The Clematis

Summer 2004/2005 Issue No 62

Quarterly Newsletter of theBairnsdale & District Field Naturalists’ Club Inc A0006074C

28 1 & DIST FIELD NATURALIST’S CLUB INC. STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS & EXPENDITURE A0006074C For the period 2nd November 2003 to 2nd November 2004 List of Office Bearers for 2004 President: Pat McPherson ph. (03) 5152 2614 National Bank Cheque Account Secretary: Wendy Parker ph. (03) 5152 2615 Balance as at 2nd November 2003 $1696.25 Treasurer: Margaret Regan ph. (03) 5156 2541 Receipts Members subscriptions 755.00 Supper donations 46.55 Correspondence to: Bank Interest .05 The Secretary, Sale of Across Mountain & Plain 2.50 P.O. Box 563, Marshmeade camp 875.00 1679.10 BAIRNSDALE 3875 Sub Total 3375.35 Web Site: www.eastgippsland.com Payments Field Nats C1 Vic - subscription 55.00 General meetings take place at: • moss book 41.00 • Environment Fund donation 50.00 Noweyung Centre, 84 Goold Street Bairnsdale Consumer & Bus. Affairs - incorp. fee 35.00 3rd. Friday of the month at 7.30pm sharp. No meeting June, July, August Government tax 9.80 Committee meetings take place: Thursday of the previous week Noweyung hall hire 176.00 before the 3rd. Friday of the month at members homes except June, July, Clematis costs 56.50 August when held on field excursions if required. Aust. Post - post box 55.00 . Secretary’s expenses 100.00 Group Co-ordinators: Treasurer’s expenses 46.50 Botanic Group: James Turner Ph. (03) 5155 1258 Speaker’s expenses 127.00 James Turner - fuel costs 200.00 Fauna Survey Group: Jenny Edwards Ph. (03) 5157 5556 Royal Hort. Soc. Vic. - insurance 236.00 G.L.O.G. Lynn Turner Ph. (03) 5155 1258 Library costs 82.65 Bushwalking Group: Noel Williamson Ph. (03) 5152 1737 Marshmeade - accommodation 800.00 Newsletter Editor: Pauline Stewart Ph. (03) 5152 2135 • return of deposits 75.00 80 Bengworden Rd. Bairnsdale.3875 Birds raffle 40.00 email: [email protected] Transfer to Bendigo Gold Account 1000.00 Balance as at 2nd November 2004 $ 189.90 ……………………………………………………………………………………… All articles for Autumn Clematis must be in by March 1st. Bendigo Bank Gold Account Balance as at 2nd November 2003 $4567.99 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Receipts 1. To further the study of natural history in all its branches, promoted by Bank interest 234.83 Transfer from National Cheque Account 1000.00 1234.83 periodical meetings, field excursions and other activities. Balance as at 2nd November 2004 $5802.82 2. To observe and strengthen the laws for the preservation & protection of ……………………………………………………………………………………… indigenous flora and fauna and habitat and important geological features. Total assets: $5992.72 Membership 54 3. To promote the formation and preservation of National and State Parks and Reserves.

2 27 PRESIDENTS REPORT 2004 RULES TO OBSERVE ON FIELD TRIPS: Unlike last year, this year 2004, had no serious events to effect the smooth func- 1. Excursions are cancelled on days of TOTAL FIRE BAN. tioning of our club activities. Members may proceed on the planned trip AT OWN RISK. General Meetings were well attended, with guest speakers including: 2. Participants to keep a visual on the car in front and behind. Roger May - Underwater Photography 3. When making a turn, give signal, and stay at intersection until Andrew Dilley - Conservation of Native Orchids following car has also turned. Richard Vuat - Water Plants 4. If separated from other cars, stop, and stay with your car. Dr. Mary Cole - Fungi: Myths and Legends Other members will return to find you. Kym Saunders - Strathfieldsaye Chris Healey - Birds of Paradise in New Guinea David Hooper - Frogs An appropriate article in the local paper invited the public to attend a couple of SUBSCRIPTION FEES our meetings and this proved very successful and worthy of pursuit next year. Field Excursions this year led us to Murrungower fern gullies, Bentley Plain, Va- Family membership $25 lencia Creek, Wildseed Nursery, Deptford, Lake Tyers and Colquhoun Forest, Single membership $15 , Blond Bay, and finally to Strathfieldsaye with Mid-year fee (new members only) $ 7.50 the Australian Native Orchid Society.

A Fauna Survey was conducted early in the year in the Mitchell River National Park. This was well attended over the few days and the results quite pleasing con- Responsibility for the accuracy of information and opinions expressed in this sidering the drought conditions. newsletter rests with the author of the article. Camp-outs were at Native Dog Flat and Knocker Track. As an alternative to camping, one camp-out was held in cabin accommodation at Marshmeade. This proved to be popular and so other suitable cabins will be investigated for future CONTENTS camps. Several Bushwalks were attended, these being at Mississippi Creek, Wyungara

Native Sanctuary, Nowa Nowa, Old Man Hill, Bullumwaal, Navigation Creek,

Buchan Caves and Den of Nargun. Program - January to June 2005 5-6 Raymond Island 7-9 It should be noted that our library is now being opened at each general meeting Blond Bay 9-10 and members are increasingly availing themselves of the books there-in. Some Our Trip North 10-11 new books have been added recently. Rotamah Island 11-12 A short course in Australian Plant Identification has been organized with Fores- National Park 13 tech to be conducted in 2005. Numbers are not finalized and space is probably Knocker Track 14-17 available for those wishing to attend. Powerful Owl on Raymond Island 18 Monitoring the Robust Spider Orchid 19-21 The Club’s Agreement with Mr. Rowbury for use of his Raymond Island land has been extended. The original site has been enlarged and another site established Koala Relocation from Raymond Island 22-23 nearby in order to continue monitoring the various colonies of Caladenia valida Two days - Two very special Alpine Animals 24-25 (Robust Spider Orchid) and Caladenia australis (Southern Spider Orchid). President’s Report for 2004 26 Thank you all for your contributions to another enjoyable year of Club activities. Treasurer’s Report for 2004 27 Lindsay Simmons, President, Bairnsdale and District Field Naturalist’s Club

