Bird Monitoring – Winter 2013 Update
Posted on 18 September, 2013 by Connecting Country
Connecting Country’s bird monitoring program continued during winter 2013. Landholders from across the region allowed bird-specialists Chris and Kerryn to undertake surveys on their properties within areas of intact woodland, in grassy agricultural paddocks and in areas being actively restored (e.g. sites with new plantings, direct seeding or natural regeneration). Fifty sites of 2 hectares were visited twice for 20 minutes each time; once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
The attached list displays the 77 bird species that were recorded from the transects during Winter 2013, plus another 19 species recorded nearby (click here).
Some of the highlights include:
* A single Banded Lapwing seen in a paddock near Bradford
* A pair of Tawny Frogmouth on Mount Tarrengower
* Little Corellas near Ravenswood (NB: the typical local species is the Long-billed Corella).
* Small numbers of threatened or declining woodland birds such as Hooded Robin, Speckled Warbler, Diamond Firetail, Crested Bellbird and Painted Button-quail.
The comparison between the different types of sites also provided interesting insights. For example:
* The White-throated Treecreeper, Eastern Yellow Robin, Fuscous Honeyeater and Yellow-tufted Honeyeater were commonly recorded in ‘intact’ habitats, but almost not at all elsewhere.
* Many small insectivorous birds were most commonly recorded in the ‘restoration’ habitats, particularly the thornbills, Superb Fairy-wren and Silvereye.
* Agricultural grasslands had fewer bird species seen, although there were some specialists in this area, particular Australasian Pipits, Welcome Swallows and Flame Robins.
Thank you to all of the landholders who allowed us to continue our bird surveys on their property. Now looking forward to the Spring bird surveys, which will commence in early October.
10 Oct – ‘Understanding the Natural Soundscape’ a presentation by Andrew Skeoch
Posted on 16 September, 2013 by Connecting Country
Andrew Skeoch on location with sound recording gear.
On Thursday 10th October 2013, Newstead Landcare Group will hold their Annual General Meeting and are delighted to have a presentation by one of their members, Andrew Skeoch of Listening Earth.
All landcarers and the general public are welcome to attend this event at Newstead Community Centre starting at 8pm. We ask for a gold coin donation to cover costs.
Andrew describes his presentation thus:
The sounds of our natural environment are comprised of many voices; birdsong, insect choirs, frog choruses. Collectively, the songs and calls of all these species form the biophony; the living sounds of our natural landscape.
Studying how all these diverse vocalisations interact in the acoustic environment, can tell us a fascinating story about how our bushland ecosystems work and have evolved.
Featuring sound recordings and sonograms, from local places to habitats around the world, Andrew will explore the fascinating understandings emerging from the new field of soundscape ecology.
Many of you will be familiar with Andrew’s recording of birdsong on a CD in the back of the Wildlife of the Box-Ironbark Country book by Chris Tzaros, and this event is a great chance to meet with and learn from a local expert.
Shire’s Community Grants Scheme Open Now
Posted on 13 September, 2013 by Connecting Country
The Mount Alexander Shire Council recently announced the opening of its 2013 Community Grants Scheme. The round closes on Friday 11 October 2013.
Grants of $500 to $3,000 are available in the category of Sustainability and Natural Environment.
The stated aim of the Sustainability and Natural Environment community grant component is to assist the community to implement the Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Environment Strategy 2010-2014 (available HERE) – so it is well worth taking a look at this document before you apply.
These grants are particularly well suited to Landcare and Friends groups working in the Mount Alexander Shire, whose projects normally align directly with the ‘Land & Biodiversity’ objectives of the Shire’s Environment Strategy (Pages 12 & 22).
Application forms and guidelines for the grants can be found at the Shire’s website – Click Here. Public information sessions about the grants will be held in Castlemaine and Maldon on the 11th and 12th September – see the Council’s website for times and locations.
For more information contact Glenn Menner, Manager Community Development on 5471 1818
- The Tip Buffer Zone area in Campbells Creek benefited from the last Community Grant round.
Mount Alexander Landcare Goes Social
Posted on 12 September, 2013 by Connecting Country
To extend the promotion of local Landcare groups and their activities in the Mount Alexander Shire, a new Facebook page – www.facebook.com/mountalexander.landcare – has been developed.
