Tawny Frogmouths!

We are lucky enough to have 2 new residents in our Reserve and we are receiving lots of enquiries about them so a post on Tawny Frogmouths is required.

                                               Photo courtesy of Rhonda kennedy


Tawny Frogmouths are related to the owl but the closest relative is actually the Nightjar.
They are native throughout Australia and Tasmania (except far West Queensland and central Northern Terrritory).
As locals will have noticed the Tawny`s perch on low branches during the day and are camouflaged as part of the tree, often choosing a broken part of a tree branch. Pairs sit together with their bodies touching and partner for life. They will usually stay in the same territory for a decade or more.

Tawny Frogmouths are carniverous, their diet consisting of large nocturnal insects, moths, spiders, worms, slugs,snails, small mammals (mice), reptiles and frogs.

As Tawny Frogmouths have adapted to live in close proximity to humans they are at risk of exposure to pesticides and insecticides. Rodent poisons remain in the system of the target animal and can be fatal to the Tawny that eats them. They are also killed on roads during feeding as they fly in front of vehicles when chasing insects illuminated by the headlights.

We feel very lucky to having them choose our Reserve to live in.

Clean Up Australia Day

Photo courtesy of A. McNicol-Smith

FOUS participated in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday the 6^th of March. We had a great turnout of 10 people and we collected 7 bags of rubbish in the 2 hours. Half of these bags included recyclables of predominantly glass bottles. Clothing, 2 plastic chairs, a motorbike part, a huge piece of carpet and building materials were also collected.  It was a great effort by the group and what turned out to be great weather and an enjoyable day. A huge Thank You to the team!

3rd OF MAY WORKING BEE

We had glorious Autumn weather for our Sunday Working Bee, we worked at the Heathland Track removing Bone Seed, Pittosporum and Sallow Wattle. All producers of copious amount of seeds, so it felt good removing them!.

 Our group was joined by a Pacific Black Duck who flew onto the bridge to get a closer look at us, (named Sand Castle by our 3 year old helper) and as we were finishing up a young kookaburra came over and practised his laugh for us. It was a rewarding morning and thanks to all who came to help out.  

                                               Photo Courtesy of R.Dill

Horny Cone Bush very thorny!

Isopogon Ceratophyllus:

Found in coastal Healthland areas (like Upper Sweetwater Reserve) and grows in moist, well drained, sandy soil.
It is a slow growing shrub and has very thorny, hard leaves which branch off into segments of three and are antler shaped. Hence the name Ceratophyllus meaning antler leaved.
The Horny Cone bush flowers in Spring, followed by the seed pods and can take many years to flower and produce seed.
Look out for it, as it is quite a sight!.

                                           Photo courtesy of R.Kennedy

12th April Working Bee

We worked under the Cherry Belarts this Working Bee, removing Panic Veldt Grass and yes it makes one panic seeing how much they seed and spread, ?hence the name. This weedy grass was removed from the Green Hood Orchid patch along the main path of Upper Sweetwater Reserve, this reduces competition for the Orchids and ensures no spraying of the grassy weeds and accidental poisoning of the Green Hoods.
Thanks to all who attended!

Clover Glycine: Glycine Iatrobeana

Is a small perennial herb with leaves that look similar to the common Clover.

It`s low growing and initially spreads horizontally then the ends grow erect/ upwards. The leaves are round and group into 3 leaflets (similar to clover). 

The flowers are purple to pink, pea like and up to 6mm long. 

The seed pods are 15-25 mm long, covered in short hairs. The pods contain 3-5 ovoid seeds. 

 Flowers: Sept to Nov/Dec.

Habitat: Found across South Eastern Australia in Grasslands and Grassy Woodlands. Vulnerable in Upper Sweetwater Reserve.

Threats:

·       Weed invasion

·       Clover Glycine is palatable to native and introduced grazing animals

·       Regular burning in Late Spring/ Early Summer

National Tree Planting Day

Friends Of Upper Sweetwater will not be holding a National Tree Planting Day this year, however Frankston City Council will be holding an event at Lloyd Park, Langwarrin. See flyer below for details.