It was nice to get some consecutive days of rain this month which helped with our planting efforts, but there were also some lovely sunny days for getting out and enjoying some fresh air and nature.
The stunning flowers of the red ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon) which is also known as mugga ironbark were photographed in early July in Baranduda Regional Park. The flowers provide a crucial winter food source for the critically endangered swift parrot (Lathamus discolour) who migrates from summer breeding habitat in Tasmania to feed along the southeastern parts of the mainland during the winter. Parklands have planted hundreds of these trees in Baranduda Regional Park to provide further habitat for the swift parrot in the future. Ironbarks are known for their dark, deeply furrowed bark. Other species of eucalypts shed their bark regularly, but in ironbarks, the dead bark accumulates and forms a thick crust which protects the tree from fire damage.
The old railway platform at Bonegilla has been restored as part of the High Country Rail Trail and you can walk or ride along the trail past the station, or you can park here (turn off the Murray Valley Hwy at Bonegilla Native Grassland Reserve). The platform features public art and an information sign. Many migrants arriving in Australia after World War II disembarked at the Bonegilla Station before being taken to the Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre where they were prepared for life in Australia. An interesting part of local history to check out! Plus you might spot some wildflowers in the grasslands nearby during spring.
White-winged choughs (Corcorax melanorhamphos) are entertaining birds to observe. Quite a few have been spotted out at Castle Creek Conservation Reserve recently. The birds look to be completely black but a white wing patch is visible in flight. They feed on the ground in groups, looking for insects and seeds and the adults have bright red eyes.
We have so many wonderful hill trails in Albury Wodonga, including the trails up and down Federation Hill in Wodonga. While it was gloomy down below in the fog, up above it was bright and sunny – the prefect walk for a winter’s morning!
Felltimber Creek has been flowing with the rain that arrived and the frogs were loving it! This little oasis at Swainsona Conservation Reserve is so close to town yet so peaceful with the sounds of nature all around. It’s certainly worth getting out and exploring all the trails on offer locally – you can find lots of information on where to go on our website under the ‘Explore Your Parks’ page.
The more sheltered areas were still producing interesting fungi to find, including these little Mycena bonnets poking out from a fallen log. This genus includes around 500 species and most are greyish or brown, but a few are brighter colours such as the pixie’s parasol (Mycena interrupta) which are a striking blue.
Another trail that’s great to explore over in Albury is the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk which begins at the Kremer St. boat ramp. You can continue around Horseshoe Lagoon from here as well. A great spot for observing many different water birds and the path is wheelchair- and pram-friendly. On the morning this picture was taken, a rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster), also known as a water-rat, was seen diving in the water, but the photographer wasn’t quick enough!
