video | Fox Gully Bushcare

The first of my regular bushcare articles this month’s Southside Community News explores the unlikely relationship between the beautiful Imperial Hairstreak Jalmenus evagoras and native Small Meat Ants. Click on article to enlarge.

Two strong populations of Hairstreaks are tangible evidence of effectiveness of our bushcare work. Walking through our plantings and finding clusters of these beautiful butterflies in areas we have planted is a real thrill. Watch the of video – Imperial Hairstreaks.

It was also pleasing to read Councillor Krista Adams’s interest and support for sustainable tourism in our unique reserve.

Want to meet some of our amazing wildlife upclose?

Come any Wednesday afternoon (2pm to 5pm) to our Fox Gully bushcare group. For information email foxcoaching@optusnet.com.au

Mike

A bird bath is a wonderful way to get some free entertainment. Watch out for the water flying.

Yesterday we had about ten Rainbow Lorikeets Trichoglossus haematodus playing in the hanging birdbath behind our house. They were having a wonderful time splashing water everywhere and making a racket.

After a short while they were joined by two Scaly-breasted Lorikeets Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus which often flock with the Rainbows.

Even with the current rain Lorikeets and Noisy Miners are still visiting the birdbaths. When we have really dry periods a whole range of different birds visit this reliable supply of water: Kookaburras, Noisy Miners, Pied Butcherbirds, Magpies, Galahs, King Parrots and Pale Headed Rosellas.

We use our rain water tanks to keep the bird baths full. We have found the birds like the Rosellas and King Parrots like a tree where they can land to check that it is safe before they go down to the water. Putting old branches near the water has also been a success as you can see in the video.

Don’t forget to empty and refill your birdbath every few days to stop mosquitoes breeding.

What birds do you have visiting your backyard?

Mike