Since then we have had showers yielding about 25 mL of rain and there’s been a ‘freshening-up’, even a greening-up in places. Greener areas prior to the showers probably indicated natural drainage lines that might once have allowed run-off towards Ginninderra Creek or the creek-line that passes north of Dunlop. Days of strong winds, combined with Summer-temperatures-in-Spring, continue to dry out the area.
Plantings in early winter 2005 have been partially successful. They have responded to the little rain we’ve had even though it only seems to dampen the natural mulch without reaching the sub-soil.
Clumps of Serrated Tussock have been sprayed by Parks & Places contractors. This highly invasive noxious grass seems to be under control thanks to this annual program around the hill … but ACT weed-control funding has been cut ….
Thanks to an anonymous “exterminator” quite a few Cotoneasters and Privets have been grubbed-out from areas close to the gravel path during Winter. There are others that need attention, however.
Two households have been proactive, putting-in and watering new native plants where their properties’ boundaries meet the ‘reserve’. There are more natives waiting to go in but they’ve been potted-on to wait-out the dry Summer. Other residents have taken loppers to Briar Roses and sprayed or pulled-out Paterson’s Curse near their homes as their respective contributions. A pool-screening Cotoneaster hedge has been removed. There will be fewer berries being taken by birds onto Mt Rogers.
Cat-less gardens are extra-valuable to Mt Rogers wildlife in extreme conditions. They act as refuges from predators, sources of shelter (and perhaps nest-sites) and can offer regular, clean water.
Mt Rogers’ old or hollow trees are in demand with Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Rosellas, Galahs, Kookaburras, Pardalotes and Possums among the natural hollow-users. Common or Indian Mynas are a serious threat to these species as they take-over and vigorously defend tree hollows.* Two Rainbow Lorikeets were also chased away by Mynas in August but have been heard and seen since. They’re not normally ACT residents but there’s been a small group in Hawker for several years.
Sacred Kingfishers also nest in tree hollows and one has been seen recently. They’re forest and woodland birds and watch from high branches for insects and small reptiles.
Skinks and Dragon lizards are around. Have you seen lizards basking in full sun, on stumps, rocks or (as one was) in the middle of the carpark’s grass? Another remained motionless beside the path as 35 Walking-for-Pleasure walkers passed by in mid-October.
A flock of 10 Superb Parrots was seen feeding amongst Eucalypt blossoms in Belconnen town centre on 9th September. There have been regular sightings, since, in suburbs including Cook, Macquarie , Gungahlin. Mulligans Flat and Goorooyaroo have been visited by them also. Six were seen over Mt Rogers on 17th November, heading for their favoured Bazely Street
Observations on Mt Rogers often generate more questions than answers. Keep up your enjoyment of the special place we share with thousands of other species!
References:
Bennett, Ross (1997) Reptiles and frogs of the Australian Capital Territory National Parks Association.
Eddy, David et.al. (1998) Grassland Flora: A Field Guide for the Southern Tablelands.
Taylor, McComas (1993) A Field Guide to the Birds of the ACT. National Parks Association.
Friends of the Aranda Bushland (1997) Our Patch: Field guide to the Flora of the Australian capital region, as photographed in the Aranda Bushland.
Updated editions of these books are stocked by the Botanical Bookshop at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
If you’re interested in the program to reduce Indian Myna numbers in the ACT contact the Canberra Indian Myna Action Group on 6231 7681 or cimag@indianmynaaction.org.au .
Rosemary
Other contacts:
Parks and Places 6207 2500.
Environment ACT 6207 9777 or through Canberra
Landcare c/o Ginninderra Catchment Group 6278 3309.
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