Camp Report - Undercliffe, NSW; 6-8 October 2023

Article adapted from the FFNC newsletter

The annual spring camp was in the Granite Belt at Undercliffe in NSW. Stanthorpe, to the west, is about 20 kms away. We camped close to the northern fence line in clearings between the trees. Our hosts had kindly provided a composting toilet which was very much appreciated. Campers were all set up by afternoon tea on Friday with the bird list already started.

View to the east

The property covers some 69 ha of largely uncleared, though previously logged, eucalypt forest. It is on the eastern edge of the Granite Belt and has a view down onto Rivertree (the upper reaches of the Clarence Valley) and across to the Border Ranges.

Our hosts joined us for the weekend activities. They have been actively removing lantana etc which grew well during the recent La Nina event and have to create yet another fence-to-fence track for fire reasons during the last dry. This made access a lot easier for us.

Friday afternoon we took a vehicle trip around part of the property, trying to get our bearings. This wasn’t helped by the fact that the map downloaded from a New South Wales government website had the property in the wrong location!

On Saturday we rambled along one of the many tracks which criss-cross the property noticing plants such as sedges, cycads, fungi and a black bootlace orchid. After lunch we visited Undercliffe Falls on Bookookoorara Creek where we scrambled around the rocks and took plenty of photographs.

Despite the dry conditions, we were able to safely have a fire in a portable steel firepit but evening discussions around the fire were shortened due to the cold nights.

Sunday morning involved a walk along a creek where numerous holes still held water despite the very dry conditions. Of note were the many trigger plants in full flower. Several of us tried to get the trigger to work but with little success.

Pale-spotted Tiger Moth Amata aperta

Watch out for those nippers

Fauna

Birds: Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Wonga Pigeon, Bar-shouldered Dove, Masked Lapwing, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Square-tailed Kite, White-throated Treecreeper, Superb Fairywren, Bell Miner, White-throated Gerygone, Striated Thornbill, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Pied Currawong, Willie Wagtail, Grey Fantail, Magpie-lark, Corvid sp., Eastern Yellow Robin. Marsupials: Red-necked Wallaby. Reptiles: Lace Monitor or Goanna. Frogs: Graceful Tree Frog. Insects and spiders: Butterflies; Lesser Wanderer, Common Brown. Moths; Pale-spotted Tiger Moth,  Others; a dull-coloured long-legged fly, Grey Planthopper, White Wax Scale Ceroplastes destructor. Spider; a red and black spider (Nicodamid species).

Flora: as discussed or taken note of on the camp (not a comprehensive list):

Fungi; none identified. Cycad; a cycad Macrozamia viridis. Ferns; Maidenhair sp., Rock Felt Fern Pyrrosia rupestris, a fern (Blechnum sp.). Grasses Sedges, etc; Grey Tussock-grass Poa sieberiana, Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra, Mat rushes Lomandra sp. Herbs;  a Pennywort, Border Ranges Nightshade Solanum limitare, a Trigger Plant Stylidium sp., a bluebell Wahlenbergia sp., Zieria sp.Orchids; Black Bootlace Orchid Erythrorchis cassythoides. Vines & Scramblers; Clematis sp., Pink Bower Vine Pandorea jasminoides, Monkey Rope Vine Parsonsia straminea, Native Raspberry Rubus parvifolius, Barbed-wire Vine Smilax australis. Shrubs; Wild May Leptospermum polygalifolium, Poison Peach Trema tomentosum. Trees; Mountain Grey Gum Eucalyptus cypellocarpa, Forest Oak Allocasuarina torulosa, Youman's Stringybark Eucalyptus youmanii, Ribbonwood Euroschinus falcate, Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum, Broad-leaved Cherry Exocarpos latifolius, Tree Heath/Waddy wood Trochocarpa laurina, Green Wattle Acacia decurrens, Lilly-pilly spp., Breynia sp. 

Outing Report - Mt French, Saturday, 16 September 2023

 A Botanical Outing with a Birdo as Leader

Mt Barney from Mee-bor-rum Lookout

A very small group met at Mt French as more of our members were enjoying a tag-along in the cool, breezy climes of northern NSW.

