Category Archives: Nature Observations

New find in Muckleford Forest!

Posted on 11 May, 2020 by fobif

A small population of a daisy-bush never found in Mount Alexander Shire before (as far as we know) has been discovered in bushland to the north of Newstead. Found growing under Grey Box and Yellow Gum trees, the erect daisy-bush … Continue reading →

Posted in Nature Observations, News | 1 Comment

OK, it’s not a cascade, but it’s the best we can do…

Posted on 27 April, 2020 by fobif

The gouged and eroded gullies of our region are a heritage of the gold rushes, a time when an unknown quantity of topsoil was lost through deforestation and creeks were scoured for gold. There are a few reminders, however, of … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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.

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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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