KRM Branch 22^nd August 2021

A good turnout of 13 attendees gathered on a chilly but fine morning for our outing at Waroona Dam. We met up in Waroona before driving up to the dam together. While stopped in the Visitors’ Centre Carpark, a chorus of frogs rang out from the small creek or drain. A recording of the calls submitted to FrogID returned a list of three species being present; these were Rattling Froglet (Crinia glauerti), Ticking Frog (Geocrinia leai), and Slender Tree Frog (Litoria adelaidensis). A good way to start off the day!

We drove up to the dam and parked at the car park just past the Lake Navarino Holiday Park. As we got prepared for our walk, we spotted Brown Honeyeaters up in the canopies of the trees around the car park. We heard Striated Pardalotes calling, though they proved hard to spot. Led by Heather Adamson, we headed off along the path that leads out of the car park parallel to the north shore of the dam. Those interested in insects were soon rewarded with a caterpillar of the Western Tussock Moth (Orgyia athiophora) found on one of the shrubs at the car park. Removing a piece of loose bark from the trunk of a Jarrah, Heather uncovered a small spider, later identified to be a Ground Spider (Gnaphosidae, Anzacia sp.). There were few shrubs in flower, other than an abundant invasive Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii).

A short way along the track, a small flowering shrub was identified as Hemigenia rigida, a Priority One (P1) species. It was a surprise as it is not listed as being found in the Waroona area. The Flame Pea (Chorizema cordatum) was also flowering.

The banks at the side of the track produced some interesting sightings. Heather Adamson found the capped tunnel of a Trapdoor Spider (Idiosoma sp.), no mean feat as once the cap was over the tunnel, it blended in perfectly with its surroundings. In amongst a carpet of moss, a Wolf Spider tunnel was another nice find. Also found on the clay banks were some tiny orange cup fungi. On the tiny cups, Springtails were found in various stages of development. A West Australian wattle species, Acacia drummondii subsp. drummondii, provided nice splashes of colour along the walk. Other shrubs in flower included the Swan River Myrtle (Hypocalymma robustum) and two species of Leucopogon, Tassel Flower (Leucopogon verticillatus) and one of the Beard Heaths. Lasiopetalum floribundum and Tetratheca hirsuta were also found in flower along with several species of Hibbertia.

Very few waterbirds were out on the dam, probably due to the numerous water ski boats roaring around. We spotted very few birds on the walk, the most notable sighting being a flock of six Red-tailed Black Cockatoos flying over. Other bird sightings included Red Wattlebird, Australian Ringneck, Australian Raven, Scarlet Robin, and Galah. Other invertebrate sightings included several species of ants, some wasps and a beautiful small white Moth.

It was soon time to return to our cars for a well-earned morning tea. We had found some interesting items and had all enjoyed the morning walk. Thanks to Heather Adamson for leading the walk.

You can check more photos taken at Waroona Dam:

• Peter Bogan’s images of invertebrates:
• Sophie Xiang’s images of flora:

Colin Prickett