Outing Report - Heritage Road, Spicers Gap, 19 February 2022

 

FFNC members on the Heritage Road
Photo: W. Dunn

It was a lovely day; the weather was perfect, the countryside lush, the wildlife was wonderful to look at and wonder at, and to top it off, great company. Members and friends ambled along the Heritage Road from the Governor's Chair carpark to the Mt Mathieson Trail junction and back. The photo on the left shows the birding fraternity trying to find the Red-browed Treecreeper. Unfortunately not too many of us saw it before it flew off! 

Bracket Fungi
Photo: L. Beaton

At places it was quite wet underfoot though the track was slashed. It made the cobblestones partially hidden by the grass quite a hazard. Though we marveled at the work needed to build the original road using only hand tools. We read the information boards about the construction while our President explained the geology of the rock. I'm sure we all agreed with Noela that ".... it was just so hard to picture this road being travelled by loaded wagons and coaches probably on tracks no better and even much worse than we were on ....  It really was a very long, dangerous route."

Rock Felt Fern
(Pyrrosia rupestris)
Photo: K. McCosh

Information board about
the construction of the road.
(Perhaps a little update is needed.)
Photo: W. Dunn

We saw a very large Dagger Orchid (Dockrillia pugioniformis). Not in flower though. We also noted many Elkhorns (Platycerium bifurcatum) decorating the trees with countless young plants and this Rock Felt Fern (Pyrrosia rupestris) - above right, was loving the wet season.

Another remarkable sighting for the day was a Goanna nonchantly making its way up the track towards us. Eventually it thought it was outnumbered so slowly headed for the thick vegetation at the side of the road and disappeared from view.

For lunch we gathered at the campground day-use area where there was plenty of room to spread out. Here we chatted about what we had seen and what seemed to be missing compared to other visits. The men reported that there were moths in the conveniences! Sure enough, more than a dozen Granny's Cloak Moths (Speiredonia spectans) were hiding in the gloom of the wooden building. One of them had three red mites sucking blood from its wing.

Granny's Cloak Moth (Speiredonia spectans) 

with the mites
Photos: L. Beaton

 Plague Soldier Beetle
(Chauliognathus lugubris)
Photo: N. Crepin

Fuzzy photo of  Soldier Beetle
(Chauliognathus tricolor),
but it shows the difference
between the two.

Spicers Peak from the Heritage Road
Photo: W. Dunn

Watch this space for the Species lists.

Outing Report - Ballow View Nature Reserve, 20 November 2021

Finding a seat at morning tea

A very still morning with no wind saw a combined group of Natters and members of the Native Plants Queensland – Logan River Branch, plus some friends enjoying this mountain property. Our host, Hugh Wackwitz, gave us some background information. Known as "Burnup", it covers almost 52 hectares and lies in the foothills of the Main Range close to the Queensland-New South Wales border.  Approximately one third was cleared over 50 years ago for grazing, and currently the block is lightly grazed by cattle which helps with fire management. The rest consists of intact open forest with significant stands of Allocasuarina torulosa. 

Blushing Bindweed
(Convolvulus erubescens)

As we waited for the last arrivals, on the road verge only a few birds were calling. Possibly because there was no blossom in the massive Grey Gums (Eucalyptus biturbinata) that stood majestically overhead. In fact the birds were heard more than seen for the whole outing; 27 species altogether.

However, this was a botanical day rather than a birdwatching day. The botanists soon broke up into small parties wandering off the track to identify that elusive plant. There were plenty of wildflowers out. Most of them had very small flowers and sharp eyes were needed to pick them out of the leaf litter or grass. 

Botany Bay Weevil
(Chrysolopus spectabilis)

Millipede sp.
(possibly Heterocladosoma bifalcatum)

Looking at plants meant we found quite a number of insects, especially the sparkling Botany Bay Weevil (Chrysolopus spectabilis). 

Our butterfly list is excellent and has some species we don't usually record.- see list below. Thanks John & Wes. 

