Bird of the month: Diamond Firetail

Posted on 26 June, 2023 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.

Diamond Firetail (Stagonopleura guttata)

Connecting Country’s Feathered Five includes the small but striking Diamond Firetail. It is a tricky bird to find, but not impossible.  Their conservation status was unfortunately recently upgraded to Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. It means that over the last 10 years, the population has an estimated decline in the region of 30-50%, with a high probability of declining further in the future. No wonder they are such a hard bird to see.

It’s all in the bright red bill … the shape indicates it’s a finch, and finches eat the seeds of native grasses. The decline of the Diamond Firetail is one result of native vegetation clearance and habitat degradation. Where perennial native grasses manage to persist (despite invasive annual exotic grasses taking over in many places), they struggle to produce the seed the Diamond Firetail needs at critical times of the year, largely because of overgrazing and invasive herbivores such as rabbits. Grazing animals also take out shrubby habitat which these little birds need for protection.  This means our gorgeous Diamond Firetails may go hungry in late autumn and winter and are more vulnerable to predators, such as foxes and cats.

Flock of Diamond Firetails enjoying a lovely bath in a puddle. Photo by Damian Kelly.

The healthy diet for the Dimond Firetail isn’t just native grass seed, they also require some insects, especially for the baby birds still in the nest who are growing rapidly.

Clutch size ranges quite widely, from 3-7 eggs. If conditions allow and food sources are plentiful, a pair of Diamond Firetails may have more than one clutch in a season. The nest is a beautifully constructed bottle shape with a tunnel entrance, or a ball shape with a small hole for an entrance, made from grass and twigs and lined with feathers. They are good little recyclers, because sometimes rubbish such as fishing line, frayed plastic and drinking straws are incorporated into nests. Both parents build the nest, sit on eggs to incubate the chicks, and then feed chicks when they hatch.

Damian recently took this beautiful photo of a Diamond Firetail at Rise and Shine Bushland Reserve. Photo by Damian Kelly.

A bit more on nests – the Diamond Firetail can make some interesting choices in nesting sites. They are a flock bird, getting around in small mobs of 5-30 birds. This extends to nesting, where they often nest in small groups, or colonies, with a number of nests in the same place. That place may be in the base of other much larger birds stick nests, such as White-faced Heron, Square-tailed Kite, Whistling Kite, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Brown Falcon and Kestrel nests. You’ll notice most of those birds are raptors, you’d think it a scary prospect, but White-browed Babblers think it’s a great idea too, and have been known to take over Diamond Firetail nests. Maybe it’s a deterrent to other predators?

Another way it’s thought Diamond Firetails avoid predators is the mechanics of how they drink. Like pigeons, they suck up water instead of dip and sip, then tilt the head back. The theory is it’s much quicker to slurp your water down in big gulps!

To listen to the call of the Diamond Firetail – click here

Jane Rusden
Damian Kelly

Friends, Supporters and Community: Donate a tree for our youth

Posted on 26 June, 2023 by Ivan

With the end of the financial year looming, we are asking our friends, supporters and community to donate a tree for our youth to plant at National Tree Day in July 2023.

We are partnering with local Landcare groups and Mount Alexander Shire Council to deliver a National Tree Day event on Sunday 30 July 2023. The day will be open to everyone to participate and will include planting indigenous plants for habitat and learning more about our local landscape.

The tree planting event is answering a call from the younger generations of our community who, in a recent Council survey, asked for more opportunities to plant trees, make homes for wildlife and to undertake practical actions to address climate change.

We are raising funds to purchase local native plants and host a Community Planting Day to support the Mount Alexander/ Leanganook community – young and wise – to help heal the land.

Photo by John Ellis

How you can help: sponsor a community planting day! 

You can sponsor the day by donating funds to go towards the purchase of the plants, stakes and guards.

If you wish, you can attend the community planting day, get your hands dirty and plant the plants you have sponsored. However, if you can’t attend the event, your contribution will be guaranteed and the community will plant for you!

Let’s work together to protect and restore our local biodiversity and nurture the land for our future generations!

Donate today via our Give Now page – click here

Photo credit: John Ellis

Donating to our ‘Trees for our next generation’ campaign provides excellent value for your investment: 

Photo Credit: Leonie van Eyk

We have a secure payment system and all donations (>$2) to Connecting Country are tax deductible.

Can’t donate? Here are some other ways you can help

• Attend the community tree planting event, and volunteer to revegetate the sponsored plants
• Share our campaign with your friends and networks.
• Retain leaf litter, logs, and trees (especially mature trees) on your property, as these provide foraging and den resources for wildlife
• Consider doing revegetation or installing nestboxes on your property
• Contribute to restoring healthy forests by joining your local Landcare or Friends group. To find a group near you – click here

The background story: Degraded bushland

The Mount Alexander region of central Victoria has a long history of removing native vegetation for gold mining, agriculture, and timber and firewood harvesting, leading to many areas of degraded bushland, with little understory, or suitable habitat. In Australia, it can take hundreds of years for trees to form natural hollows. Due to the profound environmental change caused by European colonisation and the gold rush, many trees in our region are still young and have little understory or ground cover. Connecting Country has nearly two decades of experience in restoring these landscapes, and will oversee the event, to ensure the maximum benefit for our local wildlife and community.

Much of our bushland has been turned over and lacks understorey species. Photo: Asha Bannon

A wintry 2023 Landcare Link-up in Taradale

Posted on 23 June, 2023 by Hadley Cole

Barkly Park Taradale VIC. Photo by Antoinette Birkenbeil.

On Saturday 17 June 2023 we hosted the annual Landcare Link-up in Taradale, Dja Dja Wurrung Country. It was a cold, windy, yet sunny day as we took a walking tour of Taradale Landcare groups project site Barkly Park. Brian Bainbridge from Taradale Landcare walked us through key areas in the park, outlining its interesting history and different vegetation types present across the park. Barkly Park is represented largely by Red Gum Grassy Woodland, and perhaps due to its reservation as public land, many of the red gums have been able to grow into majestic trees, containing many beautiful hollows for local wild life. The Landcare group have recorded Brush Tailed Phascogales using the site,  scurrying along the branches of fallen timber out of the reach of predators.  The group have also enjoyed bird walks and plan to collect data on the bird life at the site over time.  A cool burn is planned for later this year which will focus on restoring an area with existing Kanagaroo Grass and Chocolate Lilies.

