Category Archives: Nature Observations

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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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Something obvious

Posted on 16 July, 2018 by fobif

On the subject of old trees, and the lack of them, it’s worth drawing attention to a recent article in the Conversation website on their value: ‘In urban landscapes, many consider large and old eucalypts a dangerous nuisance that drop … Continue reading →

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‘Creatures’ collection growing

Posted on 1 July, 2018 by fobif

There have been some interesting contributions to our Creatures photo collection over the past couple of weeks. Vivienne Hamilton sent us a terrific photo of this Red Wattlebird shaking itself off.  You can see more of Vivienne Hamilton’s photos in … Continue reading →

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Yellow Gums stand out

Posted on 10 June, 2018 by fobif

Yellow Gums Eucalyptus leucoxylon change more from season to season and are more colourful than all other local eucalypts. Their copious shedding of bark in summer is commonly accompanied by a dramatic colouring of trunks for months. After the rain is … Continue reading →

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