Meanwhile, we meandered through the Mee-bor-rum Circuit. The first part of the walk was still showing the effects of the burning earlier in the year, so there were no orchids to be found. In fact, very few wildflowers were in flower.

After admiring the south-east view towards Mt Barney we entered the heath where there was some blossom. Luckily, somebody in our small band knew the plants. She pointed out acacias, both Brown Wattle A. brunioides and Sticky Wattle A. viscidula. The leptospermums were also in flower making a white haze around us.

Red-necked Wallaby and joey

Back at the picnic area we sat at a shady table and enjoyed the company of a Red-necked Wallaby and her joey which peeped out from her pouch. We thought a goanna was going to join us but it just sauntered past on its way to somewhere far more interesting. After the break we went to Logan’s Lookout because one can never get enough of this breathtaking view. Then all too soon it was time to go home after another pleasant stroll on our iconic mountain.

Species Lists introduced species = _*
Fauna
Reptiles: Lace Monitor or Goanna Varanus varius.
Birds: Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, Lewin's Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Scarlet Honeyeater, White-throated Honeyeater, Eastern Whipbird, Australasian Figbird, Pied Butcherbird, Pied Currawong, Mistletoebird.
Marsupials: Brush-tailed Wallaby (on the way up the mountain), Red-necked Wallaby & joey.
Butterflies: *Wanderer Danaus plexippus, Lesser Wanderer Danaus petilia, Orange Ringlet Hypocysta adiante, Meadow Argus Junonia villida.

Flora discussed or taken note of on the day (not a comprehensive list):
Vines, Scramblers & Climbers: Native Sarsaparilla Hardenbergia violacea.
Grass Trees: Johnson’s Grass Tree Xanthorrhoea johnsonii.
Shrubs: Brown Wattle Acacia brunioides, Sticky Wattle Acacia viscidula, Small-fruited Tea Tree (Leptospermum microcarpum.

Outing Report - Lake Moogerah, Saturday, 19 August 2023

 Adapted from the Fassifern Field Naturalists Club Inc. Newsletter

Plan B: Moogerah Dam and Below the Dam

With the cancellation of the Moon View outing, due to fire threat, our leader had to quickly come up with a Plan B. So, seven hardy Natters turned up at Haigh Park overlooking the Moogerah dam wall on a very windy and cold but sunny morning. A few more joined the group later, making eleven.

A walk across the dam wall was abandoned at the first shelter point, as we attempted to shelter from the cold westerly wind. After photos were taken, we headed for our cars and drove the short distance down to the Lower Recreation area along Reynolds Creek, below the dam wall.

As we set off, one member’s hat was blown into the water, luckily it was reached with a walking pole before it could sink! We strolled downstream to the weir at the end of the picnic area, the wind kept the birds away. Most noted were two Welcome Swallows doing circuits over the area, and four pelicans circling up above.

At the weir our leader told us of the Rhyolite plugs of Mt Edwards towering ahead on the other side of Reynold’s Creek (NNW) and Little Mt Edwards on our side of the creek ahead to NNE. While most returned for morning tea, one went on along the rough track downstream from the weir, to see the huge rock slabs of rhyolite rising up on the right; which had been mentioned.

Then on the grassy bank of the creek with the warm sun and the wind at our backs, a long morning tea was enjoyed with great conversation. We looked at a rock with fish scales and bones fossilized in it, from the Richmond area. The small bird count grew as we sat there. A pair of Rainbow Lorikeets came to check out a hollow in a big tree, and a Kookaburra sat and watched us for a bit. In the end it was so pleasant chatting in the sun that no one wanted to leave!

Birds of August Field Trip

Australian Wood Duck, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Australian Pelican, Dusky Moorhen, Gull-billed Tern, Rainbow Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Laughing Kookaburra, Striated Pardalote, Spotted Pardalote, Striped Honeyeater, Scarlet Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Restless Flycatcher, Willie Wagtail. Australian Magpie, Torresian Crow, Pied Currawong, Welcome Swallow, Mistletoebird.

