Over the last 5 to 10 years, a small, brown beetle known as the ‘Celtis Leaf Beetle’ (Menippus cynicus) has started causing noticeable damage to the young leaves of the highly invasive introduced weed-tree Chinese Celtis (Celtis sinensis) around South-East Queensland.

The Celtis Leaf Beetle is native to coastal, central Queensland and we are unsure whether it has moved by itself to south-east Queensland, or if it was transported by people.  

Regardless, it is here in our catchment now and we can only hope that it reduces the vigour of Chinese Celtis!

Photo courtesy of BioSecurity Qld

Hidden away in the waterways and grasses of our Moggill Creek Catchment are some fascinating birds belonging to the little-known group of Crakes and Rails.

There is very limited public awareness of crakes and rails in the waterways of South-East Queensland in general.  Activities such as grass mowing and creek dredging have significantly destroyed their habitat, without replacement. 

Achieving the optimal balance between revegetation, weed control, public amenity and sustaining native birds and plants that already exist in our waterways is not easy.

Within our own catchment, crakes and rails include the Lewins Rail, Buff-banded Rail, Pale-vented Bush-hen and Spotless Crake. The following pictures were taken locally by Ed Frazer.    

Lewins Rail

Buff-banded Rail

Pale-vented Bush-hen

Spotless Crake

A recent article published in the Land for Wildlife newsletter lists some strategies that can be applied to protect the habitat of these wonderful birds. It is a helpful resource/reference for protecting the wonderful—but, in this case, hidden—biodiversity that presently exists in our creeks, swamps and riversides. 

Although perhaps giving the impression that these birds are common, permanent habitat in our suburbs is scarce and many waterways are no longer suitable for these fascinating birds.

Brisbane City Council’s Conservation Action Statement on Crakes & Rails (2010) also provides some interesting facts and figures.

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Our June Cottage Talk, scheduled for Thursday 15th June, has been cancelled.

This is due to our mid-year public meeting being held on the same day.

Please click here for more info. 

YOU ARE MOST WELCOME to join us for our mid-year public meeting!

Learn how to visually record progress on your bushcare site over years or just observe your favourite nature spot!

We’ve all seen plovers sitting on nests situated plum in the middle of wide expanses of parklands, lawns or roadside verges!

 … or flying around and squawking loudly to protect their nests! So just what is this perplexing behaviour all about?

Photo courtesy of Ed Frazer

Believe it or not, there IS a strategy!

Click here to read all about the quirky minds of Plover parents in the June edition of Jim Butler’s “Feather Fascination.”

Here’s a peek at the neckwear the kids will be creating this year at the very popular jewellery-making stand at Kids’ Day at the Cottage.

Each year our wonderfully generous and talented Deborah Craig designs something with a focus on natural products for the kids to make.

For 2017 these will include hand-made pottery beads, and bamboo, and seeds.

Here is a snapshot of Deborah modelling one of her fabulous creations!

Is it possible that YOU have seen Badhara Bush?

This invasive weed, native to Asia,has recently been located on a private property in Bellbowrie. It was thought to be absent except for a single infestation in Rockhampton.

Badhara Bush is a thorny shrub or small tree 2-4m tall which forms dense thickets.It has yellow tubular flowers and yellow pear-shaped fruit which generally presents from December to August.

It is listed as a Restricted class 3 invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014. The Biosecurity Queensland website has a detailed description.

Please keep an eye out for any infestations and report any sightings to Biosecurity Queensland (ph: 13 25 23) or the Queensland Herbarium (ph: 3896 9326)

• 30% of the 660 Land for Wildlife properties in South East Queensland are in the Moggill Creek Catchment!
• And 40% of all eligible properties in Moggill Creek Catchment are in the Land for Wildlife Program.

But wait, there’s more ! ….

• 10 Habitat Brisbane Groups out of 148 across Brisbane are in the Moggill Creek Catchment!

Landholders living around Moggill Creek clearly care about preserving the region’s stunning natural environment. Land for Wildlife is a voluntary program that helps landowners identify unique and often threatened plant and animal species and gives advice on how to help manage them. Through Land for Wildlife you can learn about native plants, animals and ecosystems on your property and get advice on managing threats such as weeds and pest animals.

To become a part of this huge and growing network, please visit the Land for Wildlife South East Queensland website.