Outing Report - Lilybrook Recreation Area, 18 January 2020

Committee meeting in the shelter shed
(Photo J. Ball)

Well, at least the committee turned up, and as it was still pouring with rain we decided to have our committee meeting there and then. We were so busy that we didn't notice until later that an Orange Potter Wasp (Eumenes latreilli) was building her nest under our Secretary's knees!

Orange Potter Wasp
(Photo L. Beaton)

The rain eased as we finished the meeting and a couple of other members turned up so off we went on the walk. As we came down the Goan Track towards the underpass of the Beaudesert-Boonah Rd we were surprised to find the little gully with enough water to make it impassable, and frogs calling vociferously. We followed the gully and eventually our fearless leader found some frogs to identify. "There," he pointed, "their heads are sticking out of the water!" It took some time to convince him that it was kangaroo poo floating in the water! However one head was seen and identified as a Spotted Marsh (or Grass) Frog, and one of the calls as the Graceful Tree Frog. 

Graceful Tree Frog
(Photo L. Cross - not taken at Lilybrook)

Frogs or poo?
Shallow end of the gully
(Photo W. Dunn)

We were hoping to see plenty of butterflies, but unfortunately it was too overcast. Only four butterfly species were seen but eggs and caterpillars of the Wanderer (or Monarch) were found on several exotic Balloon Cotton Bush (Gomphocarpus physocarpus). 

Wanderer caterpillar
on Balloon Cotton Bush
(Photo L. Beaton)

Wanderer eggs on Balloon Cotton Bush
(Photo L. Beaton)

As with our last outing there were plenty of wildflowers although mostly exotic. Here's a couple of natives though.

Blue Trumpet (Brunoniella australis)
(Photo N. Crepin)

Winter Apple (Eromophila debilis)
(Photo N. Crepin)

The humidity had started to rise and the shelter shed was a welcome retreat for morning tea. While we had a cuppa and talked about our observations an Australian Emerald dragonfly hovered over a large puddle dipping her abdomen in the water as she laid her eggs. 

Lastly, here is a beautiful natural piece of artwork found on one of the tracks near Teviot Brook.

Snake skeleton
(Photo A. Podlich)

Fauna: compiled from members’ observations

Birds: Brown Quail, Aust. Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Crested Pigeon, Bar-shouldered
Dove, White-throated Needletail, Aust. Darter, Great Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Aust. Pelican, White-faced Heron, Great Egret, Straw-necked Ibis, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Whistling Kite, Nankeen Kestrel, Buff-banded Rail, Dusky Moorhen, Masked Lapwing, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Little corella rainbow Lorikeet, Pale-headed Rosella, Pheasant Coucal, Eastern Koel, Channel-billed Cuckoo, Little Bronze Cuckoo, Brush Cuckoo, Laughing Kookaburra, Sacred Kingfisher, Rainbow Bee-eater, Dollarbird, Superb Fairy-wren, Red-backed Wren, White-throated Gerygone, Striated Pardalote, Noisy Miner, Brown Honeyeater, White-throated Honeyeater, Little Friarbird, Striped Honeyeater, Grey-crowned Babbler, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Cicadabird, Rufous Whistler, Aust. Figbird, Olive-backed Oriole, Grey Butcherbird, Pied Butcherbird, Aust. Magpie, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Leaden Flycatcher, Magpie-lark, Jacky Winter, golden-headed Cisticola, Tawny Grassbird, Silvereye, Welcome Swallow, Tree Martin, Common Myna, Mistletoebird, Double-barred Finch, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin           67 Birds.

Reptiles: Red-bellied Black Snake

Amphibians: Spotted Marsh (or Grass) Frog, Graceful Tree Frog

Mammals: Eastern Grey Kangaroo      

Butterflies: Small Grass yellow, Wanderer (eggs & caterpillars), Lesser Wanderer, Meadow Argus,

Spotted Pea-Blue. 

