News

Australian Bird Feeding and Watering Study

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One of the most common ways people interact with birds is by providing food and water. 

The Australian Bird Feeding and Watering Study is a national Citizen Science initiative being conducted by researchers at Deakin University and Griffith University. It s focus is on the interactions people have with birds in their own backyards, as this can have a huge impact on bird diversity and abundance.

The study entered its third week during 15-23 August but the team is still very keen to invite new participants before it closes on August 28 . 

If you provide food and/or water for birds and would like to take part, please visit their website. 

New Environmentally Focussed Apps

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Two recently released apps will no doubt attract South East Queenslanders who have a passion for the environment.

“Frogs of Australia” is a comprehensive electronic field guide to Australian frogs. Available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch (with an Android version soon to be released), it includes descriptions,  images and calls of over 200 species of Australian frogs and can be tweaked to show only local species.  The app is co-authored by a member of our catchment group, Gordon Grigg.  For more info, visit the Ug Media website.

“Weeds of South East Queensland” is a free app with descriptions and images of over 600 garden and environmental weeds found in SE Queensland and Northern NSW. Utilising Lucid technology, this is a hands-on tool which allows you to identify plants while you’re out in the field. It’s compatible for iPhone, iPad and Android and can be downloaded from Google Play or I-Tunes.

Breaking Bad Habitats

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Habitat quality is critical to the richness and abundance of the bird community and indeed to sustaining our region’s entire biodiversity.

Click here to read more in the August edition of Jim Butler’s Feather Fascination. 

—— !!! NEWSFLASH !!! —— Help Rescue Rowena!

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SUNDAY 7 AUGUST!

We are seeking volunteers for a new Buschcare group to restore Rowena Park. This lovely parkland is located alongside Moggill Creek, adjacent to Rafting Grounds Reserve.

Our inaugural working bee will be Sunday 7 August commencing at 9am for 3-4 hours. Refreshments will be provided as our way of saying thank you.

This is a beautiful parkland and it provides a wonderful open space to spend a Sunday morning so please come and join us! Be sure to wear closed shoes and bring gloves and a hat! 

Check out the flyer for more details and directions, or give Malcolm a call on  0418 552409.

What do you think about water?

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  • Is water something you only think about during drought? 
  • Are you worried about the cost of water?
  • How confident are you about water security for all Australians in the future?

The Australian Water Association is an independent, not-for-profit association for water professionals and organisations. 

It has launched a national 10-minute survey to explore opinions and priorities about key water issues in Australia. The survey closes on 12 August, 2016.

Have your say and help spread the word about this important survey!

Click here for more info and to contribute to about the survey.

Feel free to pass this on to your friends and contacts.


NEWSFLASH REMINDER: Wildlife Night!

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Monday 25 July at 7pm!

Brookfield Hall  is a wonderful place to be if you’re interested in the native wildlife of our area.

Martin Fingland will be giving another special night presentation for MCCG. Martin always introduces some of the harder to see visitors to our gardens and gives children and adults the opportunity to see up close, perhaps touch, and certainly learn more about our local wildlife.

MCCG is proud to offer this as a public meeting open to the whole community.  With children in mind, the start time is early, running from 7pm to 8.30pm (there is no supper after).

So gather your children and friends and join us to enjoy LOCAL WILDLIFE ON SHOW – 7pm Monday 25th July at Brookfield Hall.

For more info please send an email to Dale at [email protected]

New entity – Healthy Waterways and Catchments

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A new era for the management of South East Queensland’s land and waterways has been formally announced with the official formation of Healthy Waterways and Catchments.

This new entity will combine the not-for-profit organisations Healthy Waterways and SEQ Catchments.

Healthy Waterways and Catchments has been formed as a community-focused and science-based waterway and natural asset management organisation which will improve the coordination and implementation of best practice catchment management.


As the two organisations transition, they  will continue to operate under their existing brands for a number of months and a thorough strategic planning and branding process will be undertaken for the new entity.

Visit the website for more information about these changes.

Happy Days! Kids Day at the Cottage 2016

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Over 300 grown-ups and kids rocked up for a truly wonderful Kids Day at the Cottage on Sunday 12 June.

We had some standout activities presented by a group of talented and knowledgeable volunteers, to whom we extend our sincere thanks.

Martin Fingland’s 3 wildlife show sessions were as popular as ever and once again Gordon Grigg attracted lots of interest with his table of random curiosities!

Deborah Craig gave us a special demonstration on jewellery making with bamboo beads, Geoff Monteith spoke on insects, Jan Blok gave a talk on plant identification, John Stanisic provided some fascinating facts about snails and Andrew Wilson demonstrated how to pot seedlings.

Carolyn Parsons worked magic by turning our meeting room into a butterfly room! Her ladybird beetle fridge magnets were a huge hit with the kids!
 
We are particularly grateful to SEQWater staff for donating sausages for our sausage sizzle and to the Brisbane City Council Creek Catchment Program for helping out with hire equipment.  SEQWater also provided free water bottles and booklets.

And we would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Gordon Grigg, Gordon Wilkinson, Ian Hancock and John Crowley in making the day such a resounding success. 

Things that pierce the silence of the night

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Have you ever heard a lonely, mournful wail breaking the silence of the night?

Our July edition of “Feather Fascination” reveals the story of the remarkable suburban resident behind these sad wailing calls.

Click here to learn more.