Improving Callum Brae

[Julian Robinson <>]

I stumbled out of hibernation today for my first outing in a long time,
to Callum Brae.  Points of interest today were...

- it's the first time I've seen grass long enough to set seed for
years.  And the thistles that Jenny mentioned.  I guess this
must be a result of the roo cull since the rabbits were untouched until
now.

- warren ripping seems to be complete, I didn't see any remaining. 
There was some grim satisfaction in seeing many stressed rabbits in broad
daylight with nowhere to go.  Margaret I don't think 1080 is a
rabbit killer is it, being put into meat?  But I don't know what
they bait rabbits with so might be incorrect.  On this topic, there
are still many rabbit warrens in the adjoining quarry land (one can
imagine if one was able to cross the fence) so ... long term
outlook?  Coordination with private lessees?

- the Goshawk Exclusion Zone is enormous.  I had no intention of
disturbing them but not knowing exactly where they were, and the
self-declared exclusion zone being so large, they found me ... ....
almighty rush of wind from behind and just a few hairs actually touched,
hopefully it was a wing not claws.  Being me, I couldn't resist
photographing old strop for a few minutes.  This was the first time
I've seen both birds swooping although the 'other' one is much more
timid.  I never saw them close together so wasn't able to compare
sizes and determine sex.  And I still don't know where the nest is,
but I was chased for more than 100m.

- there's a pair of nesting Sacred Kingfishers near the SE dam, the first
time I've seen any breeding in CB.

Julian





At 10:15 AM 4/12/2009, Jenny Bounds wrote:

Margaret/ other members: Ive obtained information below from ACT Gov/TAMS re the rabbits control program.  It is important to control this re-emerging pest as it impacts on the ground layer plants and diversity which in turn impacts on birds, especially seed eaters like Diamond Firetails, but also insect eaters (less insects/diversity in the ground layer).  I agree with Sandra re the disturbance issue, and in the long term the control program will benefit most birds.
 
There is also some info below on weeds works.  Unfortunately, the saffron thistle which can be prevalent at Callum Brae in some seasons is not on the priority weeds list, so there may not be much done about that.  I have reported to TAMS the emergence of blackberry seedlings in some areas where blackberries were sprayed in the past, and would encourage members to do the same where they see weed problems emerging.
 
I understand that there are also funds allocated to do rabbit control work at Jerrabomberra wetlands.
 
cheers
Jenny
 
TAMS info.
"

Rabbits Callum Brae<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Ripping of approximately 50 warrens recently completed (this week), warrens are presently being rehabilitated.  Complementary rabbit control work (ripping, phostoxin and pindone) being presently undertaken by adjoining lessees.  A small number of warrens that were unable to be ripped due to underground cables, will be treated with phostoxin this week.  Follow up ripping for Callum Brae is planned for February/March 2010.

 

Weeds Callum Brae

Spring 2009 broadleaf control has been completed.  St Johns Wort control will commence within the next two weeks.  A small area of Blackberry control was undertaken during November 2009.   Follow up broadleaf control will be undertaken next Autumn 2010."