UPDATE: A scheduled bird walk on August 16, 2023, in Strathtulloh Woodland attracted only two participants due to a grim weather forecast. Despite fears of severe conditions, local residents Denise and Daryl seized the opportunity as the day turned out better than expected.
The Eynesbury Environment Group has been hosting monthly bird walks in and around Melton, but participation plummeted as only two attendees braved the elements. The day before was marked by icy winds and rain, leading many to stay home. However, Saturday brought a pleasant surprise, prompting Denise and Daryl to make the trip.
Strathtulloh Woodland, located near the confluence of Toolern Creek and the Werribee River, serves as a crucial habitat for declining wildlife. It is a remnant of the expansive grey box woodland that once flourished between Melton and Eynesbury. The woodland is vital for migratory bird species, with many birds traveling from as far as New Guinea using local waterways as pathways.
Sadly, since the group began monitoring the area in 2013, three bird species have vanished, including the diamond firetail and brown treecreeper. Nevertheless, the bird walk revealed an encouraging sight: attendees spotted 16 bird species amidst the wintry conditions, only slightly lower than last year’s count of 18 species.
The notable sightings included the black duck, little pied cormorant, and the rainbow lorikeet. Additionally, participants were taken aback by the presence of large mobs of grey kangaroos, possibly displaced by rapid local development. Approximately 20-30 kangaroos were observed moving into the woodland from the adjacent Toolern Creek Regional Park, a worrying sign of habitat loss.
As the day progressed, another mob of kangaroos, estimated at a dozen, sought refuge from the wind in the Toolern Creek volcanic gorge. The existence of two separate kangaroo groups indicates the ecological strain they are under, with their grassland habitats swiftly diminishing.
The Eynesbury Environment Group expressed hope after witnessing the healthy growth of grey box trees, protected back in 2014. These trees now stand at heights of five to six meters, a testament to the effectiveness of community conservation efforts. The seedlings that had previously been cut down have thrived thanks to brightly colored stakes marking their presence, demonstrating a successful alternative to traditional planting methods.
The group is considering a new initiative to protect smaller grey box seedlings that continue to struggle against mowing. They propose a similar strategy of staking to give these young plants a fighting chance.
The community’s commitment to preserving this vital habitat remains strong, as evidenced by the successful bird walk, despite its low turnout. The Eynesbury Environment Group urges locals to participate in future events to bolster conservation efforts.
With local development threatening these wildlife corridors, the call to action is clear: residents must advocate for the preservation of their natural habitats. As weather patterns fluctuate, community involvement remains crucial to the survival of the region’s wildlife.
Stay tuned for further updates on conservation efforts and upcoming bird walks in the area.