26 3 CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS for meetings and field trips. were females, almost all of which had 3 or 4 pouch young ranging in size from 7- Joan Bagley 5153 2384 12mm in length. The remaining 5 were males. Dean tells me since that our rec- Andrew Bould 5156 6494 ord number of captures was exceeded the following day when after putting out the Jenny Edwards 5157 5556 remaining traps at this site (bringing the number of traps to 160), he captured 86 Beth Isakson 5156 7546 Burramys!! He feels that having had a very good snow season has increased the survival rate over winter, and that Bogong Moths are in excellent numbers this Pat McPherson 5152 2614 year. Will the increased population put pressure on resources as summer progress- Dot Prout 5153 1303 es? Will animals find enough food to prepare for hibernation next winter?? Margaret Regan 5156 2541 Pauline Stewart 5152 2135 Mobile: 0409 522 137 After lunch we left Dean and the Burramys behind to return home via the Dargo Jeremy Stewart 5156 4128 Mobile: 0419 384 240 High Plains Road. Here I had another specialist Alpine animal I wanted to find. James Turner 5155 1258 The Alpine She-Oak Skink (Cyclodomorphus praealtus) is listed on the Flora & Fauna Guarantee Act as Endangered and has a very limited distribution at only a few sites above 1500m. One of these sites is Lanky Plain on the Dargo High Plains and as the last record here was 10 years ago, I was keen to see if they were DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY FOR BUSH WALKS still here and if their habitat had been fire affected.

Easy Flat, good firm track. Reaching Lanky Plain we starting searching under rocks on the roadside, a fa- Moderately easy Mostly flat, track in good to fair condition vourite place for She-Oak skinks. The grassland plain had remained largely un- Moderate May be undulating, track in good to fair condition burnt and certainly the roadside grassland was quite intact which was promising. Mod. difficult May be some steep sections, track may be rough in After much unsuccessful searching, we resorted to the GPS to find the site of the places previous records. It was at the north end of the plain and sure enough eventually I Difficult May have long steep sections, track may be non found one, seconds later Alan found another. Both were lovely big adults with existent at times snout-vent lengths of 110 and 112 mm. Lots of photos, then we returned them to Walks vary in distance from 6 to 12 km. their rocks. This species is a small stout skink related to the Blue Tongues and Contact the leader of the walk for a rating if it’s not included in the they do in fact have blue tongues. Adapted to life under the tussocks and rocks, program. they have long bodies and small legs spaced a long way apart. Their movement is very snake like and their glossy scales help them slither through the tussocks. Further searching resulted in just one more specimen found, again a good sized Please take note of safety procedures in your Bairnsdale & District adult. Although I have seen them previously on the Bogong High Plains, I was Field Naturalists’ Club Inc. ‘RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY’ elated to find them at this site and will be pleased to be able to submit the updated booklet. records to the Wildlife Atlas.

We returned home feeling very pleased with ourselves, after spending a rewarding two days enjoying some of the very special creatures of the Alpine zone. Please note this program could be subject to change. It is your responsibility to contact the co-ordinator of each field ☺ trip to notify them of your intention to participate. The co- ordinator can then notify you if the trip has to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Evening committee meetings may not be required. Please check before arriving.

4 25 TWO DAYS - TWO VERY SPECIAL ALPINE PROGRAM - JANUARY TO JUNE 2005 ANIMALS JANUARY by Jenny Edwards 7-8-9th. Camp-out to Native Dog Flat Contact: James Turner In late November Christine, Alan and I spent a couple of days volunteering at Mt Sun. 23rd. Monthly excursion. 9.00am (Bridge Club). Marlo Plains to Hotham for Dean Heinze who is researching Mountain Pygmy Possums look for orchids, (including Tongue and Bonnet Orchids). (Burramys parvus) post fire. The first day at the Mt Higgi site dawned cold, Contact: James Turner windy and rainy. Amazingly there was a Mountain Pygmy Possum Sun. 30th. Bushwalk. 9.00am (Bridge Club). Lake Tyers area.. (affectionately known as Burramys) in the first trap. As the cold wind and sleet Contact: Dot Prout or Pauline Stewart blasted in our faces, Dean removed the snug warm possum from the trap and ex- Rated: Easy plained how he handled them, (opening his coat so it could sit comfortably on his jumper) what statistics he was gathering and showed us some of their special fea- tures. FEBRUARY Thurs. 10th. Committee meeting. 7.30pm at Joan Bagley’s home. Burramys are remarkably placid to handle, shy little creatures with the most en- Frid. 18th. General meeting. 7.30pm ‘A Photographic Extravaganza.’ dearing faces. Their prehensile tails often wind around your fingers, perhaps in Slides by Elden Marshall and Andrew Bould. an attempt to feel more secure. At this time of year the females have pouch Sun. 20th. Monthly excursion. 9.00am (Bridge Club). Ewing’s Marsh, young and this female had 4 tiny pink young tightly packed in her pouch. With Lake Beatle. Focus on water plants. relevant data collected, she was released and quickly scrambled beneath the Contact: James Turner shrubs and boulders to safety below. Sun. 27th. Bushwalk. 9.00am (Bridge Club) Lonely Bay. Contact: Dot Prout The weather was cruel and the terrain not only steep, but hard to work in with Rated: Easy shrub covered boulders being treacherously slippery in the wet. Today he cap- tured 31 Burramys at this site (23 females and 8 males) interspersed with 16 Bush MARCH Rats, (13 adult and 3 juvenile). Late afternoon Dean and I headed out to set traps Thurs. 10th. Committee meeting. 7.30pm at Pat McPherson’s home. at the Mt Loch site. Here we set 120 traps in lines across the back of Mt Loch 12,13,14th. Fauna Survey. Mitchell River National Park where the boulder field is mostly covered by a dense cover of shrubs of Mountain Contact: Jenny Edwards Plum Pine (Podocarpus lawrencei), Alpine Pepper (Tasmannia xerophila) and Frid. 18th. General meeting. 7.30pm Speaker: Grant Kuseff. Alpine Mint Bush (Prostanthera cuneata). This site was partially burnt, although “Butterflies and Moths of Central America” the core of the habitat is quite intact with most of the burnt vegetation around the Sun. 20th. Monthly excursion. 6.00pm BYO B-B-Q picnic at Lake edges. Tyers. Observing bats at dusk at Nargun’s Cave, Colquhoun Forest. The next morning dawned fine, requiring an early start before the sun warmed No bushwalk due to Easter animals in the traps. Burramys suffer from heat stress at around 28o C, so they must be processed and released quickly. In contrast to yesterday, a very pleasant morning was spent at this site sitting amongst stunted alpine shrubs, gazing across APRIL the High Plains with remnants of snow still on the side of Mt Feathertop. As we Thurs. 7th. Committee meeting. 7.30pm at Beth Isakson’s home. worked our way through the traps our excitement grew at the number of Burra- Frid. 15th. General meeting. 7.30pm Speaker: Lucy Clausen. mys captured. No Bush Rats at all at this site, the only “ring-ins” were 3 lactating “Update on Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies”. female Dusky Antechinus (Antechinus swainsonii). Sun. 17th. Monthly excursion. 9.00am (Bridge Club) Confluence of the Buchan and Snowy Rivers - Bally Hooley. By the time we had finished, we had captured 66 Burramys in 120 traps!!! Contact: James Turner. Dean’s previous record at any site was 56 (out of 160 traps). 61 of our captures

