Some magical moments with our animal friends were experienced this month.
- The Peregrine Falcons have been flying overhead both at Point Addis and at Aireys Inlet. Hopefully they will have a successful breeding season.
- A group of more than twenty White-faced Herons flew over the sea at Aireys Inlet and landed briefly, on Castle Rock. They were later seen on one of the Norfolk Pines near the Allen Noble Sanctuary.
- An immature Osprey was resting on the rocks near Marengo, past Apollo Bay, when the Friends of Eastern Otways walked in the area on Saturday, 20 August. Luckily, Phil Watson had his bird viewing scope in his car, and we all managed to have great views of this graceful, large, fishing bird, which is not often seen in this area. The scope also enabled us to look at the Australian Fur Seals sunning on Marengo Reef.
- The Australasian Gannets have been diving and catching fish near Split Point Lighthouse – they are most spectacular to watch as they plummet into the water, often reappearing with an obvious catch in their beaks.
- Three Eastern Grey Kangaroos seem to have taken up residence at the Moggs Creek Picnic Ground – two large animals and one young one. As we walked along the track at about 9.00 p.m., the younger animal, which was feeding on the grass at the side, turned its head as much as to say ‘Good evening’, and then continued grazing, completely indifferent to the fact that we were walking very close.
- Rangers Katrina and Aaron were delighted to see a Southern Brown Bandicoot scurrying about on the side of the Great Ocean Road at Aireys Inlet. It was a windy morning and Katrina said the little creature looked a bit confused!
Two students from University of Melbourne are seeking volunteer assistance with research projects. Perhaps you may be able to help.
Volunteers needed to help study the effects of fire on birds
The University of Melbourne is seeking volunteer, field assistants to help catch bush birds in the Otway Ranges from September until December, 2011.
This research is part of a larger study of the effects of fire on biodiversity. Mist-netting and blood sampling will allow us to examine the effects of fire on genetic diversity.
Please join us whenever possible; no previous experience is necessary. Moderate fitness is required for walking short distances (less than 1 km) through dense forest.
Please contact Holly Sitters for dates and further information: hsitters@student.unimelb.edu.au, or by phone 0488 739 033.
Coastal Weeds and Birds Project
Volunteers are needed for a new coastal weeds and birds project.
Over the years, Australia’s coastal habitats have been altered by weeds. University of Melbourne researcher, Charlotte Catmur, wants to find out more about the impact this is having on native wildlife.
Charlotte needs your help to find out – it is just a matter of walking on the beach this spring/summer, to spot birds in the weeds and record what you see.
If you would like to be involved, please email Charlotte at catmurc@unimelb.edu.au
Margaret MacDonald (in Kaye and Mike’s absence)