MT ROGERS: MID-SEPTEMBER UPDATE 2017

 The next working-bee will be on Sunday 24^th September from 09.00hrs. We’ll meet in McNolty Place, Spence.  On Sunday October 22^nd we’ll meet at Wickens Place and return to the Tree of Heaven task. (No working bee on Monday 2 October.)

Sunday 17 September was another brilliant day emerging after a week of feral winds and minimal rain. The wind was still cold at times but there were sheltered places in the backyard where the garden needed attention. Do check the moisture levels at your place as the windiness, frosts and lack of useful rain have dried out soils.

Throughout the day we could hear the “chip chip” of Yellow-Faced Honeyeaters. They have Flynn mapped out in terms of finding and feasting on the nectar of Ironbark trees. These eucalypts’ flowers are pink. Rainbow Lorikeets were also busy in the nearest tree and were strangely silent compared to their usual noisy, fast-flying aggressiveness. The story goes that the ACT’s population has expanded from aviary birds released from Hawker 20 years ago. It’s likely that climate change is also playing a part in their increasing numbers these days.

Last Sunday Mt Rogers hosted a bird-watching walk for the Canberra Ornithologists’ Group (COG). Angharad researched and reconnoitred the routes that would offer the best sightings from an 08.30 start. The tally was 26 species augmented by a display from a squadron of Straw-Necked Ibis giving a thermalling display high above the reserve as we returned to Wickens Place. Our 12 visitors seemed well pleased. Tee was lucky enough to spot a pair of roosting Frogmouths. Those with the right lenses moved round for some closer shots of the appealing couple. Perhaps someone has spotted a nest? We found three last year.

The previous weekend, 8–10 September Ann was among a number of local landcarers/ParkCarers contributing several hours as explainers at the Parkcare Display at Jamison Shopping Centre. The general public had a chance to see what landcaring is all about and where volunteers are actively caring for their special places around Belconnen.

Phil and Richard (Rangers) were at the Display for several hours on Sunday 10^th before heading to Flynn to talk to a person who has been sporadically taking timber out of Mt Rogers for some time. The Rangers confiscated the culprit’s woodpile and included the following in their report: ‘The current maximum penalties that apply are as follows (in summary only):
*Take native plant growing on unleased land - $7,500
*Damage native tree, unleased land - $60,000
*Damage fallen native timber with diameter more than 10 cm, unleased land - $7,500
*Take fallen native timber from unleased land - $7,500. ’  
Our thanks go to Ted for his investigations of recent drag-marks through the reserve to the west and for taking valuable photographs. Contact the Parks and Conservation Service’s Compliance Unit if you see someone taking timber 6207 6487.

             

If only there was a compliance unit to attend to the problem of irresponsible dog owners.  A few of us have been discussing making our own signs with messages about dogs being under their owners’/walkers’ control. We are still waiting for the official signs about dog behaviour & owners’ responsibilities that were ‘promised’ in 2014. Our regular community members, their dogs and Mt Rogers’ wildlife need protection from those who don’t care about others and fail to respect and share the reserve that we’re stewards of.

Steve has responded to our mapping that confirmed St Johns Wort infestations by spraying these weeds with Starane. This herbicide does not affect grasses near the SJW rosettes.

             

Rosemary 6258 4724