growth. As a result, Dr Zylstra undertook Australia’s first detailed and systematic attempt to link the mechanisms that drive fire behaviour in forest environments, developing the only peer-reviewed model to show how forest structure and composition drives fire behaviour in Australian forests.
Dr Philip Zylstra in the field. Photo provided by Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests.
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) plan to burn 10,000 Ha of forest in the Murray -Goldfields districts in the next 2 years. This is despite acknowledgement by the Victorian state Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action (DEECA) that “Box-Ironbark forests are considered not prone to recurrent fires, making them possibly atypical of dry, sclerophyllous vegetation in Australia” as outlined in a governmental report published in 2007, to read full report – click here.
With climate change creating more extreme fires and a longer fire season, governments have ramped up “hazard-reduction” burning. New research however shows the practice can actually make forests more flammable. Over time, some forests tend to thin out and become less likely to burn – hazard reduction burning disrupts this process.
According to Dr Zylstra;
“The open understorey and historical rarity of bushfires in the Box-ironbark near Whroo are a reminder that some forests are natural advantages for controlling fire. Disturbances such as burning and logging can break down these valuable defences, causing regrowth that drives a pulse of elevated fire risk which can last for decades. The fires in the Pyrenees are a tragic example of this, as the average annual area of bushfires has nearly tripled since widespread logging began in that area. Certainly climate change is a major influence, but it doesn’t let us off the hook. The old modelling which drives the push to disturb forest does not account for the natural controls that undisturbed forests have placed on fire since the days of Gondwana.”
Join FOBIF and partners for this most interesting presentation.
When: Tuesday 20 August 2024 at 7pm
Where: Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre, Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine
Cost: Free
All welcome!
A light supper will be provided.
Bird of the Month: Grey Currawong
Posted on 27 July, 2024 by Ivan
Welcome to Bird of the Month, a partnership between Connecting Country and BirdLife Castlemaine District. Each month we’re taking a close look at one special local bird species. We’re excited to join forces to deliver you a different bird each month, seasonally adjusted, and welcome suggestions from the community. We are blessed to have the brilliant Jane Rusden and Damian Kelly from BirdLife Castlemaine District writing about our next bird of the month, accompanied by Damian’s stunning photos.
Grey Currawong (Strepera versicolor)
At my home in Campbells Creek, I regularly see the imposing Grey Currawong. The individuals I see are likely to be the same pair I’ve been watching for years. The small birds are a bit scared of the Grey Currawong, with good reason as you’ll read below, but they are an important part of the forest ecosystem despite their small vertebrate munching habits. If you are lucky enough to see one up close, you’ll notice the bright yellow eye, so beautiful against the grey plumage and probably summing you up in a way that feels both intelligent and slightly intimidating.
Grey Currawong in full glory and piercing yellow eyes. Photo by Damian Kelly
Often heard before you see them with their distinctive “clink clink” call, Grey Currawongs are widespread throughout our area. They can be found in a wide variety of habitats ranging from home gardens in town to open forests and in treed areas on farms. They are very adaptable thanks to their omnivorous diet that includes invertebrates, small birds, lizards and small rodents as well as fruit when available. They are opportunistic and can be found foraging mainly on the ground as well as in foliage, often in small groups ranging from 3-11 individuals.
They build large and untidy open cup-shaped nests. Usually, 2-3 eggs are laid although more are sometimes recorded. Most of the brooding is done by the female but both parents feed the young. Occasionally Channel-billed Cuckoos have been recorded being fed by Currawongs.
In wide areas of southern Victoria including our local area, Grey Currawongs overlap with Pied Currawongs. They can be easily distinguished as the Pied Currawong is generally a much darker bird with a lot more white on the tail and wings. Calls are also quite distinct.
Grey Currawong attempting to drink from two bird baths at once. Photo by Damian Kelly
Banding studies have demonstrated that the Grey Currawong is largely sedentary with only limited movements based on food availability. Some studies have shown 99% of birds have moved less than 10km. They are quite long-lived birds with some banded birds that have been known to live 16-19 years.
To find out more about Grey Currawongs and listen to its call, click here.
To find out more about Pied Currawong and listen to its call, click here.
Community champions: Top honours to Marie and Tavish at Landcare Awards
Posted on 24 July, 2024 by Ivan
Local community champions Marie Jones and Tavish Bloom were awarded top honours at the recent Victorian Landcare Awards, highlighting the amazing passion and dedication in the central Victorian Landcare movement. We are very proud of both Marie and Tavish, who have shown countless hours of commitment and hard work in restoring our ‘upside down’ landscapes of the Mount Alexander region. Please raise a glass to toast our well-deserved awardees!
Marie Jones: Joan Kirner Landcare Award
Marie was a founding member of Golden Point Landcare Group and has clocked up 30 years with the local group, as well as stints on the North Central Catchment Management Board and Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forest (FOBIF). She is currently the president of FOBIF, which runs monthly walks, organises photographic exhibitions, and develops educational materials to promote and advocate for the Box-Ironbark Forests of the region. Marie was a founding member of Connecting Country over 25 years ago and continues strong involvement as Secretary on the Committee of Management.
