Brisbane is reputed to be the only major city in the world in which a significant proportion (around 20% – 30%) of houses have the local apex predator living in their roof spaces! In the case of Brisbane, the apex predator is the carpet python (Morelia spilota). Carpet pythons can reach up to 4m in length and 15kg in weight and can live for around 20 years in the wild. They are non-venomous and catch their prey by constricting it and swallowing it whole. The medium-sized carpet python in the photo had caught a crested pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes) in my garden and is in the process of swallowing it.

Carpet pythons have adapted well to the urban environment, finding roof spaces an excellent substitute for tree hollows, which have become less available over time due to urban expansion and tree clearing. Trees typically take 100 years or more to develop hollows and old trees are becoming increasingly rare, (which is a problem for many birds and animals that rely on tree hollows for nesting sites). Having a carpet python in your roof has benefits in that they are very effective in controlling rodents. However, the fact that carpet pythons swallow their prey whole can create a problem for them. Some years ago, while watching television one evening, I was disturbed by a loud noise from my balcony. It turned out that a very large carpet python (which I knew lived in the roof) was thrashing around and knocking over several pot-plants. It had caught and swallowed what was almost certainly a brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), as evidenced by a large bulge in the middle of its body. Unfortunately for the python (and my pot plants) this prevented it from re-entering the roof space through its usual hole, so it took over the balcony for several days, while digesting its prey!

In the outer western suburbs of Brisbane, the role of apex predator may be occupied by the lace monitor or tree goanna (Varanus varius). These can reach 2m in length and 14kg in weight. Unlike carpet pythons, lace monitors have a venomous bite. Previously it had been thought that bites by lace monitors were prone to infection from bacteria in their mouths resulting from eating carrion, but recent research has shown that all monitors may be somewhat venomous. Best to keep them out of your roof!

Photos and text: Jim Pope

 

Annual General Meeting 2021
Everyone Welcome!

When
Thursday, 25^th November 2021 at 7pm (doors open 6.30pm)
Where
Brookfield Showground Hall

Vacant positions: Chairperson & Secretary.

Please consider nominating. Nomination forms can be downloaded here

 

 

Guest Speaker
Judy Magub OAM

History is not just about the people, events, and buildings. We have so many magnificent trees in our suburbs that also reflect our local history. Some are remnant vegetation; some remind us of the culture of the indigenous people; some were planted for a purpose; some to commemorate or remember a person or event; some were planted for shade or food.
Over the past year Judy has been researching and photographing these historic and significant trees. A Research Report has now been published to record what we know to date, and to generate more information from the community.

 

Judy Magub Bio

Judy has a background in Nursing and Health Administration.

She was elected to the Brisbane City Council and served as the Councillor for Toowong for 13 years before she retired in 2008.

She has a keen interest in local and family history and is currently the president of the Kenmore & District Historical Society.  She has published five books on local history.

Judy has been involved in a wide range volunteer work with many  community organizations. She has been a Rotarian for 30 years, was a Rotary District Governor in 2000, and is now an Honorary member.

In 2001 she received a QUT Outstanding Alumni Award and in 2014 an OAM

 

It is with huge appreciation and a tinge of sadness that the final Feather Fascination is published on the website and in The Local Bulletin.  Jim Butler’s incredible contribution to increasing awareness and love of our local birds and their antics has been widely enjoyed in the community for 8 years. His knowledge is unrivalled and his time spent volunteering these articles will be greatly missed.

Thank you Jim!

Please enjoy this Feather Fascination

Here is a link to read all of Jim Butler’s Feather Fascination articles.

MCCG will be filling the gap left by Jim with a variety of writers contributing to the new  ‘Wildlife Matters’ column in The Local Bulletin and also on our website.  Stay tuned for the first article in January 2021!

And what a FANTASTIC issue it is.  Here is a taster of what awaits:

• Chairmans Report: Talks by experts have recommenced with the next one (Prof. Paul Roe) via Zoom on Oct 1st.
• Nursery News: we have a hooting good solution to stop the rats eating the seedlings.
• Dr Manda Page explains What ARE Threatened Species?
• Working Bees: find out whats been happening at the Bush Tucker Garden and which Bushcare groups have been out planting trees.
• Ed Frazer’s Bush Bites are always a delightful read showcasing our fabulous local birdlife.
• Froggin’ Around What are our frogs trying to tell us?
• The MCCG Photography Competition is open for entries now.
• And so much more …

Sit down, relax and take some time to read ALL the news in from the Moggill Creek Catchment Group.

Click here to read the Spring Newsletter

Alternatively, you’ll always find the latest newsletter at the top right of your screen.

Our sincere thanks to Newsletter Editor Cathi Lawrence for continuing to delivering a jam packed, enthralling issue, and to our loyal and hard working contributors for their diverse and quality content. We acknowledge the skills and effort of so many MCCG members – we are indeed fortunate!

 

Noisy Pitta – Ed Frazer

 

Did you know Australia has about twenty species of grassfinches and the spectacular double-barred finch is the smallest!

In his latest issue of Feather Fascination,  Jim Butler describes the thrill of seeing two flocks of double-barred finches.

To find out more, head to Jim Butler’s Feather Fascination August 2020.

Photo: Ed Frazer

That’s the best way to describe our latest newsletter for Winter 2020!

This issue has something to please everyone! It’s loaded with photos and great articles.

We meet our new PR Officer Sam Bayford-Brown who certainly hasn’t let the Corona Virus lockdown get in her way!

And another new member Dr Manda Page, who works for the Queensland Government, will educate us about threatened species here in the catchment.

Are you struggling with the scourge of Balloon Vine? Bryan Hacker can help you!  And he also profiles the native Binung Fern which is available for members from the Nursery.

As if that’s not enough, Bryan shares a lovely photo of a very special spider’s web.

Ed Frazer never fails to astonish with his dazzling photos. In this issue Ed’s shutter is focused on Scarlet Jezebel butterflies, their pupae and the adult butterfly – a great read and a feast for the eyes! Ed has also written a wonderful profile about longstanding MCCG member and horticulturalist Andrew Wilson.

Phil Bird brings us up-to-date on the number of frog species recently surveyed in the catchment. Have you heard of a Bleating tree frog? Go check out Phil’s article!

And our Chairman Jim Pope delivers a call to arms to double the area of protected land in Queensland from 8% to 17%.

GRAB A CUPPA AND HEAD TO OUR WINTER NEWSLETTER!!  Just click the link at the top right of your screen! You’ll be glad you did!

Our sincere thanks to Newsletter Editor Cathi Lawrence for delivering such a vibrant issue, and to our loyal and hard working contributors for their diverse and quality content. We acknowledge the skills and effort of so many MCCG members – we are indeed fortunate.

The stunning Scarlet Jezebel – © Ed Frazer