For many years there have been unsubstantiated rumours  that a Red-necked Pademelon had been seen in the vicinity of Gold Creek Road.

But no-one could provide proof, so we weren’t really sure!

We now have evidence that this small elusive marsupial does indeed live locally.

During evenings at home on his Broofkield property, Ed Frazer has often heard a very distinctive single thump. This is the sound a pademelon makes when it is disturbed: it sends a warning to predators by thumping its hind feet. 

Ed has never seen the animal as they are particularly cautious, easily frightened and notoriously difficult to spot.

So Ed set up his Infra-red triggered camera and recently was fortunate enough to pick up the following shot of the timid Red-necked Pademelon:

The rumour has become reality:  we now have proof that the Red-necked Pademelon is present in the lower areas of Brookfield! Very heartening news indeed. 

Note: to learn more about the Red-necked Pademelon, visit the Queensland Museum website.

In this month’s issue of Feather Fascination, Jim Butler explains physiological features of the Australasian Darter which enable it to perform so many remarkable and varied manoeuvres.

It can dive into water with barely a ripple, swim underwater for 30 metres but it can also soar swiftly and beautifully at high elevations on air thermals.

Find out also about their spear fishing techniques and learn why we often see them fanning their wings, as in the photo of a female below, provided by Ed Frazer.

 Click to read on: Feather Fascination February 2018

STOP FOR A MOMENT TO THINK !  Can you see the beauty in a spider?

If you read our latest Bush Bites article you may find yourself captured by the magic of the Golden Orb Weaver!

These large, often strikingly colourful spiders are plentiful in our Catchment and you will have no trouble finding one, even in your own yard!

Ed Frazer has teamed with respected arachnologist Robert Raven to introduce us to the world of the Golden Orb Weaver.

Click here to read on.

Did you know … that fungi can no longer be considered as native plants?

Our summer newsletter reported that, following last year’s annual photography competition, mycologists were keen to let us know that fungi need to be classified in their own separate category! 

This is because  because fungi are in a scientifically recognised kingdom in its own right (i.e. not animals, nor plants).

You can learn more about fungi at our members’ Cottage Talk on Thursday 15 February when respected mycology expert, Dr Diana Leeman, will provide a presentation called: Funghi and its Place in the Scheme of Things.

The talk will run from 10am until around midday at the Cottage.

For more info, contact Dale Borgelt by email: [email protected] 

Or you can call Dale on 0408 741 035

We often think of mistletoe as a scourge!

Mistletoe is a hemi-parasitic woody plant which attaches to other plants with its haustoria, specialised tubes which allow it to penetrate the host plant in order to absorb water and nutrients.

But whilst mistletoe does feed off trees such as eucalypts, iron barks and acacias, it also provides food and shelter for several bird species and small mammals such as possums and gliders. It is also a host plant for many moths and butterflies.

Our very first Bush Bites article was a piece about mistletoe written by Ed Frazer. It was called A Never Ending Story and it described Ed’s observations of the birdlife and other activity occurring within his mistletoe!

The story continues!

Read about Ed’s latest encounters and enjoy more photos from under the mistletoe by clicking here.

Like to get involved in some search and rescue?

Due to the recent rain (very welcome!) our McKay Brook bushcare group’s working bee on Saturday 3 February was cancelled.

An area they planted a year or so ago at their Mabb Street Kenmore site is now infested with glycine, so they’ll be doing some ‘search and rescue’ this Sunday morning 18 February.

Fortunately some of the species they’ve planted, such as the Brown Kurrajongs in the photo below, are rallying and doing well.

 
Brown Kurrajong plantings in Mabb Street – photo courtesy of Bryan Hacker

If you can help, park close to the end of Mabb Street (UBD Map 177 J8) just before 8.30am. Descend the steps and you’ll find Bryan Hacker and his crew about 20m along the path. 

Bring protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts, jeans, sensible shoes/boots), gloves, drinking water, hat, sunscreen. Refreshments will be provided.

For more info, call Bryan on 3374 1468.  PLEASE COME HELP IF YOU CAN!!! 

Saturday 10 February:  Nature Writing Workshop with Dr Inga Simpson

The first WHAT workshop for 2018 will be held on Sunday 11th March. The topic is Aquatic Macro-Invertebrate Survey Training and catchment members are encouraged to attend. 

For more info: email Michael Thorley at [email protected]

NOTE: Council provides five WHAT workshops each year. To see dates for the remaining sessions, please visit our Creek Monitoring Calendar.

We are very excited about the release of our latest online field guide: Butterflies Found within the Catchment.

The list contains some beautiful photos of over 70 butterflies, species names, info about each butterfly’s behaviour and suggested plants to include in your garden if you’d like to attract them!  

This has all been made possible through the collaboration and generosity of Dale Borgelt, MCCG’s Public Relations Officer, and MCCG member and wildlife photographer Ed Frazer. Both share an interest in butterflies and a passion for wildlife photography. 

The list is accessible from our “Catchment Field Guides” menu item. 

Here are two small hints when you have the list open:

• Click on a thumbnail to open a larger image
• Press CTRL + F to search for a particular item. 

Take a look at the list now by clicking here. It’s absolutely worth checking out!

A hint of the magic in our new Butterfly List – a Lesser Wanderer

Courtesy of Ed Frazer