Participants reported that they thoroughly enjoyed the tour. We are very grateful to Brian and Colleen and all Taradale Landcare members for taking the time to showcase their work at Barkly Park.  We will watch with interest as they continue to restore and enhance the local biodiversity.

Participants hearing about a hybrid eucalypt at the Barkly Park site. Photo by Hadley Cole.

Following the tour, we found warmth in the charming Taradale Hall where we enjoyed further presentations from Landcare groups of the Mount Alexander/ Leanganook region and enjoyed afternoon tea provided by the Murnong Mamas.

We heard three presentations from local Landcare groups in the region, which varied from an urban group, to a group working on private land and another who works on public land.

Christine Kilmartin from Castlemaine Landcare presented some of the issues urban Landcare groups come up against, including the many and various weeds that infiltrate restoration areas, particularly following floods. Castlemaine Landcare have been working to protect and restore numerous sites along Forest Creek.

Beth Mellick from Muckleford Catchment Landcare spoke of their groups’ Habitat Corridor project which aims to build connectivity across the Muckleford landscape, linking private property with a local bushland reserves.  Much of the land in Muckleford Catchment Landcare groups project sites are largely on private land and the group work with land holders to increase connectivity across the landscape and build habitat resilience. The group have put together a short film showcasing their work. To watch the film – click here.

Marie Jones from Golden Point Landcare shared a positive story of taking the time out to walk through older project sites and notice the differences in restoration that have occurred over time. The work of Landcare groups can be tough; digging holes, planting and seeing only some plants survive, getting out and watering in the hotter months, worrying about the destruction caused by fires, floods or storms. It can be difficult to step back and focus on the achievements and progress made over time and appreciate the positive changes in the landscape groups have accomplished. This was a lovely positive presentation from Marie to finish up the afternoon.

Landcare member Link-up participants. Photo by Lori Arthur.

Thank you to all of the presenters who took the time to share their stories with us. We really enjoy hearing the varied Landcare stories from the region.

Thank you to the North Central Catchment Management Authority for supporting this event.

Last chance to book for the 2023 Landcare Link-up!

Posted on 15 June, 2023 by Hadley Cole

The 2023 Landcare Link-up is on THIS WEEKEND –  Saturday 17 June 2023 from 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm in Taradale. Everyone is welcome! Get in quick to book your place! – click here

As part of Connecting Country’s ongoing support for Landcare groups in the Mount Alexander/ Leanganook region, we coordinate an annual Landcare Link-up to provide groups with an opportunity to get together, learn, share and connect.  It’s also a great opportunity for anyone not yet engaged in Landcare to learn more about what’s involved.

The theme for this years Link-up event is ‘Sharing Stories’ and will be held in Taradale, starting with a gentle walk through Barkly Park followed by afternoon tea at the Taradale Hall.

Taradale Landcare Group are kindly co-hosting the event and will walk us through their Rediscover Barkly Park project.  Barkly Park is public land with hidden conservation values and offers a wonderful space for Landcare activities and for the wider community to connect with nature.

The group has been working hard to promote Barkly Park through educational and engaging walks throughout 2022/23 and a mini celebration festival earlier this year.   They have plans to care for and restore the site for both community and animals to enjoy for years to come.  We will hear from group member, Brian Bainbridge, who will present the plans and processes behind the Rediscover Barkly Park project.   Brian has decades of experience in restoring landscapes and connecting people with nature through various volunteer and paid roles.  It’s sure to be an interesting and engaging event.

Barkly Park, Taradale VIC. Photo by Taradale Landcare.

Following the visit to Barkly Park, we will head over to the Taradale Hall to hear more interesting stories from Landcarers in the region and enjoy a lovely afternoon tea together.

Bookings are essential for catering purposes. To book your place, please -click here

For any inquiries please email: hadley@connectingcountry.org.au or call the Connecting Country office on: 0493 362 394

We thank the North Central Catchment Management Authority for their support of this event.

Donate a tree this EOFY: Seeking your help for National Tree Day

Posted on 13 June, 2023 by Ivan

With the end of the financial year looming, we are asking our friends, supporters and community to donate a tree for our youth to plant at National Tree Day in July 2023.

We are partnering with local Landcare groups and Mount Alexander Shire Council to deliver a National Tree Day event on Sunday 30 July 2023. The day will be open to everyone to participate and will include planting indigenous plants for habitat and learning more about our local landscape.

The tree planting event is answering a call from the younger generations of our community who, in a recent Council survey, asked for more opportunities to plant trees, make homes for wildlife and to undertake practical actions to address climate change.

We are raising funds to purchase local native plants and host a Community Planting Day to support the Mount Alexander/ Leanganook community – young and wise – to help heal the land.

Photo by John Ellis

How you can help: sponsor a community planting day! 

You can sponsor the day by donating funds to go towards the purchase of the plants, stakes and guards.

If you wish, you can attend the community planting day, get your hands dirty and plant the plants you have sponsored. However, if you can’t attend the event, your contribution will be guaranteed and the community will plant for you!

Let’s work together to protect and restore our local biodiversity and nurture the land for our future generations!

Donate today via our Give Now page – click here

Photo credit: John Ellis

Donating to our ‘Trees for our next generation’ campaign provides excellent value for your investment: 

Photo Credit: Leonie van Eyk

We have a secure payment system and all donations (>$2) to Connecting Country are tax deductible.

Can’t donate? Here are some other ways you can help

• Attend the community tree planting event, and volunteer to revegetate the sponsored plants
• Share our campaign with your friends and networks.
• Retain leaf litter, logs, and trees (especially mature trees) on your property, as these provide foraging and den resources for wildlife
• Consider doing revegetation or installing nestboxes on your property
• Contribute to restoring healthy forests by joining your local Landcare or Friends group. To find a group near you – click here

The background story: Degraded bushland

The Mount Alexander region of central Victoria has a long history of removing native vegetation for gold mining, agriculture, and timber and firewood harvesting, leading to many areas of degraded bushland, with little understory, or suitable habitat. In Australia, it can take hundreds of years for trees to form natural hollows. Due to the profound environmental change caused by European colonisation and the gold rush, many trees in our region are still young and have little understory or ground cover. Connecting Country has nearly two decades of experience in restoring these landscapes, and will oversee the event, to ensure the maximum benefit for our local wildlife and community.

