Category Archives: Nature Observations

A couple of ways to stay connected . . .

Posted on 6 April, 2020 by fobif

Andrew Skeoch, is live streaming his morning bushwalks each day on his listening earth FB page – starting 7.30am. Andrew is a well-known environmentalist and nature sound recordist who lives on a large bush block in Strangways. Watching his daily … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature Observations, News, Walks | 2 Comments

Decline or blip?

Posted on 1 March, 2020 by fobif

Most of our readers will be familiar with Geoff Park’s blog, Natural Newstead. If you haven’t read his recent posts on local bird numbers, it’s worth having a look: During the week I paid visits to Rotunda Park and Mia … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature Observations | Comments Off on Decline or blip?

And while we’re on the subject, here’s a little reason to slow down

Posted on 7 October, 2019 by fobif

That little blob below is an echidna. We think the pictures speak for themselves.

Posted in Nature Observations | Comments Off on And while we’re on the subject, here’s a little reason to slow down

Three reasons to visit the Loop and Wewak Tracks

Posted on 30 September, 2019 by fobif

Last Friday walkers came across these unusual flowers near the Loop Track at the southern end of the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park. Frances Cincotta identified the plant as Rosy Baeckea Eurymyrtus ramosissima. According to Ern Perkin’s database it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature Observations | Comments Off on Three reasons to visit the Loop and Wewak Tracks

The remarkable world of wild orchids

Posted on 15 March, 2019 by fobif

Newstead Landcare are delighted to present a talk by Emily Noble on ‘The remarkable world of wild orchids’ at 8.00pm on Thursday 21st March at Newstead Community Centre. As the Secretary of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Ballarat, Business Manager … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature Observations | Comments Off on The remarkable world of wild orchids

Why didn’t we notice this before?

Posted on 11 February, 2019 by fobif

People travelling on Harmony Way south of Harcourt in the last few months have been intrigued by what seems to be a new kind of mistletoe on roadside Red Gums. Although maybe more prolific than in previous years, the mistletoe … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature Observations, News | Comments Off on Why didn’t we notice this before?

Only read this if you’re feeling courageous

Posted on 11 February, 2019 by fobif

As we pointed out a few weeks ago, there’s increasing anecdotal evidence of a decline in local insect populations. The evidence is mounting that this is a world wide problem. According to the latest scientific review, ‘More than 40% of … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature Observations, News | Comments Off on Only read this if you’re feeling courageous

The price of gold

Posted on 3 September, 2018 by fobif

Ian Higgins began his talk at the FOBIF AGM last Monday by showing a picture of the beautiful interior of Parliament House Melbourne, inlaid with pure gold. Then he showed this eloquent 1861 photograph taken near Guildford, most likely near … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature Observations, News | Comments Off on The price of gold

What’s all that intensely green stuff?

Posted on 19 August, 2018 by fobif

We haven’t had a huge season for rain. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, ‘Statewide rainfall was 33% below the long-term July mean of 70 mm, the driest July since 2002, and large areas in the north and east of Victoria, … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature Observations, News | Comments Off on What’s all that intensely green stuff?

For the birds

Posted on 16 July, 2018 by fobif

A large group rocked up to FOBIF’s July walk on Sunday, led by Damian Kelly, author of the recently published Castlemaine Bird Walks. The walk covered a section of the north eastern corner of the Maldon Historic area. The weather … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature Observations, News | Comments Off on For the birds