Other Invertebrates: European Honey Bee, Orange Potter Wasp, Australian Emerald (dragonfly), Blue Skimmer (dragonfly), Variable Ladybird, Striped Ladybird, Grass Faerie (cicada), Clanger (cicada), Banded Sugar Ant.

Flora seen along the way:

Slug Herb (Murdannia graminea), Yellow Buttons (Chrysocephalum apiculatum), Australian Dodder (Cuscuta australis), Twining Glycine (Glycine clandestine), Blue Heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule), Lantana (Lantana camara), Phasey Bean (Macroptilium lathyroides), Siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum), Dwarf Morning Glory (Evolvulus alsinoides), Condamine Couch (Phyla canescens), Warrigal Greens (Tetragonia tetragonoides), Blue Bells (Wahlenbergia spp.), Poison Pratia (Lobelia concolor), Bristle Cloak Fern (Cheilanthes distans), Native Sensitive Plant (Neptunia gracilis), Blue Trumpet (Brunoniella australis), Winter Apple (Eromophila debilis), Bladder Cotton (Gomphocarpus physocarpus).

Grass-blues at Wyaralong

Spotted Grass-Blue, Zizeeria karsandra,

underside (Photo A. Podlich)

As the waters recede at Wyaralong and herbage grows on the exposed soil, small grass butterflies are bountiful. Illustrated is the Spotted or Dark Grass-Blue. Its wing span when fully open is only about 2 cm. They are found across the world from the eastern Mediterranean, through India & Sri Lanka, south-east Asia, New Guinea, Australia and over to the Philippines.

Spotted Grass-Blue, Zizeeria karsandra
(Photo A. Podlich)

At Wyaralong they are using many different exotic weeds which have sprung up in the rich soil. Two other species seen are Common Grass-Blue, Zizina otis, and Dainty Grass-Blue, Zizula hylax, one of the smallest Australian butterflies. We have no images for either of them yet, but click on the links for more information.

Change to Plan B - 18 January 2020

CHANGE OF DESTINATION FOR OUR 18^th JANUARY 2020 EARLY MORNING BIRD WALK

CUNNINGHAM'S GAP TRACKS WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL THE END OF JANUARY DUE TO BUSHFIRE DAMAGE

Shelter shed at Lilybrook Recreation Area

New Destination: Lilybrook Recreation Area, Beaudesert-Boonah Road (Western Trailhead)

Time: 6am for 6.30 am start

Directions: From the Coulson junction of Ipswich-Boonah and Beaudesert-Boonah Roads turn onto the Beaudesert-Boonah Rd/State Route 90, drive for approximately 2.75 kms then turn left. (The Western Trailhead is clearly signposted.) Drive to the carpark at the end of the road. 
From Beaudesert: take the Beaudesert-Boonah Rd and drive for almost 30 kms. The Recreation Area is not signed from this direction but the Qld MOTO Park on the left is, just before the right-hand turn into the Western Trailhead.

Activities: “What we will do and see” will be decided on the day depending on weather conditions. Exploring the property by walking on mown, grassy tracks. Easy walking access to Teviot Brook.

Level of Fitness: easy, graded tracks

Facilities: Toilets, and a large covered shed with tables and seating is available at this site and we have the luxury, also, of public gas BBQs should anyone decide they need to throw a 'sausage on the barbie' for breakfast after our early morning adventure.

What to Bring: Breakfast, morning tea and lunch (if you stay longer). Carry water on your walks but we will return to cars for food and cuppas. Cameras, binocs, reference books, hats, sunscreen and insect spray.

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

Bootlace Bush

Wikstroemia indica, Bootlace Bush

This is Wikstroemia indica, a local vine scrub plant, also known as Tie Bush. It grows about 2 metres high, and has really tiny flowers and red fruit. It is unusual in plants to have flowers that are black or green, but this is one with green flowers.  