Outing Report - Mt Alford, Saturday, 15 July 2023

From the Fassifern Field Naturalists Club Inc. newsletter

Koala seen on the property

It wasn’t anywhere as near as cold as expected for the July outing. In fact, it was pleasant enough for 17 members to join our hosts at their home. As usual with Nats, we stood around chatting for a while, munching mandarins that were picked from the nearby tree earlier. We eventually set off down the paddock disturbing the Whiptail, or Pretty-faced, Wallabies on the way. The Red-backed Wrens and Silvereyes twittered around us. It wasn’t long though before we were all clustered under a eucalypt admiring a large, healthy, male Koala. It was a great sighting and many photos were taken.

Around the firepit

Eventually the party split into two groups with some taking the high road, and some taking the low road. There were plenty of bush birds with a male Rose Robin and a couple of Jacky Winters being highlights. Once we were all back at the house, we settled around the firepit for our sausages generously prepared and supplied by our hosts. The fire’s warmth invited lots of conversation and laughter. The species list call came before dark and the night-spotting. Forty-three birds, three mammals and one butterfly were accounted for.

Then it was time for a few members to head homeward ..... but a few intrepid naturalists braved the cool by increasingly moving their chairs closer to the fire, before heading out with torches in search of elusive night creatures. There wasn't much wildlife around (probably all tucked up in bed), but we were lucky enough to spot a rufous bettong, a microbat and another red necked wallaby. We heard frogs around the dam but didn't manage to spot the barn owl which is rumoured to sit on the fence wire each night!

Species Lists for Kooroomba Drive:

Birds: Brown Quail, Australian Wood Duck, Australasian Grebe, Peaceful Dove, Great Egret, White-faced Heron, Little Pied Cormorant, Masked Lapwing, Rainbow Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Pale-headed Rosella, Laughing Kookaburra, Rainbow Bee-eater, Red-backed Fairy-wren, White-throated Gerygone, Weebill, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Brown Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, White-throated Honeyeater, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird, Striped Honeyeater, Varied Sitella, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Australian Magpie, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Rose Robin, Restless Flycatcher, Jacky Winter, Magpie-lark, Welcome Swallow, Silvereye, Mistletoebird, Double-barred Finch.

Mammals: Koala, Rufous Bettong, Whiptail Wallaby, Red-necked Wallaby, Microbat sp.

Butterfly: Wanderer.

Outing Report - Bunburra, Saturday 17 June 2023

Adapted from the FFNC Inc. Newsletter

A lovely fine winter’s day greeted us when we went to Bunburra in June. We gathered and jumped into 4-wheel drives. Our host led us out the back of his place to “Dingo Creek” – a local name for a gully draining off the highest point on his property.

Birds were rather scarce. But the views were spectacular. And the gully was full of interesting
plants.

A fig in an Ironbark 

A fig (probably Ficus rubiginosa) had lodged about 30 m up in the top of a huge Ironbark (probably Eucalyptus crebra) and had dangled a very long tap root all the way to the ground – a definition of persistence. It will probably develop a bigger canopy and survive long after the Ironbark has died. The gully was dominated by Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus), but there was also a really big Crow’s Ash (Flindersia australis), some Scrub Ironbark (Bridelia leichhardtii) and a Yellow Tulip (Drypetes deplanchei).

Above Dingo Creek

The protected hillside was also dominated by Brush Box, with their lignotubers providing sustenance during harsher times. In some landscapes, a “whip-stick” form of Brush Box can establish – conditions are not good enough for big trees to develop, but just enough for thin trunks to dominate. True to form, Field Nats scattered in all directions .... but hunger got the better of them and they all straggled back eventually.

Looking to the east

CANCELLED - Mid-week Walk

 Mid-week walk  (Thursday 27 July) to Sandy Creek cancelled due to area being closed for controlled burning. 

Camp Report - Cullendore High Country, 12-15 May 2023

Matty's Dam at Cullendore High Country

Preliminary reports are that the camp was very enjoyable. From one attendee "We had a great camp – 18 attended.   Mostly fine until Sunday night when it rained most of the night and we packed up in light showers next morning." And another, "We went out each morning sharing cars, out again in the afternoon. Great fun." 