Photographers: L. Beaton, N. Crepin, M. Kenny, P. Shields.

introduced species = *

Fauna

Birds: Crimson Rosella, Pheasant Coucal, Brush Cuckoo, Laughing Kookaburra, Sacred Kingfisher, White-throated Treecreeper, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Lewin's Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Scarlet Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Cicadabird, Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Butcherbird, Pied Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Spangled Drongo, Torresian Crow, Leaden Flycatcher, Eastern Yellow Robin, Mistletoebird, Red-browed Finch.

Butterflies: Greenish Grass Dart (Ocybadistes walker), Banded Grass-skipper (Toxidia parvulus), Splendid Ochre (Trapezites symmomus), Southern Silver Ochre (Trapezites praxedes), Orchard Swallowtail (Papilio aegeus), Fuscous Swallowtail (Papilio fuscus capaneus), Striated Pearl-white (Elodina parthia), Caper White (Belenois java), *Wanderer (Danaus plexippus), Orange Ringlet (Hypocysta adiante), Ringed Xenica (Geitoneura acantha), Brown Ringlet (Hypocysta metirius), Common Brown (Heteronympha mirifica), Fiery Copper (Paralucia pyrodiscus), Imperial Hairstreak (Jalmenus evagoras evagoras), Common Grass Blue (Zizina labradus).

Moths: Green Blotched Moth (Cosmodes elegans), Australian Magpie Moth (Nyctemera amicus).

          Burr Daisy 

    (Calotis cuneifolia)

Other Invertebrates: Beetles: Leaf Beetle (Callidemum sp.), Botany Bay Weevil (Chrysolopus spectabilis). Millipedes: Millipede sp. (possibly Heterocladosoma bifalcatum).

Spiders: Leaf Curling Araneus (Araneus dimidiatus), White-spotted Sandalodes (Sandalodes scopifer).

Flora discussed or taken note of on the day (not a comprehensive list): [Many more plants were identified. A more inclusive list will be added later.]

Herbs: Burr Daisy (Calotis cuneifolia), Blushing Bindweed (Convolvulus erubescens), White Root (Lobelia purpurascens),

Trees: Grey Gum (Eucalyptus biturbinata), Thin-leaved Stringybark (Eucalyptus eugenioides) flowering, Tallowwood (Eucalyptus microcorys), Gum-topped Box (Eucalyptus moluccana).

 

  

Outing Report - Black Rock Scrub, 18 September 2021

Magnificent views on the way to Black Rock Scrub
(2 pics have been made into a collage so the join is a bit wonky) 

A good turn out of members and visitors took to their 4WDs to climb the hills to Black Rock Scrub. What views there were on the way up.

Carpet Python (Morelia spilota)

Once we arrived it was time for morning tea and we were joined by a sparkling Carpet Python, his new skin shining in the sun.

The beautiful vine scrub

The lure of the scrub could not be ignored and it wasn't long before we were wandering through this patch of virgin vine scrub. As usual, the Natters scattered depending on their interests - photography, botany, birdwatching, searching for insects,

or just plain rambling in the bush.

Bark of a mature Prickly Pine
(Bursaria incana)

  

    Watch this space, more to come.

Non-outing Report - Heritage Rd, Spicers Gap, 21 August 2021

Austral Indigo
(Indigofera australis) 

Although the change in the COVID-19 restrictions came too late to resurrect our outing, five of our members decided it was too beautiful a day to miss. They were rewarded with some lovely naturalizing (Is that a word?) at Spicers Gap.

The first stop was the campground where they checked out the previously burnt areas in and around the monument. The undergrowth in this area had been thoroughly burnt out in the 2019 fires. You would not know that it had happened now with lots of new growth taking place. Plenty of weed species are emerging too. The dominant plant in this area, especially in and around the car park is the lovely Austral Indigo (Indigofera australis) which is spring flowering. Mostly the shrubs were in bud, but Noela managed to find a couple of good sprays of flowers to take a photo. The area should be lovely in just a couple of weeks’ time.  

Also around the monument area, the spikes of Donkey Orchids (Diuris sulphurea) were showing themselves in the grassy areas. 