Green flowers of Wikstroemia indica

Distribution and Ecology
Occurs in the Northern Territory, Cape York Peninsula, North East Queensland and southwards as far as coastal central New South Wales. Altitudinal range from near sea level to 900 m. Often grows in open forest or wet sclerophyll forest but also found on rain forest margins, in rain forest regrowth, or some of the drier forms of rain forest. Also occurs in Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific Islands. They are found in the local area including the Moogerah Peaks National Parks.
Natural History
The leaves are poisonous to cattle. The fruits are more poisonous than the leaves. Cases have been reported of children dying after eating the fruits of this plant. Although it is a much favoured food for the Brown Cuckoo-dove.
Cultural Notes
It came by its common name because the tough stringy bark can be pulled off in long strips and was used by Aborigines and pioneers to make string.
Also used as fish poison.

Studies of chemicals in Wikstroemia have suggested it contains chemicals that may prove useful in cancer research.

Resources
A. Podlich, Fassifern Field Naturalists Club Inc.
Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants
Noosa's Native Plants
Save Our Waterways Now

Cunningham's Gap, 18 January 2020

Early Morning Nature Ramble

Let's hope the rainforest looks as good as this.
The Christmas Orchids should be in flower
along the Box Forest Track

This outing is totally dependent on weather and access. 
We try to find a cool venue for this early morning walk and we have scheduled our outing at The Gap again which is easy walking, provides lush cool cover (we hope), a variety of habitats for birds, and usually plenty of other attractions such as fungi, insects, scenery and opportunities for the photographers. We hope that we have had plenty of rain by that time but, if not, an assessment will be made at a later date to see if this is a suitable venue.
Time: 6am for 6.30 am start

Where: Cunningham's Gap Rainforest Circuit and Box Forest Track

Directions: Make your way to the carpark at the top of Cunninghams Gap. Be careful turning across the traffic into the carpark.

Activities: We will check out the Rainforest Circuit first. Easy circuit walk but at our leisurely pace, we should complete this part of the walk by 8 am. We will then drive to the picnic area at West Gap Creek for a cuppa/breakfast and more bird watching. Some people may wish to do the longer walk from the top down to the picnic area and transport can be arranged to retrieve your car later. After morning tea/breakfast we will lead those wishing to participate, on a walk across the creek and along the Forest Box Track.

Level of Fitness: easy, graded tracks

Facilities: Toilets in both carpark and picnic area. There are picnic tables but they are out in the open and we generally tend to find a cool spot in the shade.

What to Bring: Breakfast, morning tea and lunch (if you stay longer). Carry water on your walks but we will return to cars for food and cuppas. Chairs, cameras, binocs, reference books, hats, sunscreen and tick spray.

Upon Arrival: Please register in the Attendance Book and pay your $2 per person participant fee. 
Please check again closer to the date as we may have to change this venue. Currently the park is closed until 10th January.

December Outing - Christmas Break-up, Boonah

Date: Saturday, 14th December 2019
Time: From 3.00 pm onwards
Meal: The Break-up meal will be a ‘bring and share’ BBQ as usual. Just bring your own meat and drinks, a salad and dessert to share and maybe a few ‘nibblies’ for the tables. Bring your own crockery and cutlery.
Seating, tables, fridge, urn and BBQ are provided. Tea and coffee are provided. There will be a table available for club photos, and ‘show and tell’ items.
Activities: You can just sit and socialize, admire the view, watch the resident kangaroos, or do a bit of birdwatching from your chair. 
The data projector and laptop will be set up for use by members to entertain us with short presentations they may wish to share. Of course, the Candid Camera, has also been in action throughout the year and it always manages to capture members doing something or other that they themselves cannot even remember doing!
Cost: To assist with venue hiring costs, there will be a charge of $4 per person.
The Breakup is always an opportunity for those members who no longer are able to participate in club field outings, to catch up with their friends in the FFNC! We look forward to seeing you there!

If you want to know more, email us. The address is in the left-hand margin.