Banksia Campground

The camp was at the Banksia section of Creek Camp. An area where the Club hasn't camped before. It was for our exclusive use and has flush toilets and hot showers. Luxury camping indeed. 

There were a number of walks over the weekend; meandering creek-side of the camping area to a small dam, night-spotting in the cold, exploring the Overflow area around Matty's Dam, naturalizing along the Ashglen Dam Trail in Maryland National Park, and scrambling over the boulders behind Forest Camp. 

Much was seen and discussed, but most memorable is the friendly atmosphere, the campfires and the amazing natural scenery.

Photos: W. Dunn

 

One of the massive Brush Boxes
on the property,

Outing report - Wyaralong Shoreline Trail, Saturday 15 April 2023

Hypericum japonicum
Photo L. Beaton

Well, we didn't come across any horses or any cyclists along the trail, but not long after we arrived the carpark was full of young canoeists. Luckily we had some time beforehand to see the swamphen, stilt and dotterel feeding on the muddy spit. Also, we chatted to a young couple who were catching their breakfast of Red Claw Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus. Six plump crayfish were in their bucket. We soon left the milling throng behind and set out along the trail.

There were plenty of bush birds about though the waterbirds were a bit scarce. No swan or coot, only one pelican, less than a dozen duck but we did see all three egrets; the Great, Intermediate and Little.

Antictenia punctunculus
Photo: T. Shields

There was much activity in the woodland where Weebill, Golden and Rufous Whistlers, Rose Robin and Varied Sitella, and the Club emblem Pacific Baza, were some highlights. A beautiful specimen of a Carpet Python, moths and wildflowers also caught our attention. 

Some of us turned back at the bridge over Oaky Creek but most walked onto the point about another 500 metres further on. We finished the outing by leaving the crowded carpark and having a convivial time at Lilybrook Recreation Area. 

Red Claw Crayfish 
Cherax quadricarinatus
Photo: N. Crepin

White-breasted Woodswallow
Photo: C. Bonner

                                                                                                

Species Lists

introduced species = _*

Reptiles: Eastern Water Dragon Intellagama lesueurii - 1 juvenile, Carpet Python Morelia spilota - 1.

Birds: Brown Quail - 3, Australian Wood Duck - 5, Grey Teal - 2, Australasian Grebe - 8, Common Bronzewing - 1, Bar-shouldered Dove - 1, Australian Darter - 2, Little Pied Cormorant - 2, Great Cormorant - 1, Pied Cormorant - 1, Australian Pelican - 1, Great Egret - 1, Intermediate Egret - 1, White-faced Heron - 1, Little Egret - 1, Royal Spoonbill - 3, Pacific Baza - 2, White-bellied Sea-Eagle – 2 (1 adult, 1 immature), Whistling Kite - 2, Australasian Swamphen - 4, Dusky Moorhen - 4, Pied Stilt - 6, Black-fronted Dotterel - 4, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo - 2, Australian King-Parrot – 1 (heard), Pale-headed Rosella - 3, Azure Kingfisher - 1, Laughing Kookaburra - 1, Forest Kingfisher – 1 (heard), Rainbow Bee-eater – 1 (heard), Superb Fairy-wren – 11-20, Red-backed Fairy-wren - 8, Weebill - 1, White-throated Gerygone - 3, Striated Pardalote - 6, Noisy Miner - 5, Brown Honeyeater - 4, White-throated Honeyeater - 8, Blue-faced Honeyeater - 1, Striped Honeyeater - 9, Varied Sittella - 1, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike- 1, Golden Whistler-2 (♀ or immature), Rufous Whistler - 7, Grey Shrike-thrush - 1, Australasian Figbird - 1, White-breasted Woodswallow - 2, Grey Butcherbird - 2, Australian Magpie - 2, Pied Currawong - 2, Grey Fantail - 2, Willie Wagtail - 2, Torresian Crow - 5, Restless Flycatcher – 1 (heard), Magpie-lark - 2, Rose Robin – 1 (♂), Golden-headed Cisticola - 3, Tawny Grassbird - 1, Silvereye - 5, Tree Martin – 20⁺, Red-browed Finch – 6.