Much of our bushland has been turned over and lacks understorey species. Photo: Asha Bannon

Sponsor a community planting day: Seeking YOUR help for 2023 National Tree Day

Posted on 31 May, 2023 by Ivan

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is now, and we need your help!

We are partnering with local Landcare groups and Mount Alexander Shire Council to deliver a National Tree Day event on Sunday 30 July 2023. The day will be open to everyone to participate and will include planting indigenous plants for habitat and learning more about our local landscape.

The tree planting event aims to empower the younger generations of our community to take direct action in healing the land and tackling climate change. This is what they have asked for. Mount Alexander Shire Council recently surveyed young people in our local area. Our young people reported they want opportunities to plant trees, make homes for wildlife and to undertake practical actions to address climate change.

Photo by John Ellis

How you can help: sponsor a community planting day! 

We are raising funds to purchase local native plants and host a Community Planting Day on National Tree Day 2023, to support the Mount Alexander/ Leanganook community – young and wise – to help heal the land. Through this project, we aim to connect people of all ages with nature and restore degraded bushland.

The sponsored plants will be provided by local indigenous nurseries. You can sponsor the day by donating funds to go towards the purchase of the plants, stakes and guards. If you wish, you can attend the community planting day, get your hands dirty and plants the plants you have sponsored. However, if you can’t attend the event, your contribution will be guaranteed and the community will plant for you! Let’s work together to protect and restore our local biodiversity and nurture the land for our future generations! Donate today – click here

Photo credit: John Ellis

Degraded bushland

The Mount Alexander region of central Victoria has a long history of removing native vegetation for gold mining, agriculture, and timber and firewood harvesting, leading to many areas of degraded bushland, with little understory, or suitable habitat. In Australia, it can take hundreds of years for trees to form natural hollows. Due to the profound environmental change caused by European colonisation and the gold rush, many trees in our region are still young and have little understory or ground cover. Connecting Country has nearly two decades of experience in restoring these landscapes, and will oversee the event, to ensure the maximum benefit for our local wildlife and community.

Much of our bushland has been turned over and lacks understorey species. Photo: Asha Bannon

Donate today via our Give Now page – click here

Photo Credit: Leonie van Eyk

Donate today via our Give Now page – click here

We have a secure payment system and all donations (>$2) to Connecting Country are tax deductible.

Can’t donate? Here are some other ways you can help

• Attend the community tree planting event, and volunteer to revegetate the sponsored plants
• Share our campaign with your friends and networks.
• Retain leaf litter, logs, and trees (especially mature trees) on your property, as these provide foraging and den resources for wildlife
• Consider doing revegetation or installing nestboxes on your property
• Contribute to restoring healthy forests by joining your local Landcare or Friends group. To find a group near you – click here

Walking Together – towards Makarrata

Posted on 29 May, 2023 by Ivan

Our friends and project partners at Nalderun have sent through a timely article, highlighting the history of native title, land rights and acknowledging country. The article was written Floria Maschek, an ally and member of Friends of Nalderun (FoN). Nalderun is a Dja Dja Wurrung word meaning “all together”. Please see the article below, provided kindly by Nalderun.

WALKING TOGETHER – towards Makarrata

Makarrata = ‘coming together after a struggle, facing the facts of wrongs and living again in peace.’

Mabo, native title, land rights and acknowledging Country

Pardalotes are busy under the newly replaced eaves outside my window. The beautiful birds may be looking to build a nest there. I consider my family’s journey to this place, struggles and privileges that brought us to Djaara Country and our impacts on land and life. Connections of ‘Country’ are inseparable from First People’s culture and lore. I think about how this relates to autonomy, community, resilience and well-being. With respect to the elders past and present, their sovereignty never ceded, I acknowledge Country.

In my second contribution to Walking Together, I revisit the topic of native title and land rights. Mabo Day on June the 3rd during Reconciliation Week, is the anniversary of a momentous turning point in the land rights movement, acknowledging First People’s ongoing connections to their lands and culture. 

The far reaching Frontier Wars that occurred after 1788 resulted in vast displacement of First Nations people. Much truth telling is needed, but awareness is building. We know First Peoples have defended their rights to their lands, waters and self determination since the beginning of colonisation. 

During the 19th and 20th centuries many were forced onto missions, stations and reserves, working under horrendous conditions. There were many deaths and family separations. Culture and language were usually disallowed. This occurred under government ‘protection’ boards. Forced into these areas, some eventually obtained land leases as happened locally in the 1840s in Franklinford. However almost all that lived here were then moved onto Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve.

In 1966 hundreds of Gurindji Peoples walked off Wave Hill Station in the Northern Territory in protest. In 1975 the commonwealth government transferred land to them in a historic first. The Northern Territory Aboriginal Land Rights Act was established, leading to further hand backs. Some states followed, introducing land rights legislations, though greatly limiting lands that could be claimed. 

In 1992 The Mabo Case, mounted by five Torres Strait Islander Meriam People including Eddie ‘Koiki’ Mabo, was successful in overturning the myth of ‘Terra Nullius’ (Land belonging to no one). The High Court recognised they had lived on their lands for thousands of years according to their own laws and customs. In 1993 the Native Title Act was passed with a promise to ‘rectify past injustices’. 

In the years that followed, a series of High Court decisions tested the implementation of Native Title legislation. Claims proved to be very difficult. Those that had been removed off their lands now had to demonstrate their People’s continuous practice of lore and customs there since pre-colonisation.

In 1996 in response to the Wik Peoples of Cape York Peninsula, the High Court Wik Decision ruled pastoral leases of crown land could co-exist with Native Title. These leases could now be more easily preserved over the rights of First Peoples. The extinguishment regime was furthered in the Native Title Amendment Act of 1998 and the 10 point plan. 

The Timber Creek decision of 2019 was the first time the High Court considered and confirmed how compensations should be assessed for cultural and economic losses from violation of native title rights. 

The South West Native Title Settlement was approved by the Noongar Nation in Western Australia. It was described by some as ‘Australia’s first treaty’, being the most comprehensive and largest native title settlement yet, commencing in 2021. Here is a mere glimpse into a very complex history. The ideals of Mabo are yet to be fully recognised. I centre my acknowledgements, hopes and efforts in the truth of Mabo. 