24 5 Sun. 24th. Bushwalk. 9.00am (Bridge Club) Haunted Stream. ing condition and weight, several gained condition and weight and Contact: Pauline Stewart or Jeremy Stewart one lost condition and subsequently weight. MAY The DSE then planned for a major translocation of koalas for the Thurs. 12th. 6.00pm. Casserole tea, followed by a planning meeting week 22-27 November with a crew of approximately 25 staff and followed by the committee meeting at Pauline Stewart’s volunteers. home. The majority of private land owners asked for permission to enter All members welcome. Bring along a casserole or a sweet to share. their property and remove koalas consented as many properties have Frid. 20th. General meeting. 7.30pm. Speaker: Raz Martin suffered from koala over-browsing. “Reptiles”. Over the week a total of 374 koalas were captured, of which there Sun. 22nd. Monthly excursion. 9.00am (Bridge Club) were 121 adult males, 150 adult females, 11 sub-adult males, 6 sub- Providence Ponds and Perry Bridge area. adult females, 17 back-young females, 27 back-young males, 1 back Contact: James Turner -young sex not known, 8 pouch young; Euthanased – 4 adult males, Sun. 29th. Bushwalk. 9.00am Barmouth Creek. 14 females; Placed in Shelters – 4 adult females, 4 back-young Contact: Pauline Stewart or Jermey Stewart. males, 2 back-young females; Returned to Raymond Island – 1 Rated: not yet rated adult male, 2 adult female and 2 back-young. In total 333 koalas were translocated off the Island with 18 being Committee meetings and general meetings are now in recess until euthanased. September 2005 Further meetings are to be held shortly to plan for the long term JUNE management of the koalas including further counts, dieback assess- Sun. 19th. Monthly excursion. 9.00am (Bridge Club) ment, population control measures and revegetation trials and pro- To be announced. ☺ jects. ☺ ←Koala on Raymond Island FROM THE EDITOR prior to relocation I would like to thank all those who contributed to the Clematis in 2004 and would Photos: Andrew Bould like to encourage all members to write up and submit a little article on whatever their interest is in natural history for other members to enjoy. ↓ Dieback on Raymond Island Many thanks also to the Department Of Sustainability & Environment for their assistance in publishing the Clematis.

Subscriptions are now due for 2005. Family $25.00 Single membership $15.00 Please send a cheque to: The Secretary, P.O. Box 563, Bairnsdale 3875

6 23 KOALA RELOCATION FROM RAYMOND ISLAND RAYMOND ISLAND - 22 August 2004 by Andrew Bould by Margaret Regan