Butterflies: Clearwing Swallowtail Cressida Cressida – 2, *Wanderer Danaus plexippus, Lesser Wanderer Danaus petilia - 8, Common Crow Euploea core - 1, Evening Brown Melanitis leda - 1, Meadow Argus Junonia villida - 5, Glasswing Acraea andromacha - 3, White-banded Plane Phaedyma sheperdi – 1. 

Crustacean: *Red Claw Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (a native species, introduced from northern Australia) - 6. 

Other Invertebrates: Bees; Blue-banded Bee Amegilla cingulate - 4, *European Honey Bee Apis mellifera – 20⁺, Dragonflies; Blue Skimmer Orthetrum caledonicum - 4, Moths; Antictemia punctunculus moth – 1.

April Outing: Wyaralong Shoreline Trail - Off Knehr Road Coulson, Saturday 15 April 2023

Ready to start
on one of our previous outings to Wyaralong.

Time: 8 am for 8.30 am start   

Where: the carpark at the western end of the Shoreline Trail

Directions: Knehr road is gravel with some small hills and winding parts to the road, however suitable for 2-wheel drive vehicles except after heavy rain.

From Boonah: drive along the Ipswich/Boonah Road approx. 7 km and turn right onto the Beaudesert/Gold Coast Road, drive 4.4km then turn left onto Old Beaudesert Road (western end). Drive 0.6kms then turn right onto Knehr Road. Drive 0.9km and then turn right, follow this section of road which goes over a flood causeway for another 0.9 km. Turn right again and follow the track down to the gate at the start of the trail and dam. Meet here.

From Beaudesert: Look for the Old Beaudesert Road turn off just towards the end of the newer section of the Beaudesert/Boonah Road, turn right here and follow the instructions above.

Activities: this is a popular easy walk, mostly a flat track. You can walk, stroll, while making your observations, as well as photograph, or just sit on a chair relaxing while watching the wild life. It is a shared trail, so watch for horses and a rare mountain bike.

Level of Fitness: easy walk, mostly a flat track.

Facilities: The nearest amenities are at Lilybrook Recreation area approx. 2-3 km from our turn off into Old Beaudesert Rd.

What to Bring: suitable clothing and footwear for walking in the bush, sunscreen, insect repellant, water, morning tea and lunch, chair, and the usual naturalist stuff of your choice; binoculars, camera, field guides, notebook, etc.

Upon Arrival: Please register in the Attendance Book and pay your $2 per person participant fee. 

2023 AGM

Snare's Crested Penguins
Photo: L. Oliver

Linda enjoying the below 0° weather
with some mates
Photo: N. Crepin

Our AGM was well attended as usual. The formal business was dealt with quickly and we got onto the highlight of the evening -

"Macquarie Island and the Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand 

- and the adventure there and back"

presented by Linda Oliver. The heat of Queensland was forgotten as we became engrossed in the landscape and wildlife of these remote and blizzard-swept islands. We were amazed at how close she could get to the penguins, albatross, and parrots (Yes, parrots in the Antarctic!)

View over Macquarie Island bluffs
(with a small view of King penguins
on the beach below)
Photo: M. Murphy - in the Public domain

Royal Penguins
Photo: L. Oliver

This was followed by a brief account by Keith McCosh of a project highlighting the once vast Rosewood Scrub to our north.

Keith explaining the expanse
of the Rosewood Scrub
Photo: N. Crepin

P.S. The usual gang was re-elected except for a Secretary, Linda resigning from that position. However a replacement has stepped forward since the AGM!

FFNC mid-week Walk – 2 March 2023. Cunningham’s Gap, Main Range National Park

(Adapted from the newsletter report.)

Our group in the rain forest. 
Unintentionally, the photo also shows 
a (possible) Yellow-throated Scrubwren
hanging nest.

The morning forecast was for showers which may have had an effect on the number of attendees. Showers barely eventuated and a fabulous morning was had. The views from the Fassifern Lookout were clear after the rain the previous day.