I am always moved by the strength of First Peoples and the love poured into self determination and community. Here locally, Nalderun, with the support of Friends of Nalderun and the broader community, are an inspiration as they strengthen connections throughout many areas of community, culture, grow proud generations, connect to the land and waters and nurture Country. I look forward to sharing more as I learn. 

Mabo day is on the last day of Reconciliation Week running from 27th May – 3rd June. Sorry Day – May 26th. Look out for the guide offering many locally run Nalderun events. The Reconciliation Week stall and exhibition will be on again this year at the Castlemaine Market Building.  

Floria Maschek is an ally and member of Friends of Nalderun (FoN). FoN members are guided by Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation and are diverse individuals and representatives of many local community networks, supporting Nalderuns visions and work. Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation supports the Aboriginal Community and is led by Aboriginal people while providing many learning and cultural opportunities to the broader community. Nalderun is a Dja Dja Wurrung word meaning “all together”. 

More information can be found at www.nalderun.net.au

Check out this cute as a button Phascogale (and thank you Arborcam!)

Posted on 29 May, 2023 by Jess

Here at Connecting Country, we are very grateful to all who donate their time or hard-earned cash to Connecting Country. It really takes a village to get things done!

We use remote cameras to supplement our volunteer nestbox monitoring program and to check any nest boxes that we can’t quite reach with a ladder.

We recently took our monitoring cameras to the manufacturer, Arborcam, for repairs and were delighted that Blair kindly donated us the newest model! You can see some of the fantastic, clear (and adorable) footage of our favourite dasyurid marsupial, the Brush-tailed Phascogale (or Tuan) that Blair provided using the Arborcam  Mk 3 (our cameras are pre-mk 1).

Thank you for your generous donation Arborcam!  We can’t wait to put them into action.

We loan our cameras out to Connecting Country and Landcare members in our local area for nest box monitoring. Or, they can be purchased from Arbocam: Click Here

For more about our monitoring program,  how to get involved or to donate to the program, please Click Here

2023 Landcare Link-up – sharing stories in Taradale

Posted on 24 May, 2023 by Hadley Cole

The 2023 Landcare Link-up is coming up on Saturday 17 June 2023 and everyone is welcome!

As part of Connecting Country’s ongoing support for Landcare groups in the Mount Alexander/ Leanganook region, we coordinate an annual Landcare Link-up to provide groups with an opportunity to get together, learn, share and connect.  It’s also a great opportunity for anyone not yet engaged in Landcare to learn more about what’s involved.

The theme for this years Link-up event is ‘Sharing Stories’ and will be held in Taradale, starting with gentle walk through Barkly Park followed by afternoon tea at the Taradale Hall.

Taradale Landcare Group are kindly co-hosting the event and will walk us through their Rediscover Barkly Park project.  Barkly Park is public land with hidden conservation values and offers a wonderful space for Landcare activities and for the wider community to connect with nature.

The group has been working hard to promote Barkly Park through educational and engaging walks throughout 2022/23 and a mini celebration festival earlier this year.   They have plans to care for and restore the site for both community and animals to enjoy for years to come.  We will hear from group President, Brian Bainbridge, who will present the plans and processes behind the Rediscover Barkly Park project.   Brian has decades of experience in restoring landscapes and connecting people with nature through various volunteer and paid roles.  It’s sure to be an interesting and engaging event.

Barkly Park, Taradale VIC. Photo by Taradale Landcare. 

Following the visit to Barkly Park, we will head over to the Taradale Hall to hear more interesting stories from Landcarers in the region and enjoy a lovely afternoon tea together.

Bookings are essential for catering purposes. To book your place, please -click here

For any inquiries please email: hadley@connectingcountry.org.au or call the Connecting Country office on: 0493 362 394

We thank the North Central Catchment Management Authority for their support of this event.

Sorry Day & Reconciliation Week – 27 May to 3 June 2023

Posted on 23 May, 2023 by Hadley Cole

Every year National Sorry Day is 26 May and is then followed by Reconciliation Week. This years’ Reconciliation Week is held from 27 May  – 3 June 2023 and the theme is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’. Reconciliation Australia recognises Reconciliation Week as ‘a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.’ To learn more about reconciliation in Australia – click here

Our friends and project partners at Nalderun have sent us some information about their local events for Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week 2023. The week of events will commence with the 2023 Sorry Day commemoration at Castlemaine Secondary College oval on Friday 26 May 2023 at 10.30am. Please read on for details provided by Nalderrun about this important week for our community.

Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation, with support from Friends of Nalderun present:

The 2023 Sorry Day Commemoration
Where: Castlemaine Secondary College oval, Castlemaine VIC
When: Friday 26 May 2023 from 10.30 am

Introduction and MC: Vic Say & Zeppelin
Smoking and Welcome to Country ceremony: Aunty Paulette Nelson
Address by the Mayor: Rosie Annear and Castlemaine Secondary students
Guest speaker: Kelly Blake Wadawurrung woman

For the full program of events for Nalderun Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week 2023 please see below.

‘Nalderun is a Dja Dja Wurrung word which means ‘all together’, because we believe by moving forward together we can make the change needed for our children, our mob and the wider community in the Mount Alexander Shire region of Victoria to thrive. We are Aboriginal led and run – we know what our Community needs, as we are apart of it. For 10 years we have seen our children become stronger, proud and deadly. We know our future, and the future for our children’s children is safe, having created programs and ways of being and teaching now. We want you to join this journey in this two-way learning space. We look forward to walking forward together. We invite you to support us in caring for Culture, Country and Community and to meet the needs of our mob, and the ever-increasing commitment to support these changes in the broader community, which builds respectful and reciprocal relationships for all.’

To learn more about the amazing work of Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation head over to their website – click here or check out their youtube channel – click here

Connecting Country acknowledges the Jaara people, the custodians and caretakers of this land. We recognise their continued care of Country for millennia and pay our respects and gratitude to elders, past present and emerging. We extend this acknowledgement to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Bird of the month: Black-tailed Native Hen

Posted on 19 May, 2023 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.

