The long weekend of 4-6 June, 2011, found 13 DRB members along with Diana’s ‘3 girls’ camped at Lake Brown out of Nungarin, which is roughly 60 km north of Merredin. What a great spot – picturesque granite rocks which were honeycombed around the fringes near our c one large lake and a smaller one closer by, both well watered after excellent rains; and much open country to explore and a few quiet neighbours, abseilers included. It was a touch early for a good spread of flowering plants but nevertheless the likes of Wurmbias (some quite dark pink along with the whites), the upside-down pea, Brachesema chambersi with its red pea flowers tucked away out of sight at the base of the small shrub, two Eremophilas thanks to Ian, Anthrocercis sp, an Isotoma and a couple of orchids kept the botanists quite busy. Then of course lots of weeds in the rich run-off from a farm further around the larger lake – doublegees galore, oats etc.
Fungi were oddly enough in short supply with one large Calvatia, some puffballs, a couple of mushrooms and a tiny scarlet bracket – Pycnoporus coccineus. Birds were more plentiful with the birdos knocking up a total of 28 in all including a small flock of Grey Teal and 6 Pink Eared Ducks which remained on the water after the Teal departed. A Willy Wagtail and its nest and both the Butcher Birds were also present. Butterflies: two specimens only – the Lesser Wanderer and a Meadow Argus – just not enough tucker around probably.
Then a couple of curiosities: the heavy rains had exposed the red soil in one run-off spot to a depth of about 75cm, giving us a cross sectional view of what the underground dwelling termites galleries look like. The eye catchers, scattered across the face, were the ‘black’ patches about 20c size of fibrous material packed into cavities. Then there was the fox? dropping with a well preserved bird beak embodied – possibly from poultry.
Mike, of course, was busy showing some of the crew how to set camera traps among the likely looking honeycombed granite. Alas, only a house mouse or two showed up!
Not only did we spend a great time natural-historising we also enjoyed ourselves at the local Nungarin Sunday market. Several of us came home laden with new plants, homemade cakes and probably the most delicious mandarins anyone of us has eaten in a long time! The girls found the recycle shop worthwhile too.
While many of us enjoyed the chilly breezes blowing across Lake Brown several intrepid members stayed at the Nungarin Pub – complete with ghost! And yes they did experience a spectral moment or three …
Meanwhile, back at the camp fire, one of the young friends of Jemila Anderson, Bella, sang a solo to us all. It was beautiful and haunting with the firelight flickering off the face of this brave young woman.
On the Monday we wound our way to Billyacatting Nature Reserve. This magnificent 2500 hectare Reserve is located just north of Kununoppin. Huge granite outcrops characterise this area and it is surrounded by Salmon Gum woodlands. A recently installed interpretive 2.5 km walk trail provided a great way in and up onto the summit of the highest outcrop. Due to the recent rains we were able to explore the gnammas and their ephemeral fauna, possibly for the first time in many seasons. Tadpoles, fairy shrimps and other freshwater invertebrates held our attention. Deserving of much more attention we reluctantly left the reserve and returned home promising to visit again in spring. A terrific long weekend – once again!
Kevn Griffiths and Diana Papenfus