It was a very pleasant morning – warm but cloudy – really ideal, when 13 members of Angair and the Friends gathered for morning tea before setting off for a walk along the Moggs Creek circuit.
Yes there’s time for a cuppa
Although the vegetation along the track was very dry due to the lack of rain, the gully area was still green with the ferns and trees providing shelter for many of our bird friends. As we had many keen bird observers we walked very slowly endeavouring to catch sight of the 17 species we were able to list in the area. Generally we had to be happy with just documenting the bird calls, especially the Golden Whistler that seemed to be following us as we walked, but a few let us see them as they flew among the trees. We managed to see Kookaburras, King Parrots, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Superb Fairy -wrens, a Grey Shrike-thrush, a Grey Fantail and a glimpse of the Bassian Thrush as it flew into the bush from along the track. . We were pleased to see some great holes in the tree trunks that would have provided shelter and nesting sites for the native fauna.
Wonder who calls this their home?
Margaret Grainger’s keen eyes spotted a koala high up in the eucalypts and all of a sudden a group of Sulphur–crested Cockatoos were observed endeavouring to ‘protect’ their noisy fledgling from this intruder.
Not sure what the cockatoos were frightened of?
One of the cockatoos was repeatedly flying at the poor koala who was just intent on sleeping through the uproar.
It was hilarious to watch them!
The continuous raucous call of the young cockatoo was indeed heard later on as we were gathered in the picnic ground. Surely the parents must become frustrated with their noisy offspring!
It is always pleasant walking along this creek track – crossing the creek and gullies on the small wooden bridges.
Posing for the camera
We were pleased to see that there was some water in the creek to provide for the fauna that frequents the area. The vegetation is always varied along this forest track and we managed to find most of the usual plants we have listed for the area. We were fascinated to see so many red berries on the Prickly Currant-bush, Coprosma quadrifida, while the Victorian Christmas Bush, Prostranthera lasianthos var. lasianthos, was very spectacular. We were very excited to find a strong bush of the Bootlace Bush, Pimelea axiflora ssp. axiflora, growing beside the track. This was a new record for this species that is usually found further to the west in moist to wet mountain forests.
Conrad and Alison try out the tasty red berries
Chris admires the flowers of the Victorian Christmas Bush
Usually the pleasant smell from the barbecue permeates the environment as we return to the picnic ground about noon ready for our picnic lunch. However this was not the case and when we arrived there was no sign of Parks Vic Rangers with the usual BBQ – just another 23 people gathered under the trees chatting to each other.
It was very pleasant in amongst the trees
After a little detective work we found that there had been a break down in communication with the Parks Rangers, Craig and Keieran, having promised the BBQ for Sunday!
Not to be thwarted we soon took up the challenge with many people gathering wood, and Patrick, Rob and Conrad soon having a fire alight in one of the in ground barbecues and it wasn’t long before vegie burgers, sausages and rissoles were ready for the hungry visitors.
Rob and Patrick get fire underway
Conrad has vegie burgers under control
As usual there was a great selection of salads and people were quick to fill their plates and sit down to enjoy their lunch in this beautiful environment.
So many great salads to share
Bill, Olivia, Fabian and Gael enjoying their lunch
Ross, Claire, Chris and the two Margarets do likewise
With people finishing their meal Rob Shepherd, Friends’ Vice-president, in Keith’s absence, thanked the Friends and Angair members for their involvement during the year, highlighting some of the Friends’ activities that had been undertaken.
Rob says thank-you to all
Wendy Crebbin , Angair President, then spoke on behalf of Angair.
Wendy thanks Angair for their efforts and wishes everyone a happy festive season
Of course there was no response from Parks Vic, but the message that came later expressed Parks appreciation for the volunteer efforts
“Hope you all had a great day and thanks to you all for everything you do. The knowledge and passion you all show is priceless.
Thanks Craig”
It is an end of the year celebration that will be long remembered!
Marg MacDonald