On the island we were guided by Andrew and Irene Bould who know it like the Following concerns by Raymond Island Landcare and Island resi- backs of their hands having lived there most of their lives. From the ferry we dents, the issue of dieback of the Coastal Manna Gum, Eucalyptus drove to Point Montague on the southwestern tip of the island from where both pryoriana has been addressed by the responsible authorities, Parks McMillan Strait and Lake can be seen. The Raymond Island Landcare Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment. group have constructed most of a proposed boardwalk which runs above the saltmarsh vegetation along the edge of the Strait starting just south of the ferry With many meetings held by the specially formed Raymond Island carpark. Eventually they hope to continue the boardwalk almost to the Point Koala Action Group which included representatives from Parks, and then the wooden walk will be extended by a gravel walk and bike path trav- DSE, EGSC, Raymond Island Landcare, Raymond Island Commu- elling around the village. 450,000 passengers and 280,000 vehicles use the ferry nity Association and Paynesville Wildlife Shelter, several projects every year, so good facilities would be welcome. Weed control will be carried were undertaken to address the issue of dieback. out as there is some Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) and Myrtle-leaf Milkwort (Polygala myrtifolia). Many Eurasian Coots were in the water around These included a dieback study by Forestetch (TAFE), two koala the jetties along the walk, along with a few Chestnut Teal. On one jetty were counts June 2003 and –April 2004 recorded 605 and 531 koalas re- roosting Little Pied Cormorants, Great Cormorants, a young Pacific Gull and spectively, including back and pouch young. Crested Terns. On land were Common Bronzewing, Superb Blue Wren, Noisy Both counts highlighted the fact that there is insufficient food source Miner and Grey Shrike Thrush with Whistling Kite overhead. Saltpan Blue and from both the Manna Gum and Forest Red Gum Eucalyptus tereti- Imperial White Butterflies were fluttering around. The Saltpan Blue is charac- terised by a short blunt tail on the wing and is found on the coast where there is cornis to sustain koalas at this number and eventually there would a growth of Saltbush. The Imperial White has caterpillars which feed on mistle- be a ‘crash’ of the entire koala population. toe leaves. They pupate in a communal web. The adult feeds on the nectar Options to control the population have been assessed in full detail from plants such as Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa), Blue Olive-berry and the only option available to DSE was to relocate the majority of (Elaeocarpus reticulatus), Tree Violet (Hymenanthera dentata) and eucalypts. the Island koala population. The Imperial White was apparently out early - was this a sign of global warming someone suggested! Vegetation beneath the Red Gum (Eucalyptus A health assessment of the koalas was carried out in Jan 2004 and tereticornis) included Boobialla (Myoporum insulare), Sallow Wattle (Acacia the majority of koalas were found to be in an “average” condition longifolia), Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia?? or parvistaminea) and and suitable for translocation. Rounded Noon-flower (Disphyma crassifolium subsp. clavellatum). A detailed study of translocation sites in was then undertaken by the DSE with several good sites being identified in- At the end of Fourth Avenue along the coast, orchids were discovered. Green- hoods were Maroonhoods (Pterostylis pedunculata), coastal Pterostylis alveata cluding some on private property. going to seed, a little forest of Nodding Greenhoods (P. nutans), Slaty Helmet- In spring this year a trial relocation was implemented with 30 koalas orchid (Corybas incurvus) which grows with one particular moss and the ubiqui- translocated to these sites and a further 15 koalas remaining on the tous lovely little Trim Greenhood (P. concinna). A young Koala was endeav- Island for a control population. ouring to snooze in the fork of a Boobialla. All koalas underwent a health assessment and were fitted with radio Andrew showed us a section of the vegetation where the undergrowth of Brack- tracking collars. en (Pteridium esculentum) was especially thick. Within this area the overstorey After a 5 week trial period all koalas were located, caught, assessed, was Coastal Manna Gum (Eucalyptus pryoriana) and all the trees were dead as a radio collars removed and the koalas released. result of over browsing by Koalas and drought conditions. There are about 500 The results were very promising with the majority of animals retain- Koalas on the island. This is not a sustainable number, either for their welfare

22 7 or that of the trees. The Department of Sustainability and Environment plans to Also Gary Backhouse and Michael Duncan both from DSE visited the site relocate a pilot group in spring to several mainland sites. If this proves to be suc- this year and photographed and took samples for DNA testing to establish cessful, it is hoped to relocate 3-400 to seven other sites, getting the population the final identification of C. valida. down to around 200 animals. This would allow the Manna Gum to rejuvenate and Most orchid specialists agree that it appears to be different to C. valida at regenerate. Manna Gum seed is only viable for 18 months. Anglesea and Portland and may be endemic to Raymond Island.

On to Gravelly Point on the northeast coast for lunch. Birds seen or heard while Hopefully in the near future, further research work can be undertaken to dining were Yellow Robin, Australian Raven, Mistletoebird, Little Wattlebird, ensure the future recovery and survival of this colourful orchid. White-throated Treecreeper, Kookaburra and Superb Blue Wren. A Pelican drift- Another spider orchid species, Caladenia australis, the Southern Spider ed majestically by. Orchid was also located in the enclosures at both Site 1 (1 plant) and the Old School Site (2 plants). Andrew then escorted the group to the site that was fenced with assistance from This species has not previously been recorded on Raymond Island and its the Field Nats. This is to protect the rare Robust Spider Orchid (Caladenia valida) flower is nearly twice the size of C. valida. from the predations of native and feral animals. This orchid has a single hairy ☺ leaf to 16cm x 24mm. The flower stem is up to 45cm tall, stout and hairy with 1- 3 flowers about 8cm across and cream to pale yellow with red markings. The widely spread sepals end in prominent brownish red clubs. The labellum has a dark red marginal fringe and lamina calli like golf sticks in 6 rows. The calli are associated with pollination. Andrew carries out continual monitoring of the or- Caladenia valida (Robust Spider Orchid) chids while they grow and flower, with very careful study of the development of 3 clubs (5-10mm) on petal/sepals each individual plant. The orchids are located by the positioning of a metal peg ↓ 15cm east of each plant. The small pegs can be located with a metal detector. Last year the site was burnt to remove the bracken and many of the Black Wattles (Acacia mearnsii) were cut down. This increased the light to the area and it is returning to a grassland. Andrew will collect seed from some plants that are ferti- lised by placing a tea bag cover over the capsule. The captured seed is kept in a refrigerator and next year when the leaves come up, an area is cleared around a plant and its own seed is spread on this ground. The seed will not germinate with- out the accompanying fungal mycelium found in the soil. An overseas student is coming to work on rare plants, and this site and species have been selected as one of his study areas, because of all the data Andrew has meticulously recorded over many years. Just outside the site were Gnat Orchids (Cyrtostylis reniformis). Their kidney-shaped (hence the specific name ) flat leaf is not purple beneath, unlike the Mosquito Orchid (Acianthus exsertus). Again many of the same- named creatures were in evidence.