Black-tailed Native Hen (Tribonyx ventralis)

There are few species of dark brownish-grey water birds with very long toes, who lurk quietly in the swampy edges of waterbodies, and the Black tailed Native Hen is one of them. At about 38cm long it’s about the size of a chicken. It’s long reddish legs, bright yellow eye and grass green face shield above its green and red bill are distinctive, as is it’s erect tail. Listen out for their ‘kak’ alarm call at Bells Swamp where I saw 20 in one mob today and they did the classic run for cover rather than fly, when disturbed.

Defining characteristics of the Black-tailed Native Hen: Green face shield, red legs and cocked tail. Photo by Damian Kelly

Typical of irruptive species, the Black-tailed Native Hen can turn up quite suddenly in large  numbers, at the site of a new water body such as a lake, dam or swamp filling with water. They are driven by changes in climate and food sources, as well as predators. If food has become scarce, they will move to a new place with plentiful food. Factors such as food availability, the weather and water levels in swamps, level of threat posed by predators all influence the timing of irruptions.

A population of Black-tailed Native Hens irrupting is a good sign of its of robust health. Their ability to move in response to food, means populations don’t become to large in any one area and that birds survive even when conditions change. In addition to their irruptive behaviour, Black-tailed Native Hens are omnivorous, meaning they have a huge variety of foods available to them, such as seeds, berries, insects, snails, frogs and small reptiles.

They can breed at any time with favourable conditions, but their usual breeding season is August to December. They build a cup-shaped nest from stalks, twigs and leaves hidden in dense ground level vegetation, which they line with grass and feathers. They lay 5-7 pale green eggs. The incubation time is around 20 days, within a few hours of hatching the chicks can walk and feed themselves but it takes them a few weeks to learn to fly.

In short, the Black-tailed Native Hen is quite an adaptable species with it’s ability to move to water, it’s omnivorous diet and irruptive behaviour.

Mob of Black-tailed Native Hens by a dam. Photo by Damian Kelly.

To listen to the call of the Black-tailed Native Hen – click here

Jane Rusden
Damian Kelly

Castlemaine Landcare Group’s AGM: The fascinating history of Forest Creek

Posted on 17 May, 2023 by Ivan

Our friends and project partners, Castlemaine Landcare Group, are having their 2023 AGM on Thursday 25 May 2023 at the Northern Arts Hotel, Castlemaine VIC. Please find the details provided below about what looks like a most interesting guest speaker and topic for discussion. 

Castlemaine Landcare Group’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) with guest speaker Clive Willman, historian and geologist.

When: 7.30 pm, Thursday 25 May 2023

Where: Northern Arts Hotel, 359 Barker St. Castlemaine VIC

Local historian and geologist Clive Willman will give us new insights into the geological and cultural background of today’s Forest Creek at Castlemaine Landcare Group’s AGM.

Clive is a well-known geologist who has had a long career in government and the local mining industry. He has completed extensive geological studies of the local area for the Geological Survey of Victoria and is known for his deep knowledge of 19th century mining methods. Clive has contributed to international scientific papers and numerous books regarding Victoria’s geological history and has made educational films for the New South Wales and Victorian state governments. Clive is also a long-term member of Landcare.

Clive will speak about the ancient origins of Forest Creek and how mining and agriculture have affected the local landscape since the gold rush. He will explain how Central Victorian streams owe their origins to uplift of The Great Dividing Range, which was caused by Antarctica’s slow separation from southern Australia. Over the millennia, long-lived streams like the Loddon River, and Forest, Campbell’s and Barker’s creeks, have meandered but remained confined to remarkably persistent valleys. He will show how the latest high-tech LiDAR imagery complements 1850s surveyors’ maps, old aerial photos, and the oral histories of long-term residents. These all help to unravel the history of Forest Creek and Moonlight Flat since 1851 and show how mining, farming and Chinese market gardening have all left their imprints on the local landscape.

Drinks (beer, wine, and non-alcoholic) will be available at bar prices, and it is recommend that you purchase something to recognise the generosity of the Northern Arts Hotel for hosting. Castlemaine Landcare Group will provide a supper after the presentation. No bookings necessary. All welcome!

An ode to Landcare volunteers – Transforming local landscapes

Posted on 16 May, 2023 by Ivan

This week is National Volunteer Week (15 – 21 May 2023) and Connecting Country would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our many Landcare volunteers actively working to protect and restore the natural environment across the Mount Alexander/ Leanganook region. We could not achieve what we do without you!

At its heart, Landcare is about caring for land so that it will support our society and maintain our natural resources for generations to come. Depending on where you live that might mean looking after a farm, nature strip, local bush reserve or waterway – all kinds of land. Through Landcare, individuals and communities get the support, knowledge and resources necessary to do this work. In the Mount Alexander/ Leanganook region, we are lucky to have over 30 community groups working with hundreds of volunteers, many who have been contributing for multiple decades.

In particular this year, we pay tribute to local Landcare legend, Maurie Dynon, who passed away in March 2023. Maurie was a well-respected and loved member of Guildford Upper Loddon Landcare Group for almost 30 years. He also contributed many volunteer hours to Connecting County, as a member of the founding committee and to the Landcare Steering Group. He swore by the power of a cuppa in connecting community and through his determination and many cups of tea, he recruited many Guildford and Yapeen landholders to get on board local restoration projects, helping to transform the local landscape to benefit both farmland and habitat in the local area.

Joining Landcare is a great way to meet your neighbours and get involved in grassroots environmental action that helps to build resilient landscapes. As Maurie has been quoted as saying; “Landcare is great fun! You’re meeting new people all the time with different outlooks, from different walks of life and you learn something from all of them.”

To find a group near you or find out how you could get involved, visit the Landcare page on the Connecting Country website – click here or contact the office at info@connectingcountry.org.au or ph: 0434 362 394.

Maurie Dynon and his wife Lois (both dec.) with Maurie’s beloved Landcare Ute. Photo from the Connecting Country archives.

Post Office Hill Action Group member Andrew with Chewton Primary School student Orlo, working together to revegetate Post Office Hill Reserve in Chewton VIC. Photo by John Ellis.