Local Landcare Facilitator, Max Schlachter, encourages groups to use this space to promote their news and events to a growing online community. “We hope that by having this social media presence people will better informed and inspired to get involved with their local group. It is also a way of promoting Landcare events to a new audience”, Max explained.
Community members are encouraged to ‘like’ and ‘share’ the page. In doing so, they will have access current news and local Landcare events. For more information, or to promote an event through the Facebook page, contact Max on 5472 5194 or max@connectingcountry.org.au.
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mountalexander.landcare
15 September – Discovering Hidden Roadside Treasures
Posted on 11 September, 2013 by Connecting Country
Muckleford and Newstead Landcare groups are combining to host a morning tea and field trip on Sunday, 15 September 2013 with a focus on local roadsides.
Roadside vegetation is an extremely important resource for native biodiversity, with some of the best patches of bush surviving alongside our thoroughfares. This field day will help you discover what makes a bit of roadside great, how to look after it and the very important questions of what can and can’t be done on roadsides, and by whom.
The Mount Alexander Shire Council has recently published its Roadside Conservation Management Plan 2012-17 (click here to see plan). A representative from Council will explain the aims of the plan and how they will implement it. They will also explain the rationale behind the changes to some of the Significant Roadside declarations you may have noticed recently.
The second speaker will be Ben Goonan from the North Central CMA who undertook a major biodiversity survey of roadsides in our region in 2009-11. Ben will talk about the results of his research and the criteria that he used to define high-value roadsides.
Frances Cincotta from Newstead Natives will also join us. Frances and Ben will help us identify the surprising range and variety of both native and invasive species resident along our roads.
The day will begin at the Muckleford Community Centre (Muckleford-Walmer Road – former Methodist Church between Pyrenees Highway and Castlemaine-Walmer Roads) at 10 am for morning tea and two brief introductory talks before embarking on a 2 hour bus tour to several interesting local roadside sites.
The groups would appreciate a RSVP. Email mucklefordlandcare@gmail.com or text Paul Hampton at 0408-566-909.
28 September – Learn About Local Reptiles
Posted on 6 September, 2013 by Connecting Country
On Saturday 28th September, the Baynton Sidonia Landcare Group will be present the next instalment of its free community education series at an event titled ‘Find Out More About Local Reptiles’. The talk will be given by Peter Johnson (DEPI Senior Biodiversity Officer) who will share his wealth of knowledge about local reptile species. Peter has been working in wildlife conservation and research since 1977 and is also the State Coordinator of Victoria’s Land for Wildlife program. Topics covered on the day will include:
- How does a healthy reptile population improve our farm?
- What species of reptile do we have in this district?
- Are any of them threatened?
- What can we do to make our property reptile-friendly?
The event will include a field trip to see some reptiles in the scales so don’t forget to wear sturdy footwear and dress for the outdoors.
When: Saturday 28th September, 2013
Where: Baynton Hall, then nearby rock location.
Time: 11am to 4pm (lunch and afternoon tea provided)
RSVP: Event registration is essential. Please RSVP to Clare Claydon on 5423 4152 or clare@knco.net
Children are welcome to attend and should find the day fascinating.
Click Here to see a flyer with more information.
13 Sept – David Gemmell on Birds of Prey
Posted on 4 September, 2013 by Connecting Country
On Friday September 13, the guest speaker at the Castlemaine Field Naturalist Club’s general meeting will be raptor enthusiast David Gemmell. From his website, David writes the following about his interests and activities:
I live in Central Victoria and this is where I do most of my filming. However, in order to achieve my objective – which is to film many of Australia’s birds of prey, I will be travelling far and wide in the years ahead. Ultimately, I would like to produce a DVD set which showcases the birds in their natural environment – with a focus on capturing nesting and hunting footage.
Brown Falcon featured in David Gemmell’s website.
David’s talk promises to have many great photos and video footage from his travels locally and all across the country observing these avian predators, and will be interest to naturalists of all ages (kids included).
As usual, the talk will be held in the hall at the back of the Uniting Church site in Lyttleton St, Castlemaine, commencing from 7.30pm. Members and visitors all welcome.