Another smaller Robust Spider Orchid site has been magnificently fenced near the old Raymond Island School site. Inside we saw one large Spider Orchid in bud. Caladenia australis ↑ Outside were masses of orchid leaves and some Blunt Greenhoods (P. curta) in (Southern Spider Orchid) flower. Blunt Greenhoods have large tall flowers with a twisted labellum. As on 5 clubs (3-20mm) on petals/sepals the last excursion, some sharp eyes found the tiny Austral Adders-tongue (Ophioglossum lusitanicum). Sea Eagles were calling. Apparently their old nest Photos: Andrew Bould had been destroyed in a strong wind and they were in the process of rebuilding -

8 21 no doubt a massive project. The squeaky gate sound of Gang Gang Cockatoos was also heard. 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 A very interesting excursion, thank you Andrew. Damaged 0 2 1 10 9 ☺ Eaten or Browsed 31 118 6 1 13

Leaf only 3 2 0 2 0 BLOND BAY - 19 September 2004 by Margaret Regan Seed Dispersal 7 10 4 1 22 The principal purpose of this excursion was the monitoring of the rare Metallic Wilted 9 10 76 43 34 Sun Orchid (Thelmytra epipactoides). This spectacular orchid has tall (to 50cm) Leaf not present 0 8 74 107 96 stout stems bearing 6-20 large (to 35mm) flowers which are blue, reddish or bronze with a metallic shine. They are commonest in open, sandy areas and much Total 50 150 161 164 174 of their heathy or woodland habitat has been cleared for agriculture. An area where the greatest number of plants are growing has been fenced to prevent graz- Caladenia valida Raymond Island Site 1. Final Plant Sta- ing by native animals and hog deer. Every year during the flowering season the tus club counts the numbers of plants flowering within this enclosure and also in the surrounding vegetation nearby. Numbers of plants found within the enclosure were 2004 -178, 2003 - 82, 2002 - 181, 2001 - 253, 2000 - 94, 1999 - 0, 1998 - 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 159, 1997 - 124 and 1995 - 12.

White 0 0 0 0 0 From this site we travelled to a tussock swamp where another rare plant, Dwarf Kerrawang (Rulingia prostrata) grows. This is a prostrate shrub less than 30cm Cream 22 64 16 6 23 with crenately-lobed leaves. The number of plants can be increased by burning. Crimson 6 10 2 2 11 As the plant is almost prostrate, presumably the burning removes competition from taller plants, at least temporarily. Other plants at the swamp were Hairy Green 9 4 3 0 2 Centrolepis (Centrolepis strigosa), a tiny sedge-like tussock with furry little heads; two species of aquatic Marsh-flower, Erect Marsh-flower (Villarsia exaltata) and Total 37 78 21 8 36 Running Marsh-flower (V. reniformis) where the yellow petals have fringed mar- gins; Leopard Orchid (Diuris pardina), a donkey orchid with yellow flowers with Caladenia valida Raymond Island Site 1. Flower Variation dark brown blotches; White Marianth (Rhytidosporum procumbens), a tiny shrub with white flowers and wrinkled seeds; Creamy Candles (Stackhousia monogy- Other plants were damaged by wind or wilted due to inconsistent rainfall. na), a perennial herb to 60cm with its cream flowers in long cylindrical inflores- A second exclusion fence was constructed this year in the road reserve cences; the pea Showy Bossiaea (Bossiaea cinerea) with clear yellow flowers; the adjoining Site 1 (85m x 10m) and a heritage style fence at the Old School prostrate red-flowered pea Running Postman (Kennedia prostrata); Pink Beard- Site (15m x 10m). heath (Leucopogon ericoides); the daisy-like euphorb Pseudanthus ovalifolius Funded through a grant from the East Gippsland Shire Council, both fenc- whose flowers clustered at the end of a branchlet look like one showy flower and the creeping perennial Centella (Centella cordifolia) which has heart-shaped es were constructed by Green Corp Bairnsdale and Raymond Island Land- leaves and is promoted for the relief of arthritis. The eucalypts overhead were care. Peppermint (Eucalyptus willisii). The stunning Austral Grass- A draft nomination form has been forwarded to Andrew Pritchard (DSE) trees (Xanthorrheoa australis) here must be thousands of years old. to have C. valida listed as nationally endangered. In an area where the overstorey was Black She-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis) were

20 9 Pale Sundews (Drosera peltata); Coarse Twine-rush (Leptocarpus brownii); Early MONITORING OF THE ROBUST SPIDER ORCHID Nancy (Wurmbea dioica) whose white petals have a distinctive purple nectary by Andrew Bould band; Wax-lip Orchid (Glossodia major) which has single mauve scented flowers; Nodding Greenhoods (Pterostylis nutans); and the most mossies seen so far. I have been monitoring the Robust Spider Orchid, Caladenia valida since There were also a few plants of the Metallic Sun Orchid. In an area along the 1990 after finding a large colony of over 500 plants on Raymond Island. northern firebreak, James showed us quite a number of small plants of the primi- tive fern Austral Moonwort (Botrychium australe). Again, a vote of thanks to More than 300 were in flower and 200 in bud on a one hectare site near James. the corner of Gravelly Point Road and Centre Road. ☺ Since 1990, 17 sites have been located where the orchid has been recorded from individual plants to hundreds. OUR TRIP NORTH - September/October 2004 by Barbara Mills Due to adverse environmental conditions such as low rainfall, drought and strong winds, most sites have not recorded plants for several years and Ray and I started off going up the centre. Because of the recent rain, the red sand appear to be extinct at these locations. Only 2 sites in 2004 had plants was blooming. Sturt Desert Pea was spilling onto the road with grevillea, wattles recorded with a total number of 181 plants. and mulla, as well as many unknown flowers that were everwhere. Site 1, 100m south of the intersection of Centre and Gravelly Point Roads Ularu loomed her lilac head through the sand dunes and desert oak as we got closer to the monolith. It never ceases to give me a lump in the throat, no matter now has a total of 174 plants located and this year, of the 78 plants record- how many times I see it. We spent two days wondering the many pathways ed, 36 flowered and 22 matured to disperse seed. around the rock with her pools of water and towering red walls and walked into Comparing to previous years, this is the highest number of seeded plants the Valley of the Winds early in the morning to try to avoid the heat. The Olgas recorded in any season since individual plant monitoring commenced in are also pretty special at that hour. Budgerigars were nesting in all the hollows the year 2000. while many other birds drifted and swooped over the long blond grass and called from the rock walls. Great. From early monitoring, browsing by fauna was identified as the major After spending a night among the Devils Marbles watching the Spinifex Pigeons threat to the orchid populations and in 2001 a fauna exclusion fence was (what funny little things) racing about our feet, and taking photos of the Marbles constructed on private property and road reserve through funding by as the sun came up, we headed north again. Turning east at Threeways we started Parks, DSE, Raymond Island Advancement League and BDFNC. the long hot trip across to the east coast. After a long and extremely uncomfortably hot trip across, we finally arrived at Mareeba Wetlands where my The fence was constructed by local contractors assisted by members of the son Craig is ranger. This place is a ‘must go’ area. The reserve is a heritage BDFNC and Raymond Island Landcare. conservation area with the wetland’s information centre overlooking a huge A 2 year agreement was then established between the owner, Mr David lagoon which is packed with bird life. Jacana walk across the pink and white Rowbury and the BDFNC and has recently been renewed for a further 2 water lily, while ducks, water hens, storks etc chase each othe across the water. years. Sea eagles and kites soar above and finches noisily feed in the grass with the The fence has proved very effective against the browsing fauna mainly Agile Wallabies. The frogs are deafening in the evening. (It is the only place I rabbits, wallabies and grey kangaroos. know where there are notices in the toilets requesting that you close the lid to However owing to a persistent echidna, the fence is regularly burrowed ‘save our wildlife’). Quoll plague the Centre, and Craig has trouble keeping them under leaving the opportunity for rabbits to invade and browse off plants, out of the kitchen. They use the table as a latrine site! usually stems. After leaving there we headed off to Cooktown where we spent a wonderful week enjoying this old town with all its history. The Olive Orioles, Black Butcherbirds, A wombat has also damaged the fence and koalas are often found in red White-headed, Imperial and Wompoo Pigeons called constantly in the huge gums in the enclosure. paperbarks. A great place to veg. out. As a result of fauna invading the enclosure, this year 3 plants were From there we went to Port Douglas which is pretty touristy. We visited browsed off and a further 10 were eaten by insects, mainly by weevils.

