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A Rare Treasure in our Midst! (images by Tom Tarrant) |
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North Pine Park (Kurwongbah) UBD88 E:16 |
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Sunday 27th July was Pine Rivers Shire 'Koala Survey Day' so off we set to a favourite site where we often visit and can be assured 99% of visits of sighting 2 or 3 koalas. The site is adjacent to the Petrie Scout Den off Beeville Road (UBD Map 88 E:16). It is an area of natural bush set off to the right of the den and has a circular track up to the lake edge. Being 'birdos' our focus is mostly on birds and recording their presence. This site has always been a real surprise in terms of the level of nesting birds that use the hollows and trees there. The Parrot family, Wood-ducks and Brown Goshawks to name a few. Most significantly, this particular site is also one of the few remaining spots where it is still possible to find Black-chinned Honeyeaters (Melithreptus gularis). A much-sought after and very uncommon bird in South-east Queensland. Also present are Fuscous Honeyeaters (Lichenostomus fuscus)- another uncommon species found here. On today's visit, along with other more recent ones we watched young Black-chinned Honeyeaters being fed by parents so it is clear this site supports a breeding colony of up to 5 pairs of the species. |
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After watching for some minutes we felt that there was probably a much more important story to tell about this place; other than how many koalas use it. The single, most important feature of the site (and the one that should be recorded and all efforts made to preserve) appears to be a dominant stand of trees found here; Grey Box or Gum-topped Box trees (Eucalyptus moluccana). Grey Box is not a generally common Eucalypt, and as we have watched over the seasons, it is obvious that the presence of the Fuscous Honeyeaters and the Black-chinned Honeyeaters at this site is very closely allied to the presence of these trees here too. They appear to use these trees exclusively; when they are in flower for their nectar and at other times to hunt insects that use the trees. |
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| Grey Box (Eucalytus moluccana) | ||
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Black-chinned Honeyeater |
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The trees at this site also provide great nesting hollows and a walk around the site at this time of year will provide enormous pleasure to anyone interested in nature. The trees provide great roost sites and have been home to a nesting pair of Brown Goshawks for several seasons now. Finally they are a favourite of the koala. We wondered how many locals would know of this valuable treasure. I once heard someone say we have to view our natural areas and place the same value on them as we would a building of great antiquity or we are destined to lose our natural heritage. This is one that belongs to the people of the Pine Rivers Shire. |
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| by Marie & Tom Tarrant 27th July 2003 Home |
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