Yesterday evening I went
back to the little westernmost dam to have a closer look at the dying trees and
saplings. It seems all the affected
trees are Blakely’s red gums.
At least two other species of eucalypt are there (one being yellow box),
and they are quite healthy. Also
acacias which are quite healthy.
In addition, some
Blakely’s red gums on other parts of Callum Brae are also quite seedy
looking.
After my visit this
morning I met a ranger coming in as I was going out. Serendipity! I was able to draw her attention to the
problem patch, and she said she would have a look. She talked for a while and said a
similar problem exists with Blakely’s on other reserves, and gave me a
run down on the many complex contributing factors that may be causing their ill
health.
It looks less like
herbicide now.
As far as birds go,
this morning I learned the meaning of “territorial”. I watched for some time, the activities
of noisy miners in the vicinity of their nest. Not only did they protect their own
tree, but chased off any intruders who strayed into neighbouring trees as well. They tied up a considerable area just
for themselves.
Margaret Leggoe