10 19 POWERFUL OWL ON RAYMOND ISLAND Morsman Gorge, which was lovely, and headed to Daintree and Cape Tribulation. by Andrew Bould Spent a whole day walking along the rain-forest boardwalks. What a day! Just fantastic. By that night I could hardly walk, but it was more than worthwhile. I Prior to the ANOS trip to Raymond Island in October, one of their members Julie came in close contact with a three year old Spectacled Flying Fox at the Chapman and her husband Keith from Traralgon, spent some time boating around Information Centre. She was beautiful. We also met up with a Cassowary, which the on their boat that is moored at Paynesville. had beated up a man in a yellow shirt only two weeks before. When it got On Saturday 25th. September they moored on the eastern side of Raymond Island uncomfortably close to us I quickly sought the safety of our van only to turn and walked to Gravelly Point. around to find six other people crammed in behind me! It attacked another man In a black wattle looking down upon them was a large bird that Julie and Keith in a yellow shirt while we were there, so it must have had a bad experience at realised was an owl of about 70cm height. some time. Julie had her digital camera with her and took a couple of photos just for her own Back to Port Douglas where we lounged about watching flying foxes flying interest. overhead each evening. Their camp is actually in the town, and there were I received a CD in the mail from Julie with her orchid photos from the ANOS trip thousands of them. The Spectacled Flying Fox looks quite different from the and some of their boat trip on the lakes. Grey-headed Flying Fox when flying. More ‘batman’ like. In the middle of the Raymond Island photos were the owl photos and my interest The next day we headed home. After six weeks away in the heat it was a bit of a went from orchids to birds as Julie has caught a truly magic moment with a superb shock to come home and have to put on a jumper. I didn’t miss the humidity photo of a Powerful Owl consuming its prey of what appears to be a crimson ro- though! sella. ☺ The Powerful Owl has not been officially recorded on the Island since anecdotal sightings of Powerful Owls taking Sugar Giders (also no longer on the Island) in ROTAMAH ISLAND EXCURSION - 17th. October 2004 the 1940’s. by Andrew Bould Also the bird appears to be feeding during the day (photographed at 1.27pm) and on prey that is only active in the day as well. The Australasian Native Orchid Society and the BDFNC joined together to have a Well done Julie, I think your photograph has not only caught the moment, but boat trip aboard the Lakes Odyssey to Rotamah Island on the 17th October. provided a valuable bird sighting record. Weather was perfect for the trip and before heading to Rotamah we had a brief ☺ tour of the canal development in Paynesville. On arrival at Rotamah Island, we ventured along the Forest Track which extends along the southern side of the Island. This area has always been a delight for orchid enthusiasts as there are many or- chids to be found in flower under the coastal heath throughout the year. With 48 pairs of eager eyes many orchids were found along the edges of the track and some found with care under the heath.

The orchids found included the following; Caladenia alata (Fairy Caladenia); C.carnea (Pink Fingers); C. gracilus (Musky Caladenia); C. parva (Small Spider Orchid); C. tentaculata the very stately Man- tis Orchid and the bud of C. sp.aff. vulgaris (Common Caladenia). The yellow and brown Diuris sulphurea (Tiger Orchid) was very abundant along this track compared to a few plants of the blue wax-lip orchid, Glossodia major. ← Powerful Owl on Raymond Island Many greenhoods were also found including the Alpine Greenhood (Pterostylis alpine); P. concinna (Trim Greenhood); P. curta (Blunt Greenhood); P. mel- Photo: Julie Chapman gramma (=longifolia) (Tall Greenhood); P. nutans (Nodding Greenhood) and P. pedunculata (Maroonhood).