Birdlife was plentiful with a highlight being a pair of Logrunners frolicking in the leaf litter within reaching distance of entranced onlookers. A few butterflies and other insects were observed. An occasional leech or two attempted to hitch a ride but the spotting skills of natters thwarted their attempts. Ferns, moss, lichens and other rainforest plants appeared to be doing well. However, there appeared to be several trees that had fallen and opened up the forest canopy.

introduced species = *

Bird List: White-headed Pigeon, Brown Cuckoo-dove, Topknot Pigeon, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, King Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Little Lorikeet, Albert's Lyrebird, Green Catbird, Satin Bowerbird, White-throated Treecreeper, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Bell Miner, Large-billed Scrubwren, Brown Gerygone. Brown Thornbill, Australian Logrunner, Grey Shrike-thrush, Golden Whistler, Pied Currawong, Grey Fantail, Black-faced Monarch, Silvereye, Eastern Yellow Robin.

Additional birds at Picnic area: Scarlet Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, Spotted Pardalote, Rufous Fantail, Torresian Crow.

Butterflies: Orchard Swallowtail, Scarlet Jezebel.

Other Invertebrates: Leech sp., *Orange-Blue Narrow-Necked Leaf Beetle Criocerinae lema

Outing Report - Koreelah National Park, NSW - 18 February 2023

Koreelah Creek

It was a respectably large group of field naturalist members and visitors who met at Koreelah National Park campground. The weather was good and everybody was keen to walk to the waterfall at the head of the gorge. 

A tall Cunjevoi
Alocasia brisbanensis

Koreelah Creek was high and the waterfall was splashing over the rocks into a large pool below. Some frog spawn was discovered in a little back water but remains unidentified. 

Leaving the water we headed further up the road remarking on the different plants in the area. The herbage everywhere was lush but almost no beetles, bugs or spiders were found, though eight species of butterfly were recorded. A small gall was found and when the top was cut open the little wasp inside was seen. 

A tall clump of Cunjevoi Alocasia brisbanensis, aka Elephant Ears, attracted our attention. According to Wikipedia who had it from the State Library of Queensland, the common name "cunjevoi" derives from the Bundjalung language of northern New South Wales.

It wasn't long before we headed back to the cars for lunch. As always natters found plenty to discuss while relaxing in the pleasant surroundings with the Welcome Swallows wheeling overhead.

Species Lists for Koreelah N.P., Feb 2023

introduced species = *

Fauna

Birds: White-headed Pigeon, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove, Wedge-tailed Eagle, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Rainbow Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Crimson Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Laughing Kookaburra, White-throated Treecreeper, Satin Bowerbird, Superb Fairy-wren, Red-backed Fairy-wren, Variegated Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, White-throated Gerygone, Brown Thornbill, Striated Pardalote, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Bell Miner, Noisy Miner, Scarlet Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Rufous Whistler (♀ & ♂), Australasian Figbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Black-faced Monarch, Eastern Yellow Robin, Welcome Swallow, Mistletoebird, Red-browed Finch (nesting).

Butterflies: Blue Triangle Graphium sarpedon, Lemon Migrant Catopsilia pomona, Common Grass-yellow Eurema hecabe, *Wanderer Danaus plexippus, Lesser Wanderer Danaus petilia, Common Crow Euploea core, Yellow Admiral Vanessa itea, White-banded Plane Phaedyma sheperdi.

Dragonflies: Scarlet Percher Diplacodes haematodes, Blue Skimmer Orthetrum caledonicum, Fiery Skimmer Orthetrum villosovittatum.

Reptiles: Lace Monitor or Goanna Varanus varius, Eastern Snake-necked Turtle Chelodina longicollis.

February Outing: Koreelah National Park, NSW - Saturday 18 February 2023

Koreelah Creek
at the picnic area

The Fassifern Field Naturalists Club Inc. would like to respectfully acknowledge the Githabul People, Traditional Custodians of the Koreelah National Park where our outing will take place, and pay our respects to both the past and present first peoples, their languages, customs, culture and connection to this wonderful country. 

This area is up in the mountains: Great Dividing Range/Main Range/Border Ranges, headwaters of the Clarence River and close to New England and granite country. A real mixture.

Time: 8 am

Where: Boonah State School (Primary) car park to car pool. Please share if you can. Leave about 8:30am.