Outing Report - Mt Alford area, 23 November 2019

A dry gully on the property

It was hot, smokey and very, very dry but that didn't deter the Field Naturalists who gathered at Mary & Phil's place. Before we started on the first walk Mary issued a challenge to the group to find interesting flora (particularly any orchid) and fauna – especially birds not already on her list – and the challenge was accepted! We didn't disappoint.

Dendrophthoe vitellina with flowers
on top left of picture with Viscum articulatum

Despite the uncomfortable conditions we managed to find 2 new birds for the property list, an orchid, and expand the flora list considerably. We noticed that many of the trees had Broad-leaved or Long-flowered Mistletoe (Dendrophthoe vitellina) in flower. On that mistletoe and some Native Cherry (Exocarpos cupressiformis) there was Leafless Jointed Mistletoe (Viscum articulatum). This is a mistletoe found in tropical Asia, northern and eastern Australia down to the mid NSW coast. Click this link for more on this mistletoe. 

Viscum articulatum on Native Cherry

Several species of small colourful invertebrates caught our eye during our walks. One was a planthopper, Teeth-marked Gum Hopper (Platybrachys barbata). They are usually found on the trunks of gum trees but this one seemed to like our shirts. Planthoppers can be quite colourful underneath and in the photo you can just see some of it's red markings. Click this link for more on the Gum Hopper.

Flowers of Dendrophthoe vitellina

Like most properties at the moment Mary & Phil's dams are empty and the lovely rock pools are just rock. Mary has put a child's plastic pool among the rocks and although no birds came down while we were watching, a goanna came in for a drink late in the morning. A reptile that is rarely recorded in our survey area these days. After lunch in the welcome shade of the terrace there was much discussion about the plants we'd identified and the geology of the area. It was agreed that we needed to return when conditions were much wetter.

Teeth-marked Gum Hopper (Platybrachys barbata)

Fauna: compiled from members’ observations
Birds: Common Bronzewing, Crested Pigeon, Peaceful Dove, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Brush Cuckoo, Rainbow Bee-eater, Dollarbird, Red-backed Fairy-wren, White-throated Gerygone, Brown Honeyeater, White-throated Honeyeater, Varied Sittella, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Cicadabird, Varied Triller, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Leaden Flycatcher, Eastern Yellow Robin, Welcome Swallow.
Butterflies: Caper White (Belenois java), Lesser Wanderer (Danaus petilia).
Spiders: Australian Jewel Spider (Austracantha minax).
Damsel/Dragonflies: Blue Skimmer (Orthetrum caledonicum).
Other Invertebrates: Potter Wasp or Australian Hornet (Abispa ephippium), Teeth-marked Gum Hopper (Platybrachys barbata).
Reptiles: Goanna or Lace Monitor (Varanus varius).

Some Flora noticed along the way: compiled from members’ observations
Ferns: Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum aethiopicum), Rough Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum hispidulum), Robber Fern (Pyrrosia confluens).
Grasses, Sedges, Rushes, etc.: Barbed Wire Grass (Cymbopogon refractus), Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrical), Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra).
Herbs: Burr Daisy (Calotis cuneifolia), Yellow Buttons (Chrysocephalum apiculatum), Blue Flax Lily (Dianella brevipedunculata), Native Glycine or Twining Glycine (Glycine clandestine), Bluebell (Wahlenbergia sp.).
Orchids & Epiphytes: Channelled Boat-lip Orchid (Cymbidium canaliculatum), Elkhorn (Platycerium bifurcatum).
Vines, Scramblers & Climbers: Scrambling Lily (Geitonoplesium sp.), Lawyer Vine (Smilax australis).
Mistletoes: Broad-leaved or Long-flowered Mistletoe (Dendrophthoe vitellina), Native Cherry (Exocarpos cupressiformis), Broad-leaved Cherry (Exocarpos latifolius), Leafless Jointed Mistletoe (Viscum articulatum).
Grass Trees: Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea sp.).
Shrubs: Chain Fruit (Alyxia ruscifolia), Coffee Bush (Breynia oblongifolia), Hop Bush (Dodonaea triquetra), Dogwood (Jacksonia scoparia), Muttonwood (Rapanea variabilis).
Trees: Hickory Wattle (Acacia disparrima), Maiden's Wattle (Acacia maidenii), Hairy Bird's Eye (Alectryon tomentosus), Red Ash or Soap Tree (Alphitonia excelsa), Broad-leaved Apple (Angophora subvelutina), Kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus), Pink Bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia), Moreton Bay Ash (Corymbia tessellaris), Queensland Ebony (Diospyros geminata), Yellow Tulipwood (Drypetes deplanchei), Narrow-leaved Ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra), Silver-leaved Ironbark (Eucalyptus melanophloia), Blue Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), Foambark (Jagera pseudorhus), Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus).

