Nature Notes: August 2010
So much rain! So much response from plants, animals and nature in general! This month has kept the observers very busy, with a great deal to stimulate our interest in the local biodiversity of flora and fauna.
We have noted responses in plants. Many beautiful sundews – the flat red type known as scented sundews are flowering with prominent large white flowers on sunny days, tall sundews are also very conspicuous, and in large numbers. Green rock ferns have multiplied incredibly and are much larger than recent years. In many places the ground is dotted with the small white flowers known as early Nancy. And of course the Orchids! Dwarf Greenhood orchid numbers are massive this year. Now is the time to start really looking out for a variety of Orchids – the common blue caladenia are starting to appear in some numbers, and we have also seen mosquito orchids.
Two shrub violet plants have been found, in full flower in the Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve. Apparently these beautiful plants were once common in the district, but are now rarely seen. It would be very interesting to learn more about this plant from the longer term residents of the district.
The birds are also busy. Sighted sitting on nests have been - Grey shrike thrush, Magpies, and White Winged Choughs. Also, a Little Eagle has been seen in the vicinity of its nest from last year, and the aggressive behaviour of the small bird, Jacky winter indicated that it too was protecting a nest. A group of Silvereyes have been observed. They appeared to be the southern form that migrate from Tasmania. Grey Fantails continue to maintain an entertaining presence.
If you would like to find out more about the Wedderburn Conservation Management Network you can see us at the Kooyoora Wildflower Show, or come on our bus tour – See more information in the “Naturally Loddon” A wonderland in Spring brochure.
Wedderburn Conservation Management Network “Observers”
Photograph is of the Shrub Violet flower
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