Directions from Boonah to Koreelah N.P.:  Take the Boonah-Rathdowney Road south out of Boonah and after about 13kms turn into Carneys Creek Road. Straight ahead over Teviot Brook and past The Head Road junction (it is closed). The road becomes good dirt and eventually climbs up a ridge with fantastic views over to Mt Ballow, etc, until you reach the border gate (about 41kms from Boonah). We might stop here for a quick look around. Then along through the historical area of White Swamp to Koreelah (we veer left past the turn off to The Head on the right). Turn into Koreelah NP and camping/day use area. The drive with no stops takes about 1 hr 10 mins.

The head of the gorge,
Koreelah NP

Activities: Walks along the creek and around the waterfall. There are creeks and rock slabs and cliff walls etc, but our leader assures us the tracks are fairly level. Perhaps a walking pole might be a good idea!

There is a separate section of the National Park and it is back up the road, and we may check this out too.

Level of Fitness: All levels, do as much or as little as you like, scramble over rocks or sit under the shade of a tree.

Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables at the park.

What to Bring: suitable clothing and footwear for walking in the bush, sunscreen, insect repellant, water, morning tea and lunch, chair, and the usual naturalist stuff of your choice; binoculars, camera, field guides, notebook, etc.

Upon Arrival: Please register in the Attendance Book and pay your $2 per person participant fee. 

Outing Report - Wharkuroogma Wetlands, Roadvale, 21 January 2023

Field Natters at the upper dam, Wharkuroogma

The Fassifern Field Naturalists Club Inc. would like to respectfully acknowledge the Ugurapul, and all those of the Yugambeh and Jagera  groups, Traditional Custodians of the Roadvale area on which our outing took place, and pay our respects to both the past and present first peoples, their elders, languages, customs, culture and connection to this wonderful country. 

As this was the annual "early morning bird walk", the bird list started at the front gate where the Crepins saw Brown Quail. 

We all gathered at the carpark and it wasn't long before we headed for the dams. Near one of the smaller dams it was thought a Horsfield's Bushlark was heard, and flying high but unfortunately this was not confirmed.The next stop did produce many different birds including Speckled Warbler, an immature Sacred Kingfisher, and over 200 Tree Martins gathering on the wires over the dam and the trees nearby.

As with all of the Fassifern area at the moment there were few waterbirds. A lovely sighting was a small family of Black Swan, two adults with two fluffy white cygnets.

Eventually we came together at the morning tea spot at the top end of the upper dam. Some of the group were lucky enough to get a sighting of a Latham's Snipe. 

After a welcome break we headed to a small patch of scrub. As it was mid-morning and getting quite warm there was not much activity, bird or human, though we were lucky enough to see two Yellow Thornbill. A bird we see so rarely in our area now.

Lunch was back at the nursery where owner, Claire Ekas, made us welcome and we told her of our morning.

Species Lists (* = introduced species)

Amphibians & Reptiles: Frogs & Toads; Green Tree Frog, Turtles; Freshwater Turtle sp.

Arachnids: Daddy Longlegs Spiders Pholcus phalangioides.

Birds (69 species): Brown Quail, Black Swan (2 families- 1 with 3 mature cygnets, other with 2 juvenile cygnets), Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Grebe, Common Bronzewing, Crested Pigeon, Peaceful Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove, Australian Darter, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, White-faced Heron, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Dusky Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Black-fronted Dotterel, Masked Lapwing, Latham’s Snipe, Galah, Little Corella, Rainbow Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Musk Lorikeet, Australian King-Parrot, Pale-headed Rosella, Pheasant Coucal, Brush Cuckoo, Laughing Kookaburra, Sacred Kingfisher, Rainbow Bee-eater, Dollarbird, Superb Fairy-wren, Red-backed Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Speckled Warbler, White-throated Gerygone, Yellow Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Striated Pardalote, Lewin's Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Brown Honeyeater, Striped Honeyeater, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Australasian Figbird, Olive-backed Oriole, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Rufous Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Restless Flycatcher, Magpie-lark, Eastern Yellow Robin, Golden-headed Cisticola, Australian Reed-Warbler, Tawny Grassbird, Silvereye, Welcome Swallow, Tree Martin (200+), *Common Myna, Mistletoebird, Double-barred Finch, Plum-headed Finch, Red-browed Finch, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin.

