Ten people thoroughly enjoyed the tour through the Environment Centre and the wetland west of the Centre. Under the wonderful guidance of Joan [from the Centre], we walked through the tall Sugar Gums [Eucalyptus cladocalyx], and Flooded Gums [E. rudis], west of the car park, to see the value of these trees to the birds of the area.

One Sugar Gum, had a Raven’s nest in the upper foliage, and active nesting hollows for the Corella, Galah, and the introduced Rainbow Lorikeets in the trunk and branches. Another Sugar Gum, just by the Kent Street Weir, had Australian Ringnecks, Galahs, Rainbow Lorikeets and the Striated Pardalotes, nesting in its hollows.

We walked the Miniature-train Railway line area north of the Canning River, and encountered a pair of Purple Swamphens with 4 tennis ball sized chicks, feeding in the shallow open reed area. Beside them, fed two Grey Teal, dabbling in the shallows.

In the open waters, 60 m away, swam 3 Little Grebes, a male Mountain Duck, and 3 Pacific Black Ducks. The western edge of this open [but obviously shallow] water, was apparently reserved for “whites”. A single Great Egret, 3 White Ibis and 3 Yellow Billed Spoonbills, were all wading and feeding in the shallows close to the reeds.

One of the largest Yellow Rumped Thornbill nests I’ve seen, was in the foliage of a Swamp She-oak [Casuarina obesa], right over the walking track. It was attended by the owners, and measured at least 320 mm wide and 300 mm deep. Willie Wagtails, Brown Honeyeaters, Grey Fantails and the Red Wattle Birds were active on the ground and in the trees. Altogether, 29 species of bird were recorded.

One of the surprises there, was the absence of the Australian Coot, usually common in the area. This was compensated by the presence of the Little Grass Bird, calling from a reed bed. At the Miniature Railway “Wilson Street” Station, [80 m west of the Centre], was a newly developed garden, 25 m across. One of our local myrtles “Coconut Ice” [Hypocalymma angustifolia], was in full flower with each bush measuring a metre high and over a metre wide. What a show!!!

This area, and the display centre, are highly recommended for a nature walk. Stuffed birds, mammals and reptiles are on display in the Centre, with a “touch” table of nests, feathers, tortoise shells and other assorted extras. Many thanks to Tanya for organizing the outing, and to Joan for her guiding.

Eric McCrum OAM