24 Sept 2013 – Connecting Country AGM
Posted on 29 August, 2013 by Connecting Country
Connecting Country’s Annual General Meeting is being held at the Chewton Senior Citizens and Community Centre from 7 pm on Tuesday 24 September. The agenda for the AGM can be downloaded here. Local naturalists Geoff Park and Ern Perkins will be guest speakers after the formalities of the AGM, followed by refreshments and time for mingling with other members and supporters.
The AGM also includes a special resolution to adopt a new Connecting Country constitution. The current constitution is available here. The proposed new constitution is available here. An explanatory note from the Connecting Country committee on the need for a new constitution is provided here.
All interested people are welcome to attend this evening. However, only current members are able to vote at the AGM, either in person or by proxy (click here for a proxy form). Membership renewal forms have been sent to all current and lapsed members of Connecting Country, and must be sent back to Connecting Country at least 7 days prior to the AGM to be eligible. Membership renewal forms can be downloaded here. Please feel free to contact us if you are unsure of your membership status (info@connectingcountry.org.au or call 5472 1594).
We hope to see you there.
30 & 31 August – Platypus Week in Clunes
Posted on 26 August, 2013 by Connecting Country
Clunes Landcare and Waterways Group is hosting a free Platypus Week festival to celebrate community involvement and enjoyment of the Creswick Creek.
The festival will include talks, a local art exhibition, creek walks and a community BBQ on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 August 2013.
For more information visit the Victorian Landcare Gateway website.
31 Aug & 1 Sept – Australian Plant Show Bendigo
Posted on 26 August, 2013 by Connecting Country
The Bendigo Native Plant Group is holding their 2013 Australian Plant Show on the first weekend in Spring – Saturday August 31 and Sunday September 1, 10 am – 4.30 pm at Rotary Gateway Park Centre, High Street Kangaroo Flat. $5 entry (children free).
There will be a native and indigenous floral display, plant sales, children’s corner, book sales, a DVD presentation on plants that grow in the Bendigo region, a display of Australian bonsai, and a raffle.
Two TfN Spring into Nature Events
Posted on 26 August, 2013 by Connecting Country
Trust for Nature has organised two events in the North Central region to celebrate Spring in 2013. The first is a guided walk of a Trust for Nature property on the 8 September at Wanderers Plain, near Kerang. The second is a guided walk and lesson in botanical illustration by Karen MacMillan on 6 October, followed by a lunch in a covenanted property in Shelbourne. Have a look at this flyer for the details.
25 Aug – 2 Oct: Spring in the Bendigo Bush festival
Posted on 26 August, 2013 by Connecting Country
Spring in the Bendigo Bush explores how people live with, and understand, our local environment in a series of workshops, walks and events which this year will take place between 25 August and 2 October 2013. Most events are free.
The festival is a collaboration between the City of Greater Bendigo and and a large range of other environmental organisations.
For all the details have a look at this flyer.
25 Aug – Cactus Control Group Field Day
Posted on 22 August, 2013 by Connecting Country
The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group and Parks Victoria are holding their next Field Day this Sunday, 25 August 2013.
It will be held in Green Hill Bridge Road off Whitlocks Road, Baringhup. To get there from Maldon drive via South Parkins Reef Road. The route will be sign posted from Parkins Reef Road. To view a flyer with a map click here.
Also a reminder that The Cactus Control Group’s website is up and running. There you can learn every about the Group including dates and venues of our Field Days.
5 Sept – ‘A Dawne Chorus Extravaganza’
Posted on 22 August, 2013 by Connecting Country
Castlemaine Library has organised a free event to welcome Spring – a performance by the sensational bird-caller, Dawne Chorus. The date is Thursday 5 September 2013 at 5.30pm for a dusk performance. Castlemaine Field Naturalists will also be displaying some terrific images of our local bushlands.
This is a free event but RSVP for catering purposes is necessary (phone: 5472 1458, email castlemaine@ncgrl.vic.gov.au).
Mount Alexander Region Landcare E-news – August Edition
Posted on 22 August, 2013 by Connecting Country
The August 2013 edition of the Mount Alexander Landcare E-news is available. Click on the banner below to download the newsletter.
