DRB October 2012 Excursion: Darling Scarp
On a warm Spring day 21 members and guests of the Darling Range Branch explored the wildflowers of the Darling Scarp south of the Lions Lookout in Lesmurdie. Situated at the top of the Welshpool Rd East hill near the intersection with Crystal Brook Rd, Lions Lookout was the starting point for a walk along part of a trail developed by the Shire of Kalamunda that leads south into the valley of Bickley Brook. The lateritic gravels and granite outcrops support a diverse array of flora, with the bonus that the walk along that section of the escarpment offers sweeping views of Perth city and the Swan coastal plain.
Through several visits leading up to the excursion a plant list was prepared, copies of which were distributed at the prior DRB meeting and were available by email and on the day. The list included botanical and common names together with information on height, colour and flowering period and, to further assist identification, cross-referred to photos and/or descriptions in Wildflowers of the West Coast Hills (Darling Range Branch of the Wildflower Society of WA, revised 2002 edition) and the excellent 2011 publication by Cliff & Sharon Burns, Darlington and Surrounds Local Flora and Bushlands.
At the commencement of the walk there was a flurry of excitement when a dark phase Little Eagle soared along the Scarp, and then a pair of Australian Hobbys, harassed by Australian Ravens, were observed. Commentary by eagle expert Simon Cherriman was much appreciated.
The character of the area had changed substantially over the 2-3 weeks prior to the excursion. Spectacular massed displays of pink Sticky Starflower (Calytrix glutinosa) and Bristly Yellow Featherflower (Verticordia acerosa) early in October had faded, while the Variegated Featherflower (Verticordia huegeli) had changed from white to deep pink.
While the plant list was helpful, the excursion was greatly enriched by Mike Griffiths’ fascinating explanations about many of the plants and plant communities observed. Corrections and additions were made to the list during the excursion. The final list of plants observed is on Page 2.
Birds observed included the Australian Hobby, Little Eagle (dark phase), Red-capped Parrot, Splendid Wren, Red-winged Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Western Gerygone, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Brown Honeyeater, New Holland Honeyeater, Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Golden Whistler, Australian Magpie, Australian Raven and Silvereye.
Insects observed included the Australian Emperor (Dragonfly [Hemianax papuensis], Tau Emperor (Dragonfly) [Hemicordulia tau], Scarp Pyrgomorph [Monistria maculicornis], Cabbage White Butterfly [Pieris rapae], Raspy Cricket [Paragryllacris sp] and, at a hole in the ground, a Sphecid Wasp.
Like other parts of the Scarp, this is a wonderful treasure trove of wildflowers in the Spring, and being able to stand on a granite outcrop surrounded by such beauty just 30 minutes drive from the CBD is very special. But, as was highlighted by DEC National Parks Ranger Rebecca Hamilton at a DRB meeting earlier this year, the proximity to Perth means that the area has inevitably been impacted by weeds, rubbish, vandalism and unauthorised vehicles.
Acknowledgements: special thanks to Eric McCrum who compiled the lists of birds and insects, and Mike Griffiths who assisted with the preparation of the plant list and brought it to life on the day.
Alan Lonsdale