Marie Jones collecting seed. Photo by John Ellis.
Marie has worked tirelessly to ensure that Connecting Country is successful, serving for many years as secretary or president and being involved in multiple sub-committees. Under Marie’s guidance, the network has successfully protected, restored, and enhanced over 15,000 hectares of the region’s landscape.
Director of Connecting Country, Lori Arthur, said ‘We love the gentle way Marie brings our community together and raises awareness of the issues facing our biodiversity and wildlife. I enjoy working with Marie, learning from her wisdom, compassion and kindness through the Landcare movement’.
Marie features on Connecting Country’s Landcare promotion video below, where she is quoted as saying ‘Landcare is everybody’s, and it is our responsibility to look after our local landscapes. It is an honour to volunteer in our community and contribute towards these things’. Well done Marie, very much deserved!
Tavish Bloom: Woolworths Junior Landcare Award
Tavish is an inspiration to the next generation of Landcarers in our region, and at the ripe age of 13 years old, has an enviable track record and passion for our landscape and wildlife. He lives next to the Post Office Hill Reserve at Chewton and has been part of a project installing and monitoring 28 nesting boxes in the Central Victorian reserve as a member of the Post Office Hill Action Group. This project has given Tavish a terrific platform to learn more about our marsupials and birds that call the nest boxes home and has inspired him to tell his story to other young Landcarers and school friends.
Tavish interviewed by Dr Ann Jones at Resource Smart Awards 2023. Photo by Castlemaine Steiner School.
The nest boxes have housed several occupants, including a female Brush-tailed Phascogale using one of the boxes to successfully raise eight joeys last summer. Nest boxes are vital for providing refuge for threatened species in the absence of their usual habitat, such as hollows in large old trees. Tavish has enjoyed the interactions and sharing of the reserve with the Brush-tailed Phascogale, which has enabled him to learn more about the threatened species and ensure they have the habitat to thrive in the future.
As a young child, he spent countless hours observing and recording flora and fauna in the reserve and two years ago joined the Post Office Hill Action Group (POHAG), which cares for the reserve. This reserve was turned upside down during the gold rush in the mid-1800s and then was later used as a rubbish dump and tip for the region. Tavish is inspired to continue restoring the degraded landscape with mid-storey shrubs and nest boxes, which will enable woodland birds and marsupials to thrive in their once-denuded landscape.
Tavish with Costa Georgiadis at the Victorian Landcare Awards. Photo by Joel Bloom.
Well done Tavish, we hope you continue the journey with your inquisitive nature and passion for the wildlife and biodiversity, that is often forgotten about in our busy lives. Landcare Facilitator at Connecting Country, Hadley Cole, said ‘Tavish is such an awesome inspiration for the future of Landcare in our region and has shown that younger members of our community are keen to be involved in land management for a better future. ‘I have seen Tavish educate and inspire others around him, which is such an important role to play in ensuring Landcare continues into the future.’
Tavish now goes on to represent Victoria in the National Landcare Awards later this year. Best of luck Tavish, we’re all cheering for you!
Connecting Country would like to congratulate and thank everyone who contributes to Landcare in our region, and in particular, give a big high five to Marie and Tavish for their extraordinary contributions.
To learn more about Marie and Tavish’s accomplishments head over to the Landcare Magazine’s website to read full articles dedicated to Marie and Tavish – click here
To find out more about Landcare in our region, or to get involved – click here.
Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests AGM 12 August: Geoff Park presentation
Posted on 15 July, 2024 by Ivan
Our friends and project partners at Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests (FOBIF) are having their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 12 August 2024, with local ecologist Geoff Park as a guest speaker. Geoff will speak about locally extinct or rare woodland bird species and discuss what we think we know about the current situation and consider options and possibilities for future conservation efforts. It will be sure to be a great event. Please find the details below, supplied by FOBIF.
Woodland birds in central Victoria – historical observations, current status and future prospects
Woodland birds are an iconic and special element of the box-ironbark forests and woodlands of central Victoria. The impacts of European settlement, from gold-mining to agricultural intensification, have contributed to a steady decline in species diversity and populations. This decline is now being exacerbated by the clear and present effects of climate change.
Geoff’s talk will span some historical perspectives on what are now locally extinct or rare woodland bird species, discuss what we think we know about the current situation and consider options and possibilities for future conservation efforts.
When: Monday 12 August 2024 at 7.30pm
Where: Castlemaine Senior Citizens Centre, Mechanics Lane, Castlemaine VIC
Flame Robin (adult male), Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve, 26 June 2024 (Geoff Park, Natural Newstead)
FOBIF AGM items will also be covered on the evening. There are several vacancies on the FOBIF committee, interested people are encouraged to consider joining. There is a link for nomination forms and more information here.