Callum Brae - update

[sandra henderson <>]

I was at Callum Brae on Friday morning - and it was a very productive morning.  A gang-gang near the entry (first time I've got one there), and the first of the bulbine lilies flowering. Frogs calling in the gullies and dams (at least 3 species in some cases), and quite a few areas with standing surface water and numerous small sundews.  There were many rosellas to-ing and fro-ing around tree hollows (crimson and eastern), and choughs carrying food to a nest. Many dusky woodswallows around, although I didn't spy any nesting. Other birds included flame robin, diamond firetail, white-naped honeyeaters, and a kestrel.  43 species in total in a couple of hours, a quite respectable total and much better than some other recent visits.

there is a territorial magpie with nest not far inside the reserve, to right of the gate.

sandra

On Sun, Sep 12, 2010 at 2:31 PM, Margaret Leggoe <> wrote:

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