On a warm and sunny morning three of our members met at Ellis Brook Valley (Banyowla Regional Park). Banyowla was a Nyoongar Elder at the time of colonial settlement and Captain T.T. Ellis was the Superintendent of the Mounted Police who were involved in the infamous Pinjarra Massacre of 1834. Captain Ellis died from injuries sustained in this conflict.

There was a tiny trickle of water in the Brook but the Park looked to be in good condition with lots of new growth on the plants despite it being very dry.

Fifteen bird species were noted, including Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, Ring-necked and Red-capped Parrots, Rufous and Golden Whistlers as well as plenty of Honeyeaters: Brown, New Holland and White Cheeked.

The hillsides of the Valley were a mass of colour. There were three species of trigger plants: Boomerang Trigger (Stylidium breviscapum), Circus (S. bulbiferum) and Pink Fountain (S. Brunonianum). Two of the most prolific and beautiful plants were Verticordia insignis and Calytrix as they were in full flower and made a spectacular show. Hibbertias were blooming as were Beaufortia which are such a great habitat for the Honey-eaters. Melaleuca radula, M. scabria and Darwinia citriodora were over their best but still flowering. Some of the Eucalyptus had Mistletoe growing from them while there were some dead trees which looked like they had been choked by the Mistletoe. All in all a lovely and interesting place to visit.

Chris Punter