A tribute to Landcarer Maurie Dynon (1934 – 2023)

Posted on 19 April, 2023 by Hadley Cole

On Saturday 25 March 2023 we lost Landcare legend and Yapeen/ Guildford local, Maurie Dynon. Maurie contributed countless volunteer hours to Guildford Upper Loddon Landcare group and their restoration projects over almost 30 years. He was known affectionately by Yapeen and Guildford locals and often seen down at the local general store in his ute adorned with Landcare signage, collecting his morning paper.  After moving to Guildford around thirty years ago, Maurie signed up to Guildford Upper Loddon Landcare group and never looked back. He swore by the power of a cuppa in connecting community. Through his determination and many cups of tea he recruited many Guildford and Yapeen landholders to get on board local restoration projects.

Maurie with his beloved ute overlooking plans for the Larni Barramal Yaluk (previously Jim Crow) creek restoration project. Photo from the Connecting Country archives.

Most notably were his efforts in convincing landholders along Jim Crow Creek, now known as Larni Barramal Yaluk, to join forces in the management of Willow trees and other noxious weeds. Maurie went door to door and shared many cuppas with landholders as he talked of the value of restoring the creek line. Maurie shared the bigger picture with landholders, explaining how their local actions would help ecosystems downstream and lead to improving water quality all the way to Adelaide!

Maurie also worked with Guildford Upper Loddon Landcare group and landholders along the Guildford Plateau to restore shelterbelts and wildlife corridors across private land. His enthusiasm for restoration spread among landholders across the Plateau with farmers discovering that establishing the corridors also saved their lambs from frost.

Maurie working with Asha Bannon on mapping Landcare projects in 2017. Photo from the Connecting Country archive.

Maurie giving a tour of Blue Duck Mine project site. Photo by Ivan Carter.

Over the many decades that Maurie was involved with Landcare, he worked with many government and community organisations. His ability to leverage funding from government agencies was a credit to him. He saw the big picture possibilities in expanding restoration projects to the landscape scale. Restoration at the Blue Duck Mine site in Fyerstown was another of Maurie’s favourite projects that benefited from his enthusiasm, determination and wonderful conversation skills, resulting in positive outcomes for the local landscape.

Maurie with the Connecting Country team in 2019 at the Landcare Awards. Photo from the Connecting Country archives.

Maurie sitting in a workshop at the Connecting Country Reference group meeting in 2008. Photo by Beth Mellick.

Maurie worked closely with Connecting Country since its beginning in 2008, including as a member of Connecting Country ‘s Reference group and Committee of Management from 2008 -2014. He then continued his relationship as a valued member of Connecting Country’s Landcare Steering Group for over seven years, right up until late 2022. Maurie was a welcome regular visitor to the Connecting Country office, and an inspiration to us all.

The Connecting Country team send their condolences to the beloved family and friends of Maurie. Maurie’s positivity and kindness will be greatly missed.

Comments from his Landcare friends and colleagues:

I was honoured when Maurie invited me to accompany him as his ‘date’ for the 2019 Landcare awards in Melbourne. We have much to learn from Maurie‘s gentle manner, patient determination and significant on-ground achievements.    Frances Howe

I first met Maurie when Wettenhall decided to start Connecting Country. In 2007 we got together as many ‘key’ people in the area. Maurie and Lois (Maurie’s wife) were at all the initial meetings and workshops (Maurie always wearing his signature hat), and I got to learn a lot from him.    Beth Mellick

Maurie brought humour and wisdom to every room he was in through his many stories. His love for the land and his community were evident in the way he lived his life, and the gentle but persistent ways he inspired so many others to get on board the landcare movement. I’ll always remember his kindness and his perseverance in getting landcare projects done on the smell of an oily rag.   Asha Bannon

Maurie was a wonderful conversationalist, and I will always remember his cheeky giggle, positivity and kind nature.    Hadley Cole

Down the hill and down the map
Is Guildford Upper Loddon’s patch.
The group has members far and wide,
And utes with writing on the side.
The weeds that way will wilt with worry,
Just from catching sight of Maurie.

From Max Schlachter’s Landcare poem

Bird of the month: White-fronted Chat

Posted on 18 April, 2023 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.

White-fronted Chat (Epthianura albifrons)

Despite being quite common in certain areas, I get excited when I see a White-fronted Chat because they are not so common in Mount Alexander Shire. A very striking bird, especially the male with it’s distinctive black and white colouring. The female is a bit more grey and brown, but still has the beautiful white chest and belly with the stunning black chest stripe.

The White-fronted Chat’s range extends across the southern parts of Australia, avoiding the driest areas, Tasmania and some of the larger islands in Bass Straight. Locally they can be found on the Moolort Plains, along the edges of wetlands such as Cairn Curran and Lignum Swamp. This kind of habitat is typical for them as it’s essentially open grassland around open damp and possibly saline patches of ground.

Foraging amongst seaweed on Port Fairy beeches is where Damian Kelly took a photo of this male White-fronted Chat.

So, what is it that makes White-fronted Chats attracted to open areas of habitat? That would be food of course! They wander around, but don’t hop, foraging for insects and occasionally seeds, on the ground and in low shrubs. If startled, they will fly a short distance to a prominent perch such as a branch or fence. I’ve usually seen them perched on fence wires.

White-fronted Chats usually stay in one place all year round, however weather and food availability will encourage them to move when necessary. Banding recoveries have been from less than 10km from the original site where the bird was banded, indicating they don’t move far.

Female White-fronted Chat, with her grey head, on a fence wire, a very typical perch for this species.

Interestingly, behavioural studies at Laverton Saltworks in southern Victoria, revealed that White-fronted Chats are quite an adaptable species. Often they will be in flocks of 30 or so birds, with pairs often foraging together, they also communally roost when not breeding. Cooperative breeding (where non-parent birds help raise chicks), is not apparent in this species and breeding pairs may change over the years. However, they nest semi-colonially, with several nests close together. Essentially there will be a whole lot of breeding pairs, who are a bit fluid about who they are paired to, hanging out together most of the time, but doing their own thing.

The adaptability of the White-fronted Chat is highlighted in their breeding, being opportunistic in drier country, largely in response to rain and food availability. However, in wetter coastal areas breeding is seasonal. The nest is cup-shaped and usually, three eggs are laid. Both parents will brood and feed the chicks, and hopefully, a Horsefield’s Bronze Cuckoo won’t find them, to parasitize the nest with their egg.

To listen to the call of the White-fronted Chat – click here

Jane Rusden
Damian Kelly

Collecting or buying firewood? Look out for wildlife!