Donkey Orchid (Diuris sulphurea)

The other plant which has been noticed on Mt French and elsewhere this year is the beautiful Native Sarsaparilla (Hardenbergia violacea) which probably has had its most prolific flowering season for a couple of years. This was trailing all over the campground, attaching itself to sticks, tree trunks and other plants to climb higher to display its lovely purple sprays of flowers. It certainly is putting on a good show. 

Native Sarsaparilla (Hardenbergia violacea)

On the walk up to the Heritage Road, on the moist sheltered banks, we found numerous Greenhood Orchids in flower, all the same species, Pterostylis curta.

Easily identified by its slightly off centre twisted tongue. Here, also, the Hardenbergias were the dominant flowering species.

All of the Xanthorrhoeas in the National Park were sprouting new pale green heads, no flower spikes, but recovering well, as they do, after the fires. Really quite spectacular with their clean black trunks and heads of green. 

Thanks to Noela, Tricia and Wendy for their lists and reports.

Greenhood Orchid
(Pterostylis curta)

Greenhood Orchid
(Pterostylis curta) -
showing twisted tongue

Australian Buttercup or Yarrakalgamba
(Ranunculus lappaceus)

Rock Felt Fern
(Pyrrosia rupestris)

Scopula sp.

Fauna

Birds: Spicers Gap Campground: Brown Quail, Rainbow Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Little Lorikeet, Australian King-Parrot, Laughing Kookaburra, White-throated Treecreeper, Superb Fairy-wren, Spotted Pardalote, Lewin's Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Bell Miner, Noisy Friarbird, Eastern Whipbird, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Olive-backed Oriole, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow.
Moss’s Well area: Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Golden Whistler, Red-browed Finch.
Heritage Road area: White-throated Treecreeper, Lewin's Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Bell Miner, White-throated Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird, Eastern Whipbird.
Moths: Scopula sp.
Other Invertebrates: Planthopper - unknown species.

Flora discussed or taken note of on the day (not a comprehensive list):
Ferns: Prickly Rasp Fern (Doodia aspera), Resurrection Fern (Doryopteris concolor), Rock Felt Fern (Pyrrosia rupestris).
Grasses, Sedges, Rushes, etc.: Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica), Wattle Mat-rush (Lomandra filiformis), Broad-leaved Mat-rush (Lomandra laxa), Spiny-headed Mat-rush (Lomandra longifolia),  Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides),  Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra).
Herbs: Blue Flax Lily (Dianella brevipedunculata), Purple Running Pea (Kennedia procurrens), Australian Buttercup or Yarrakalgamba (Ranunculus lappaceus), Dwarf Darling-pea (Swainsona luteola).
Orchids & Epiphytes: Donkey Orchid (Diuris sulphurea), Blunt Greenhood (Pterostylis curta).
Vines, Scramblers & Climbers: Native Sarsaparilla (Hardenbergia violacea), Rubus sp., Barbed Wire Vine (Smilax australis).
Grass Trees: Johnson’s Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea johnsonii).
Shrubs: Austral Indigo (Indigofera australis).

Outing Report - World's End Pocket, 17 July 2021

Wonga Vine (Pandorea pandorana)

Despite the blustery weather several members met at the yellow tank at World's End Pocket, Pine Mountain. The usual parking place was quite muddy but sheltered. We took off up the road with Scarlet Honeyeaters singing overhead. There was plenty to keep us interested. 

Hairy Rosewood (Dysooxylum rufum)

A number of plant species were fruiting and the bright red, orange and black berries were attracting the birds. We were particularly looking for White-eared Monarch and Black-breasted Button-quail. There were plenty of Monarchs calling but it took us a while to get a good sighting. 

The fresh platelets of the Bbbq will have to be a sufficient sighting until we come again. It's good to know they're still about.

White-eared Monarch

Black-breasted Button-quail platelets

Stinkhorn sp.

male Scarlet Honeyeater

Varied Triller

Outing Report - Autumn Camp: Foxbar Falls, Amiens: 14-17 May 2021

The days were bright and warm, while the nights were dark and cool (read cold).