November Outing - Mt Alford area, 23rd November 2019

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE - 4th Saturday (not 3rd)

Mt Alford

Time: 7.45 am for 8 am departure

Where: Mt Alford area (private property)

Directions: Email us for details - see left-hand margin for address.

Activities: A walk around our property. There is 40 very dry acres, of mixed, undulating bushland and paddock, with a tiny patch of vine scrub. There are easy, gently sloping walking tracks, and some slightly more challenging stretches for anyone who’s game, but there are a couple of spots to just sit and watch/listen to the birds. The drought has meant that the grass and lantana is sparse, so it’s not too difficult to get around and explore. But, if you’d rather just stay on the patio and watch the brown honeyeaters, that’s ok too.

After wandering around for a couple of hours, morning tea will be back near the cars, after which there are less energetic activities or more walking for those who are so inclined.

Level of Fitness: Ranges from 'none at all' to 'fit'.

What to Bring: The usual – morning tea, snacks, lunch, hat, sunblock, water, binocs, cameras, and a chair.

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

Outing Report - Lilybrook Recreation Area, 19 October 2019

Varied Sitella, Lilybrook Recreation Area

20 members arrived at Lilybrook Recreation Area, Coulson. It is at the western end of Lake Wyaralong and the original Lilybrook Homestead is still there. We were greeted by a cacophony of sound from the Noisy & Little Friarbirds, Rainbow Lorikeets and Brown Honeyeaters feasting in the flowering Silky Oaks and Bottlebrushes. It wasn't long before there was a scatter of Natters along the banks of the Teviot Brook. 
Nine different honeyeaters were taking advantage of the bottlebrushes. Though they weren't the only birds to catch our eye. The Azure Kingfisher posed grandly, while the Welcome Swallows wheeled and dived over the water. Varied Sittella searched for insects on the branches as well as Striated Pardalotes and Weebills which were both feeding young. More than 50 species of birds were seen.
We were impressed with the growth and survival rate of this section of the 300,000 native trees planted to form environmental corridors by seqwater almost 10 years ago. 
After exploring along the water we gathered at the picnic shelter for morning tea and a chat. 

Having a cuppa in the picnic shelter

The second walk took us away from the homestead and past the stockyards. Up against one of the fence posts was a termite nest with the remains of two Termite-mound Fungi looking like sticks that the termites had built around.

Termite-mound Fungus
(photo taken in April 2019 on the same track)

We continued under the Beaudesert-Boonah Road where we were able to see partially built Fairy Martin nests (though no Martins) and last season's Potter Wasp nests. 

The botanists were also in their element as a number of wildflowers were emerging after the recent - few drops of - rain. Unfortunately most of the ones on the mown tracks were exotic weeds: Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta), Fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis), Condamine Couch (Phyla canescens) which by its name sounds like a local but is actually a native of South America, Blue Heliotrope (Heliotropium amplexicaule) another South American, and Phasey Bean (Macroptilium lathyroides) to name a few. It was pleasing to see our native Australian Bluebell (probably Wahlenbergia stricta) flowering profusely. Not only were the melaleucas and grevilleas in flower but also some eucalypts and mistletoe. It was while we were heading for the Goan Track that a rather threatening storm loomed from the south-west with dark clouds and rolling thunder. Not wanting to get caught in a downpour we headed back for the shelter shed and lunch. Of course, a few drops were all we got!