The Landcare E-news is short monthly update on Landcare-related news, information and events for the Mount Alexander Shire and surrounds. Previous editions of E-news are available from the Landcare page of the Connecting Country website (click here).
The newsletter is sent out by Connecting Country’s Local Landcare Facilitator, Max Schlachter. If you would like to be put on the recipient list, send Max an email: max@connectingcountry.org.au.
Draft Fire Operations Plan – Open for comment until 31 Aug
Posted on 20 August, 2013 by Connecting Country
The planned burning program for Victoria over the next three years is now on the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) website for public consideration. Many of the areas have been approved previously for burning. Feedback is being request for a number of new proposed burn areas for the years of 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16. In the local area, the new proposed burns are mainly centred around settlement, and are mostly designated as Asset Protection Zones.
The program can be seen by following this link. The Mount Alexander Shire and most of the immediate surrounds occur within the Murray Goldfields sub-region, with the Midlands sub-region occurring nearby to the south of the shire.
DEPI is interested in community feedback on the draft Fire Operation Plans (FOPs): instructions on how to do this are on the above link, but you can also email planned.burning@depi.vic.gov.au . The consultation is open till 31 August 2013.
Connecting Country’s submission to last year’s FOP can be found here (page 1) and here (page 2).
Applications for 2013 Communities for Nature Grants now open
Posted on 15 August, 2013 by Connecting Country
Communities for Nature Grants for Small and Large Grants are open until 13 September 2013.
The Communities for Nature grants program supports:
- Practical community action to deliver measurable environmental outcomes
- Community groups and volunteers doing works primarily focused on the environment.
- Communities with relevant and timely information to assess priorities at the local level to determine the best returns for on-ground works
Communities for Nature grants are available to eligible organisations including local community groups and organisations, including schools.
The program has up to $4,000,000 to invest for the 2013 for small grants of up to $10,000; and for large project grants of $10,001 to $150,000.
For application details and technical input into your application, contact the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356. You can also download the program guidelines and FAQs on the DEPI website.
18 –21 November – Lowland Wetlands Ecology Course
Posted on 15 August, 2013 by Connecting Country
Rakali Consulting are running a four-day Lowland Wetlands Ecology Course in Kilcunda, South Gippsland from Monday 18 to Thursday 21 November 2013. The course is suitable for people working in the conservation and natural resource management industry, or in Landcare. The organisers of the course are Damien Cook and Elaine Bayes (both are also amongst the presenters), who live in Mount Alexander Shire and are members of Connecting Country’s expert advisory group. They have both given presentations at Connecting Country education events in the past.
Full details of the course including speakers, course fees and registration details are in this flyer.
14 August – Friends of Campbells Creek Get-together & AGM
Posted on 12 August, 2013 by Connecting Country
The Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare group (FOCC) would like to invite all interested community members to their Annual General Meeting and dinner at the Klua Sathorn Restaurant (32 Johnstone St, Castlemaine, licensed) this Wednesday 14th August at 6:30pm.
A wide range of food and drinks available for purchase. For those not wishing to eat, the AGM component should start around 6:30 pm and run for around 20 minutes.
Group secretary Shona Cornwell says “This is a great chance to socialise, enjoy a Thai meal, elect office-bearers, and talk about the year ahead – mostly eating and getting together. We hope to see you there.”
The FOCC have also just launched their very own Facebook page where you can keep up to date with all their events. Click HERE to check out the Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare Facebook page.
Contact: Shona Cornwall – 0408724699.
15 August – Talk on Native Ants
Posted on 9 August, 2013 by Connecting Country
Local ecologist Karl Just will be presenting a talk on Ants and their important role in native ecosystems on Thursday 15 August 2013 between 8 pm and 9 pm at the Newstead Community Centre.
Among other things, the talk will explore the origin and distribution of ants, the fascinating relationships they have with other organisms and their potential for use in monitoring. Some common species occurring in the local area will also be discussed.
The evening has been organised by the Newstead Landcare Group and a gold coin donation on the night will help to continue to provide these interesting talks (and supper). Everyone is welcome.
Notoncus ants attending larva of Eltham Copper Butterfly