Photo: N. Cooper

Photo: N. Cooper

 

Autumn Greenhood (Pterostylis revoluta)
Photo: N. Crepin

Tall Sundew (Drosera hookeri)
Photo: N. Crepin

Wild Geranium (Pelagonium australe)
Photo: N. Crepin

Guinea Flower (Hibbertia histoidea)
Photo: N. Crepin

Camping at Foxbar Falls Campground
Photo: N. Crepin

White-eared Honeyeater
Photo: C. Bonner

Grey Fantail                                           Photo: C. Bonner

Rock Garden                                           Photo: C. Bonner

Foxbar Falls                                           Photo: C. Bonner

A peaceful morning at Lake Amiens
Photo: L. Oliver

The start of a beautiful day
Photo: L. Oliver

Species lists to come

Outing Report - Helidon Hills, 17 April 2021

Tent spider in her web

Tent spiders build horizontal webs.
Here the spider is on the outer limit of her web
 and the dome of the tent is seen rising
on the right-hand side.

Tent spider egg sacs
above her web

 

We had a marvellous day in the Helidon Hills. It is not an area that the Fassifern Field Nats have visited in the past. 

We were quite surprised at how many wildflowers were blooming at this time of year and put it down to the recent rains. Mistletoe was one of the flowering plants and they were attracting plenty of birds including one we don't see at home, the Fuscous Honeyeater.

Scaevola sp.

 

Flat-stemmed Wattle
 (Acacia complanata)

Rough Bush-pea (Pultenaea scabra)

Are you sure it's a ..........

Pretty sepals of the Pomax umbellata

Close-up of Pomax umbellata

It wasn't only natural things that were interesting.
This antique steam crane left over from earlier quarrying days
of the beautiful Helidon sandstone caught our members' attention.

Discarded piles of Helidon sandstone

Helidon Hills Species Lists, 17 April 2021

introduced species = _*

Fauna

Birds: Peaceful Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove, Rainbow Lorikeet, Little Lorikeet, Pale-headed Rosella, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo, White-throated Treecreeper, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Brown Thornbill, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Fuscous Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Scarlet Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, White-throated Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird, Little Friarbird, Striped Honeyeater, Eastern Whipbird, Varied Sittella, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Cicadabird, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Welcome Swallow, Mistletoebird.

Butterflies: Black Jezebel (Delias nigrina), Orange Ringlet (Hypocysta adiante), Glasswing (Acraea andromacha), Imperial Hairstreak (Jalmenus evagoras).

Damsel/Dragonflies: male Scarlet Percher (Diplacodes haematodes).

Spiders: Tent Spider (Cyrtophora moluccensis), Australian Jewel Spider (Austracantha minax), Flat Rock Spider (Hemicloea major), Leaf-curling Spider (Phonognatha graeffei).

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

Grasses, Sedges, Rushes, etc.: Barbed Wire Grass (Cymbopogon refractus), Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra).

Herbs: Daisy Goodenia (Goodenia bellidifolia), Guinea Flower (Hibbertia stricta), Lady’s Slippers (Hybanthes monopetalus), Slender Bottle-daisy (Lagenophora gracilis), Purple Fan-flower (Scaevola ramosissima), Fringe Lily (Thysanotus tuberosus),

Vines, Scramblers & Climbers: Rusty Tick-trefoil (Desmodium rhytidophyllum), Glycine cyrtoloba, Barbed Wire Vine (Smilax australis).

Mistletoes: Native Cherry (Exocarpos cupressiformis).

Grass Trees: Xanthorrhoea latifolia - sandy or gravelly soil.

Shrubs: Flat-stemmed Wattle (Acacia complanata), Chloanthes parviflora, Four-Tailed Grevillea (Grevillea quadricauda), Dogwood (Jacksonia scoparia), *Lantana (Lantana camara), Lance Beard-heath (Leucopogon affinis), Urn Heath (Melichrus urceolatus), Orange Pultanaea (Pultenaea euchila), Rough Bush-pea (Pultenaea scabra).

Trees: Forest She-oak (Allocasuarina torulosa), Red Ash or Soap Tree (Alphitonia excelsa), Bailey's Stringybark (Eucalyptus baileyana), Helidon Mahogany (Eucalyptus helidonica), Blackbutt (Eucalypt pilularis), Woody Pear (Xylomelum pyriforme).