Butterflies: Orchard Swallowtail Papilio aegeus, Lemon Migrant Catopsilia pomona, Common Grass-yellow Eurema hecabe, Small Grass-yellow Eurema smilax, *Wanderer Danaus plexippus, Lesser Wanderer Danaus petilia, Common Eggfly Hypolimnas bolina, White-banded Plane Phaedyma sheperdi.

Marsupials: Marsupials; Common Brushtail Possum.

Other Invertebrates: Damsel/Dragonflies; Black-Headed Skimmer Crocothemis nigrifrons, Scarlet Percher Diplacodes haematodes, Blue Skimmer Orthetrum caledonicum, Fiery Skimmer Orthetrum villosovittatum, Graphic Flutterer Rhyothemis graphiptera. Moths; Wasp Moth sp. Subtribe Ctenuchina.

January Outing: EARLY MORNING BIRDWALK, Wharkuroogma Wetlands - 21 January 2023

Looking across the upper dam
to the Main Range, December 2022

The Fassifern Field Naturalists Club Inc. would like to respectfully acknowledge the Ugurapul, and all those of the Yugambeh and Jagera language groups, Traditional Custodians of the Roadvale area on which our outing will take place, and pay our respects to both the past and present first peoples, their elders, languages, customs, culture and connection to this wonderful country. 

For those that don't know of Wharkuroogma Nursery and Wetlands, this is an old stamping ground of the Fassifern Field Naturalists Club. We went there on one of our very first outings over thirty-five years ago and have regularly visited it since. Evolving from a dairy farm in 1973 with very few trees and shrubs, Wharkuroogma is now a sheep grazing property which diversified in 1984 to include a plant nursery. The property has been developed as a wildlife sanctuary encompassing extensive wetlands and wildlife corridors. It provides a wonderful habitat for birds with more than 185 species recorded and other wildlife. Some of our members regularly survey this property and koalas are often seen.

NOTE: There is a $5 entry fee, plus $2 participation fee per person.

Time: 6.30 am in the nursery carpark.

Where: Wharkuroogma Nursery 144 Roberts Road, Roadvale

Directions: from Boonah. Travel out of Boonah on Coronation Drive, turn left into Hoya Road. Drive 8.4km then turn right into Roadvale Road. Continue for 3km and turn left into Roberts Road, and drive 1.5 on gravel road to the Nursery/wetlands which will be on your right, drive up to the nursery carpark.

From points north: From Yamanto drive for 30.7 kms on the Ipswich/Boonah Road. Turn right at the Roadvale turn off. Follow the road for 5.4 km, passing through Roadvale township. Turn right at a sharp left-hand bend into Robert’s Road and follow the gravel road for 1.5 kms. Turn right into the driveway of Wharkuroogma nursery. Meet at the car park at the top of the driveway. There are also Wharkuroogma nursery signs along the route from the Ipswich/Boonah highway to the property.

From Beaudesert: Drive to the Coulson intersection of the Boonah-Ipswich Road and turn right towards Ipswich. Drive approx. 5 km and turn left into Roadvale Rd, then follow the directions above given for the Brisbane route.

Activities: From the carpark we can share vehicles or walk down to the dams. There is much more than birdwatching. Koalas are often seen here, and insect life is abundant.

At the moment the wetlands are very wet and we may not be able to do a full circuit of the dams. However, where we can access the water, we’ll be able to see waterbirds and bush birds, and the nursery is always full of birdlife.

Morning tea will be down by the dams. Lunch back at the nursery.

An earlier outing at Wharkuroogma
in drier times, June 2019

Level of Fitness: As your leader's knees are crippled with arthritis, this outing is very easy walking on slashed tracks or driving in a vehicle though it needs to have high clearance. We will car pool from the nursery carpark. 

Facilities: There is a shady picnic area and toilet block at the nursery, and bush toilets near the dam.

What to Bring: chairs, water, morning tea and lunch, insect repellent, hat, and the usual gear.

Upon Arrival: Please register in the Attendance Book and pay your $2 per person participant fee. 

Latecomers, please leave gates as you find them.