18 11 A few budded plants of the Slender Sun Orchid (Thelymitra pauciflora) were also After lunch we climbed down to see the small falls below the junction of the found. Knocker and Burnside Tracks. The water tumbles down the pink granite rocks. Along the Forest track I stopped to look at a caladenia species that was in bud and A Sacred Kingfisher was seen and heard and Leafy Greenhood was found above appeared to be pollinated as the ovary was showing signs of swelling. the falls. Thank you James for leading us to such a wonderland of botanical treas- On further examination, the flower had not opened at all to achieve pollination. ures. The plant was about 15cm tall with a flower petal length of about 5mm. There ☺ were 6 other plants all of same size and characteristics. The plants were too tall for Caladenia alata, did not have strong dark brown stems and “S” bend leaves like C. sp.aff. vulgaris and was too late for both C. gracilis and C. carnea. The only caladenia that is recorded for Victoria with similar description is C. cleistantha, the Closed Caladenia which is recorded for only. Andrew Dilley (ANOS) took the following photograph which he forwarded to the Herbarium for identification. – It was identified as C. cleistantha. Jeff Jeanes then found the same orchid at Mornington Peninsula the following week. On the way back to the homestead, a beautiful Caladenia catenata (White Calade- nia) and Common Onion Orchid, (Microtis unifolia) were also observed in amongst the chaffy saw-sedge, (lomandra latifolia). With the abundance of different orchids found the previous day on Raymond Is- land, the trip to Rotamah was very rewarding as many of the ANOS and BDFNC members had not seen some of the orchids before. ☺

How to find orchids! ↑ ANOS & BDFNC members on Rotamah Island

Photo: Julie Chapman ↑ Caladenia cleistantha

Photo: Andrew Dilley

12 17 (Pterostylis falcata), Leafy (P. cucullata), Maroon (P. pedunculata) and Tall (P. WILSONS PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK 19th – 22nd October 2004 longifolia) and a rare hybrid between Sickle and Leafy called P. aenigma. Num- by Pat Drinkwater bers counted of this rare orchid were 2004 - 0?, 2003 - 50, 2002 - 0, 2001 - 79, 2000 - 65, 1999 - 82. This year the creek appeared to have changed its course A small group of us Field Nats. took off for a few days at the ‘prom’. The weath- somewhat and was completely overgrown with other vegetation, both native and er was promising which was encouraging, as the ‘prom’ can change from fine to weeds. A few buds of P. aenigma were found in the creek and on the bank Tall wild overnight. Greenhood which has leafy stems and many dark green flowers; Pink Fingers After settling in at the camp sites we set off for a short walk around Tidal River. (Caladenia carnea), one of the commonest terrestrial orchids in Australia with It was a bit windy but pleasant. We then returned for the usual ‘happy hour’: im- transverse red bars across the column and labellum; Common Bird Orchid portant to start off the trip in the right mood. (Chiloglottis valida) whose dark flowers look like a little bird waiting to be fed; and a yellow button-like daisy Craspedia variabilis). About a kilometre along Our first day was very pleasant, two of the group set off for a hike down Tele- Burnside was Black-tongue Caladenia (Caladenia congesta) which has congested graph Track, around Oberon Bay to Norman Point then back to Tidal River. The black calli or outgrowths on the labellum tip; Hop Bitter-pea (Daviesia latifolia), a rest of us decided on a shorter walk: from Tidal River we followed the coast shrub with arching branches bearing leaves reduced to phyllodes and numerous around to Pillar Point then on to Squeaky Beach. We saw delightful coastal views yellow and red flowers; and yet another all yellow daisy Hoary Sunray and a wide range of plant communities. Patersonia fragilis and Occidentalis were (Leucochrysum albicans). Greek “leuco” (white colour) and “chryso” (gold) re- in abundance, some Caladenia carnea (Pink Fingers) and a host of other wild- fers to the contrast between the yellow florets and white bracts of some species of flowers and shrubs. this genus. The second day turned out the best weather wise and many more plants to discov- er. We set off for the hike to Tongue Point from Darby Saddle car park ending at On Sunday we investigated the Knocker a little closer to the camp. Again many Darby River where we had left a car for our return to Tidal River. There are spec- of the same plants were growing. It was very curious that the Mountain Caladenia tacular coastal views on this route, tumbled stacks and boulders of weathered and Clubbed Caladenia often grew side by side or intermingled. One feels they granite. must have a close relationship - they are not radically different in appearance. The track winds through stringybark and casuarina forest, low heathland and wind Austral Indigo (Indigofera australis) here is quite different to plants growing near swept coastal vegetation. Flowers were in abundance. the coast. The flowers are pink, the foliage is grey-green and the stems red. Orchids found were: Caladenia aurantiaca (Orange Tip Caladenia), C. carnea Some areas had outcrops of attractive pink granite rocks. Here Purple Coral-pea (Pink Fingers, C.clavigera (Clubbed Spider Orchid), C.dilatata (Green-comb Spi- (Hardenbergia violacea) was often growing. New orchids were Purplish Beard der Orchid), C. iridescens (Bronze Caladenia), C. pusilla (Tiny Caladenia) Gas- Orchid (Calochilus robertsonii) where the basal part of the labellum is covered trodia sesamoides (Cinnamon Bells), Glossodia major (Wax lip Orchid) Lep- with short purple glands, the central area has coarse purple hairs and the very tip toceras menziesii (Hare Orchid), Lyperanthus nigricans (Red Beaks), Thelymitra is naked; Nodding Greenhood (Pterostylis nutans) and Noel found a 4” emerging carnea (Pink Sun Orchid), T. ixioides (Spotted Sun Orchid). spike from the unusual orchid Cinnamon Bells or Potato Orchid (Gastrodia sesa- moides). There were hundreds of plants of Pale Sundew (Drosera peltata) with On our last morning the weather was changing, fine rain started to set in, so after simple pink flowers; Pale-fruit Ballart or Dwarf Cherry (Exocarpus strictus) packing up camp we decided on a short walk to Vereker Lookout on the way out. which is the most widespread species in Victoria; Clustered Everlasting The weather held and we had a very enjoyable trek. This is an ideal picnic walk (Chrysocephalum semipapposum) which has small yellow flowered heads in ter- through banksias woodland. The trail climbs steeply over granite boulders where minal flat-topped clusters. The Clustered Everlastings were much taller than last views open up of and Cotters Beach. year and one plant was very orange among the usual yellow flowers. There was lots of the herb Prickly Starwort (Stellaria pungens) with its starry white flowers We all had a great time. Wilsons Promontory National Park is a magic place. and sharp-pointed leaves. Again very sharp eyes found the tiny primitive fern ☺ Austral Adder’s-tongue (Ophioglossum lusitanicum). Here the birds were Olive- backed Oriole, Grey Shrike-thrush, White Cockatoo, White-throated Treecreeper, Fantailed Cuckoo, and Striated and Spotted Pardalote. Two more flowers of the rare Daddy Long-legs (Caladenia filamentosa) were found.