Posted on 17 April, 2023 by Ivan

Dead trees and fallen logs play an essential role in our local Box-Ironbark forest ecosystems. They provide food and shelter for countless living organisms from fungi to the invertebrates that sustain larger animals such as woodland birds and Brush-tailed Phascogales. Many of our local birds, reptiles and small marsupials also rely on tree hollows for nesting and shelter.

 When people collect firewood from our native forests, removing standing dead trees or woody debris on the ground, they can contribute to a serious loss of biodiversity and affect the long-term viability of wildlife habitat. Therefore firewood collection requires careful management. While many of us rely on firewood to keep us warm over winter, we can make sure our firewood is from a sustainable source.  If you are buying firewood, be sure to ask your supplier where it comes from and if you’re collecting your own wood, follow the Victorian Government firewood collection rules. 

The State government of Victoria recently published a timely media article, highlighting the sad reality of illegal firewood collection in Victoria. The Conservation Regulator, an arm of the State Government, is urging people to help save critical wildlife habitat and protect Aboriginal scarred trees by sourcing firewood responsibly this winter. Details are provided below courtesy of the State Government.

Australian owlet-nightjar uses a hollow in a dead tree (photo by Peter Turner)

The sad reality of illegal firewood collection in Victoria

As many Victorians stock up their firewood supplies for winter, the Conservation Regulator is urging people to help save critical wildlife habitat and protect Aboriginal scarred trees by sourcing firewood responsibly.

Illegal firewood collectors have caused significant damage to parks, forests and reserves in recent years, with some areas like the Mansfield Swamp Wildlife Reserve in Northern Victoria losing an estimated 50 per cent of its old mature trees through timber theft.

Birds and reptiles as well as a range of native mammals, such as possums, gliders and bats, rely on hollows in both standing and fallen trees for habitat. The illegal collection of firewood, if made up of mature trees and limbs, also has potential to harm Aboriginal scarred trees. Once gone, an important piece of Aboriginal cultural heritage is lost forever.

Domestic firewood collection from public land is only available in designated areas during the autumn and spring firewood collection seasons. During these times people can collect a maximum of two cubic metres of firewood per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres of firewood per household per financial year. Only fallen timber without hollows can be collected.

This year the Conservation Regulator is targeting firewood theft with Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria through Operation Hollows. Authorised Officers are educating the public about the rules and penalising thieves. Anyone caught breaking firewood collection rules can face on-the-spot-fines of $740 under the Forests Act 1958 or a maximum penalty of $9,246 and/or 1 year jail if the matter is taken to court.

Last year the Conservation Regulator laid 625 charges and issued 85 infringement notices and 16 official warnings for firewood offences, including cutting or taking fallen or felled trees, and disturbing, damaging or destroying wildlife habitat. Cases which resolved in the Magistrate Court system faced convictions, fines and had chainsaws and trailers forfeited and destroyed.

It is also important firewood collectors understand their obligations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. All Aboriginal places, objects and Ancestral remains are protected in Victoria. It is an offence to harm Aboriginal heritage and substantial penalties apply.

If you think you have found a scarred tree or other Aboriginal cultural heritage, contact your relevant Registered Aboriginal Party (if one has been appointed) or First Peoples – State Relations on 1800 762 003.

For details of where firewood can be collected, visit Forest Fire Management Victoria’s webpage on firewood collection in your region.

More information about firewood collection rules can be found on the firewood regulation page.

The community can report the illegal cutting or removal of firewood anonymously by calling 136 186.

Information on financial assistance available for low-income people who buy firewood for heating can be found on the energy concession and support page.

‘We can all do our part in protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage, wildlife habitat and biodiversity by knowing where, when and what firewood can be collected. It can take hundreds of years for nature to create tree hollows and habitat loss from illegal firewood collection has a serious impact on the future of our iconic native species’.

‘Our land at contact’ event: Tuesday 18 April 2023

Posted on 13 April, 2023 by Ivan

Our friends and project partners at the Newstead Landcare Group are excited to be hosting Professor Barry Golding at an event on 18 April 2023 on the environment around Newstead at the time of European contact. The event will be an intriguing exploration of historical and early botanical records that may be vital in our restoration efforts and planning of revegetation works. Please see details below, provided by Newstead Landcare Group.

Our land at contact

Last October, we were very excited about Prof. Barry Golding’s presentation on the environment around Newstead at the time of European contact. Alas, a lot of rain and rising floodwaters meant a last minute cancellation. We are now very pleased to announce that Barry will be presenting on this subject for us this April. Barry has combed through historical records to put together a vivid and moving picture of how the land around Newstead and its environs may have looked prior to contact.

The arrival of Europeans in Australia produced profound changes across the continent. It can be hard to know exactly what the landscape looked like before this dramatic upheaval. The documents left by the earliest intruders can give us a few clues. Professor Barry Golding of Federation University has combed through historical records to put together a picture of how the land around Newstead and its environs may have looked prior to contact. From the extensive permanent ponds on the Loddon containing literally tonnes of Murray Cod to the vast meadows of Yam Daisies (Myrnong), some of the descriptions Barry has found give us a glimpse of the extraordinary richness of our neck of the woods.

Ancient River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). Photo Barry Golding

Come along to our presentation on Tuesday April 18th when Barry will present what he’s learned about the extraordinarily rich and diverse vegetation communities that once adorned our landscape and the marvellous wildlife on this land and in the rivers.

The presentation will start at 7.30pm at Newstead Community Centre. All are welcome to attend, gold coin donations appreciated.

Shining the spotlight on the Imperial Blue Butterfly

Posted on 6 April, 2023 by Ivan

We are constantly amazed at how talented members of our community are at nature journaling and documenting our unique biodiversity in central Victoria. We recently received a terrific article highlighting the stunning Imperial Blue Butterfly and how it interacts with other species to benefit each other. The article came from one of our members, Sandra Nowland-Foreman, who spent a decade in central Victoria, before a recent move to the coast. Sandra has taken some excellent photos and documented the symbiotic relationship between the butterfly and ants species and how to identity the species. Thanks Sandra, well done!

Imperial Blue Butterfly/Imperial Hairstreak (Jalmenus evagoras)

It is not often you encounter the entire life cycle of a creature all on one small shrub!