Fairy Martin & Potter wasp nests

Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta)

Condamine Couch (Phyla canescens)

Australian Bluebells

Soldier Beetles on left, Lycid Beetles on right - Lilybrook, October 2019

More photos in the Gallery.

Fauna

Birds: Brown Quail, Australian Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Crested Pigeon, Bar-shouldered Dove, Australasian Darter, Australian Pelican (overhead), White-faced Heron, Straw-necked Ibis, Brown Goshawk, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel, Brown Falcon, Little Corella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Cockatiel, Rainbow Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Australian King-Parrot, Pale-headed Rosella, Azure Kingfisher, Laughing Kookaburra, Sacred Kingfisher, Rainbow Bee-eater, Dollarbird, Superb Fairy-wren, Red-backed Fairy-wren, Weebill - feeding young, White-throated Gerygone, Striated Pardalote - feeding young, Eastern Spinebill, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Scarlet Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, White-throated Honeyeater, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Noisy Friarbird, Little Friarbird, Striped Honeyeater, Grey-crowned Babbler, Varied Sittella, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Varied Triller, Rufous Whistler, Olive-backed Oriole, Australian Magpie, Willie Wagtail, Torresian Crow, Leaden Flycatcher, Magpie-lark, Silvereye, Welcome Swallow, partially built Fairy Martin nests but no Fairy Martins.

Butterflies: Caper White (Belenois java), Wanderer (Danaus plexippus), Common Crow (Euploea core), Glasswing (Acraea andromacha.

Moths: Black Thorax Wasp Moth (Amata trigonophora) - copulating.

Other Invertebrates: Native Bee sp., Lycid Beetle sp., Soldier Beetle Sp.

Some Flora noticed along the way:

Fungi: Termite-mound Fungus (Podaxis beringamensis).

Herbs: Yellow Wood Sorrel (Oxalis stricta), Condamine Couch (Phyla canescens), Australian Bluebell (Wahlenbergia stricta).

Mistletoes: Variable Mistletoe (Amyema congener), Melaleuca Mistletoe (Amyema gaudichaudii), Grey Mistletoe (Notothixos incana).

Trees: Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghamii), Narrow-leaved or Queensland Bottle Tree (Brachychiton rupestris), Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta), Weeping or Creek Bottlebrush (Melaleuca viminalis). 

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!

Avenue into Lilybrook Recreation Area, Oct 2019

OCTOBER CAMP IS CANCELLED!!!

Alternative Outing - Lilybrook Recreation Area

Time: 8.30am.

Where: Lilybrook Recreation Area, Beaudesert Boonah Rd.

Directions: from the Coulson junction (Ipswich Boonah Road – Beaudesert Boonah Road) turn onto the Beaudesert Boonah Rd/State Route 90, drive for approximately 2¾ kms then turn left. The Western Trailhead is clearly signposted. Drive to end of road. From Beaudesert – take the Beaudesert Boonah Rd and drive for almost 30 km. The recreation area is not signed but the Qld MOTO Park on the left is just before the right-hand turn into the Western Trailhead.

Activities: Exploring the property by walking on mown, grassy tracks. Easy walking access to Teviot Brook. When I checked out this area yesterday the bottlebrushes and silky oaks were in flower with birds everywhere. There is still water in the Brook at this point with water birds, dragonflies, etc. The trees here are looking healthy and it’s amazing how much they’ve grown even in the last 5 years.

The Teviot Brook from the road in, Oct 2019

Level of Fitness: Easy

Facilities: Toilets at recreation area; also large shelter shed and picnic tables.

What to Bring:  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. 

Looking across to Old Beaudesert Rd from Lilybrook, Oct 2019