16 13 KNOCKER TRACK - 5th to 8th November 2004 numbers of most species of orchids (except Daddy Long-legs) may be due to by Margaret Regan stimulation by fire or the lack of competition from other plants. Other plants were Common Beard-heath (Leucopogon virgatus) a shrub to 50cm with upright white Driving up on Friday morning, the weather was quite good, until we hit rain just tubular flowers with a hairy throat; Grey Guinea-flower (Hibbertia obtusifolia) before . The rain stopped through Omeo, so we continued up the Omeo with the usual Guinea-flower golden blooms; Rough Burr-daisy (Calotis scabiosi- Valley Highway, over the historic wooden bridge across the Mitta Mitta River and folia) with mauve flowers; Heath Pink-bells (Tetratheca bauerifolia) with flowers up the Knocker Track to the campsite at Nine Mile Creek where it was now dry on long stalks, a Buttercup (Ranunculus sp.); Creamy Candles (Stackhousia mo- and sunny. Lunch was in the sun at the camp and then up went the tents. Now it nogyna); and the VROT (very rare or threatened) yellow daisy Lanky Buttons was too late to retreat back to the comfort of Omeo. It was downhill weatherwise (Leptorhynchus elongata). Everywhere forming orange carpets on ash beds was from then on, with lots of rain, 18mm one day and 17mm the other day for the the moss pioneer (Funaria hygrometrica). This common world-wide moss is ap- Omeo Valley. We did have sunny dry patches in between, but they weren’t long parently associated with high potash concentrations such as are found after fire, in enough to allow the hundreds of sun orchids to open. There were however, hun- nurseries and around rubbish dumps. The distinctive red-orange hanging capsules dreds of other orchids in flower. In the year 2000, 36 species were found flower- bearing the spores are held on a long bent or coiled stem. When wetted this un- ing. We were gumbooted and raincoated most of the time. The Nine Mile Creek coils, hence the specific name “hygrometrica”. “Hygro” is Greek for “moist” and near camp was quite full and sounded roaring in the dead of night. We had to “metri” is Greek for “measure”. An hygrometer measures relative humidity. cross it in the cars each day as it might have been a bit deep for gummies. Birds heard calling were Fantailed Cuckoo and Cicadabird. The Cicadabird is also called Caterpillar-eater, so it’s presence could probably be explained by the Saturday we travelled back down the Knocker. This area inside the Alpine Na- large number of caterpillars around, which James thought might be those of the tional Park was badly burnt during the 2003 bushfires. It is also grazed, but alt- Meadow Argus butterfly. One poor caterpillar carried several bright orange hough we saw some cow pats, we saw no cattle. The fires of course burnt irregu- mites. The Cicadabird is a small slender Cuckoo-shrike, more often seen than larly, so that in some places the trees had been badly burnt, but not killed and the heard, with a call somewhat like a cicada. It migrates from the north, even from trunks were covered with epicormic shoots with seedlings were coming up every- New Guinea, to breed in the south, from October to March. where in the wetter areas. In other areas the trees weren’t burnt much, but the shrubs and herbs had been removed. These were now returning either from seed Around the junction of Burnside Track and the Knocker Track is always a very in the soil or from the base of the stem, but more slowly in the drier parts. In floral area and here we added Honey or Golden Caladenia (Caladenia hildae) these areas it was easy to walk around, but in some the Prickly Teatree which has gold flowers; Tiger Orchid (Diuris sulphurea) with yellow donkey or- (Leptospermum continentale) will soon out compete everything smaller, and be chid flowers with dark brown markings, very similar to the Leopard Orchid but uncomfortable to walk through. with fewer markings; Daphne Heath (Brachyloma daphnoides) with tubular white honey-scented flowers; the yellow Button Everlasting daisy (Helichrysum scirpi- Not far up from Burnside Track, we stopped for a search about. Orchids were the oides); and Woolly Grevillea (Grevillea lanigera) with soft hairy leaves and red to spectacular Large Green-comb Spider Orchid (Caladenia tentaculata) so named cream flowers. We heard Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Crimson Rosella. Just for the long green teeth on the edge of the labellum; Clubbed Spider Orchid (C. down Burnside Track a small creek named Orchid Creek in the past by James clavigera) with a short entire margined labellum and the sepals usually ending in crosses the track. On our way to the creek were plants of very burnt Mountain blackish glandular clubs; Mountain Spider Orchid (C. montana) with a long Banksia (Banksia canei) with seedlings germinating beneath them. Mountain fringed burgundy labellum; Musky Caladenia (C.gracilis) which is perfumed on Banksia only grows to about 2.5m and is found on rocky sites above 900m in sub- warm days; Midget Greenhood (Pterostylis mutica) whose flower stalk bears up to alpine areas. Banksia plants usually die with severe fire, but the seeds survive 20 small blooms looking like green snails climbing the stem; Golden Moths within the tough cones. The heat causes the cones to open after the fire has (Diuris chryseopsis) whose flowers are mostly clear lemon yellow; Leopard Or- passed; the seeds fall to the ground and germinate some time later when better chid (D. pardina) whose yellow flowers are heavily patterned with brown; Wax- conditions return. Because the ground was wetter we also found Showy Violet lip Orchid (Glossodia major) which has a lovely mauve single flower with the (Viola betonicifolia) with purple flowers. Nearby was Handsome Flat-pea upper part of the labellum white and glandular. James was very excited when one (Platylobium formosum) which is a small shrub with stiff, pointed opposite leaves specimen of a very rare scarlet-burgundy Daddy Long-legs Spider Orchid and numerous yellow and red pea flowers. Orchid Creek had completely (Caladenia filamentosa) was found. The petals are very long and thin. The large changed. In previous years before the fires we found many greenhoods - Sickle

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