I was visiting the Bald Hill Reserve, a wonderful 96-hectare bushland reserve near Kyneton recently on a warm Saturday afternoon (3^rd March 2023).  A beautiful blue butterfly with distinct black wing edging caught my eye as I passed a young silver wattle (acacia dealbata).  In the six years I had lived adjacent and regularly roamed this lovely reserve I had never encountered such a species.

Paying closer attention, I noticed the equally attractive creamy-coloured underside wings of several butterflies on its branches. The undersides were decorated with fine black spots with a pair of dainty orange dots on the lower wing ends adjacent trailing black tail filaments.

The young wattle was stripped almost bare of leaves, and I noticed clusters of pupae wedged along several upper branch intersections – some empty and others dark glossy encasements, lightly held by webbing. A closer inspection revealed an active trail of ants coming and going on the branches, attending the caterpillars, the pupae and even intermingling with mating butterflies.

My curiosity was piqued! Time for some further research…. the ants are of the genus Iridomyrmex and protect the larvae from both predators and parasites. Researchers have discovered that the Lycaenidae Butterfly species larvae and pupae use complex chemical and acoustical signals to manipulate ants (1).  The larvae produce three different types of calls, and larvae and the pupae have single-celled glands over their bodies that produce attractants (2). Ants respond and attend them and are rewarded with food secretions of amino acids. In my research I also came across a video posted by entomologist Roberta Gibson from her website “Wild about Ants” related to Blue Butterflies which provides further insight into the intriguing bodily mechanisms of the larvae and pupae. This video shows the glands in its depiction of the complex ant-caterpillar interaction. Click here

The breeding season is from November to March and judging by the extent and ages of pupae encasements, range of larvae size, egg laying and active mating observed on the day, it has been a good season. I learned that adult males keep proximity to the host plant for the opportunity to mate with emerging female butterflies. Warren and Gloria Sheather observed that pupae seem to develop rapidly, within two to three weeks (Sheather, W. and G. 2020). Eggs laid late in the season do not hatch until the following spring.

The photos below show mating butterflies, larvae, pupae and eggs, with the ants which I observed during the afternoon walk on 3.3.2023.

Conservation Status:

Vic: unknown

NSW: Critically endangered

Qld: Vulnerable

Size: 

Caterpillars: 2 cm

Pupa: 1.3cm

Butterfly Wingspan: 4 cm

References:

1. Pierce, N et all, The ecology and evolution of ant association in the lycaenidae (lepidoptera)

2. Gibson, R, Ants and Blue Butterfly, 10^th January 2012, Wild About Ants https://wildaboutants.com/2010/01/10/ants-and-blue-butterflies/

Australian Plant Society of NSW https://resources.austplants.com.au/fauna/common-imperial-blue-butterfly-jalmenus-evagoras/ Warren and Gloria Sheather 2020

Butterfly House http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/lyca/evagoras.html

Naomi E. Pierce 1, Michael F. Braby, Alan Heath, David J. Lohman, John Mathew, Douglas B. Rand, Mark A. The ecology and evolution of ant association in the lycaenidae (lepidoptera) 1 January 2002

Roberta Gibson, Wild About Ants, 10^th January 2012, https://wildaboutants.com/2010/01/10/ants-and-blue-butterflies/

Knox Environment Society https://www.kes.org.au/environment/fauna/imperialblue

Museum of Victoria https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/species/12259

2023 Victorian Landcare and Junior Landcare grants are now open!

Posted on 6 April, 2023 by Hadley Cole

2023 Victorian Landcare Grants

The 2023 Victorian Landcare grants are now open! Landcare grants of up to $20 000 are available to Landcare and environmental volunteer groups for on-ground works, education, and capacity building projects that protect, enhance, and restore our land and natural environment.

The grants are open to environmental volunteer groups, including Landcare groups and networks, Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, and Aboriginal groups to support the important work they do in protecting and restoring our land and environment.

There are also support grants of up to $500 available to Landcare and environmental volunteer groups for help with administration and running costs.

Applications close on Tuesday 16 May 2023.

For more information and to read the grant guidelines – click here

2023 Victorian Junior Landcare grants

Victorian Junior Landcare grants are now open! The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants provide funding for projects that involve and educate young people in valuing and actively caring for Victoria’s biodiversity and natural environment. These grants provide young Victorians with an opportunity to participate in biodiversity focused hands-on projects and/or learning activities.

The grants offer up to $5000 and are open to all schools, kindergartens, childcare centres, Scouts, Girl Guides, youth groups, and Junior Landcare groups in Victoria.

Applications close Friday 12 May 2023.

For more information and to read the grant guidelines – click here

If you have any queries regarding the Landcare grants please contact Hadley our Landcare Facilitator by email: hadley@connectingcountry.org.au or call the Connecting Country office 0493 362 294.

Three of Connecting Country’s ‘Feathered five’ now listed as nationally threatened.

Posted on 6 April, 2023 by Anna

Diamond Firetail (photo by Geoff Park)

In March 2023, several bird species that occur locally were approved for listing as threatened under the Federal Government Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999.

This includes the Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata, and south eastern subspecies of Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata cucullata, and Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus victoriae.

These three species along with the Jacky Winter and Painted Button-quail were identified in Connecting Country’s ‘feathered five’ and have been the focus of community engagement and ongoing woodland bird monitoring since 2015.

Other bird species that occur locally have also been listed on the EPBC Act including, The Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis and Blue-winged Parrot Neophema chrysostoma.

Species’ can be listed as either vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered or extinct under the EPBC Act. These categories represent increasing levels of population decline.  For example, the Hooded Robin population has declined over 50% in just 10 years, making it eligible for listing as endangered.

While Connecting Country is heartened that the ongoing decline of these species has been nationally recognised, the inclusion of a species on this list is a double-edged sword. Through listing, species are afforded more legal protection and are more likely to receive funding than those that are not listed, however, making the list in the first place is deeply concerning as it means that these species have declined significantly in recent years and will need a lot of help to recover.

To make the list, a species (or ecological community) must first be nominated, a rigorous and time consuming process that usually falls upon members of the scientific community to do in their own time.  A great little piece in the Conversation recently sought to demystify this process for the average punter.

https://theconversation.com/i-realised-the-fat-tailed-dunnart-was-under-threat-heres-how-i-got-the-species-officially-listed-200632

A Hooded Robin