Category Archives: Nature Observations

The migratory birds of the Box-Ironbark Forests

Posted on 24 December, 2011 by fobif

In the Box-Ironbark forests quite a few bird species come and go with the seasons. Over many years a lot of people have contributed to surveys for the Birds Australia Atlas or Birdline and similar. These records have now been … Continue reading →

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Sharing the same nesting area

Posted on 9 December, 2011 by fobif

Eroded creek banks, although a blot on the landscape in some ways, also have their upside. At this time of year two quite different species utilise the eroded walls to build their nests at the end of tunnels in the … Continue reading →

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Alison Pouliot and the International Year of the Forests

Posted on 29 November, 2011 by fobif

Over many years, well-known photographer and fungi expert Alison Pouliot has taken superb images of our local bushlands. On her website she notes that her photos concentrate on the design, diversity and connectedness of living things and that her background in research … Continue reading →

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Poolside

Posted on 23 November, 2011 by fobif

Last summer saw an amazing explosion in numbers of dragonflies and damselflies around our creeks and dams. This year there are already significant numbers of these interesting and important creatures. The Forest Creek pools near the walking track are playing … Continue reading →

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Make yourself comfortable!

Posted on 16 November, 2011 by fobif

The brush tailed Phascogale, or Tuan, is FOBIF’s chosen symbol for a number of reasons: it’s an iconic box ironbark species, it’s endangered, and, let’s face it, it’s cute. One of the interesting things about the Phascogale is that it … Continue reading →

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It’s hard to like them, but they’re quite at home with us…

Posted on 8 November, 2011 by fobif

The picture below is of a dead Redback spider, Latrodectus hasselti, found in a Castlemaine garden. The species is infamous for its alleged propensity to lurk on toilet seats, but is actually quite shy, though it has made itself comfortable … Continue reading →

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Out and about in the Muckleford Forest

Posted on 21 October, 2011 by fobif

I always find that the call of the Peaceful Dove is enticing, but it can be a hard bird to actually locate. The call seems to move about and getting a fix can be hard. When you do, the view … Continue reading →

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An interesting Greenhood

Posted on 9 October, 2011 by fobif

Two FOBIF members recently went to the Wewak Track hoping to see the Matted Bush-pea Pultenaea pedunculata in flower. This creeper covers vast areas and is spectacular when in flower. Unfortunately we were a week or two too early. We did … Continue reading →

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The sounds of spring, part 1

Posted on 20 September, 2011 by fobif

Each spring a variety of birds migrate back into the area for breeding. Hence the forests become alive with the calls of these species that haven’t been heard in the area for quite a while. This post introduces you to … Continue reading →

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Buff-banded Rail in Marie and John’s yard

Posted on 18 September, 2011 by fobif

This Buff-banded Rail, Gallirallus philippensis stayed in Marie Jones and John Ellis’ house yard for two days and enjoyed the easy food pickings. With no cats it didn’t have too much to worry about. This is the first time they have … Continue reading →

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