Maaroom and Poona Outing Sunday 15 November 2020

 This Field Trip, although apparently not very productive in the usual sense of making long flora and fauna lists, illustrated two things in a classic way.

Firstly, no matter how hard you plan, something might always happen-- Will and Cecile had made time for a thorough reconnoitre well in advance and made a big effort to come to the outing, the very day after their return from a trip to Far North Queensland. Tide times were just right for close encounters with shorebirds, Bird ID booklets were distributed, and it wasn’t raining or blowing a gale. 

Sheltershed gathering

What happened was a perfect, but thoroughly unwanted illustration of the disruptive effects of human behaviour on Shorebirds roosts.

When Will and Cecile arrived before 8am, the shore birds were gathering on the sand, and would soon have to move closer to the area where we planned to set up our spotting scopes. A fisherman decided to walk through the mangroves towards the birds, almost beside the sign, which explained that this was a migratory shorebird roost, and asking people not to enter the area. A family with young children and a dog were playing energetically right beside the other sign, both of which put the birds to flight, but they returned, only to be strafed several times by a Whistling Kite. 

Eventually, after taking flight and circling several times, the large flock left and did not return. Maaroom is a counting site for the QLD Wader Study group, and they frequently encounter people who have no understanding of the importance not disturbing these migratory species, which need to feed and rest after epic migrations from the Northern Hemisphere.

Whistling kite

Will and Cecile were very disappointed that the big flock had gone, but our members, using the spotting scopes, were able to see and identify several Shorebirds.

Black-winged stilt

Nonie’s artists eye was delighted by the amazing stilt-like legs of the (-wait for it-!) Black-winged Stilts.

These black and white birds are thin and elegant, and could be distinguished from the much more solid black and white Pied Oystercatchers. 

Pied Oystercatchers

Everyone was pleased to see the Critically Endangered Eastern Curlew, whose down-curved bill is almost as long as its body. Unusually, a little Black-fronted Dotterel was remaining quite still in the vegetation. 

Eastern Curlew

Another bird of interest was a lone Red Knot, which should have carried on its migration to the southern states. By the time the Red Knot reach us, they have lost most of their breeding colours and it took Will’s expert eyes to point out the Red knots from the Great Knots. 

Red Knot

We adjourned to the picnic shed for morning tea, and Will and Cecile talked to us about the Shorebirds. Cecile kindly distributed booklets.  The group then headed back to Poona, where despite the heat, we set off to explore the Poona Walking Trails. We noticed a severe infestation of Asparagus Fern, evidence of why we should not have this in a hanging basket, (as I did, before I joined the Nats!) but there were enough plants to keep us interested. 

Muttonwood  (Myrsine variabilis)

A Muttonwood (Myrsine variabilis) required some page-turning to ID the clusters of purple fruit on the stems.  Very tall Forest Hop Bush (Dodonaea triquetra) had papery purple winged fruit. 

Managrove Lollybush (Clerodendrum inerme)

A Mangrove Lollybush (Clerodendrum inerme) had a few remaining fragrant white tubular flowers.  Otherplants: Melaleuca quinquinerva and dealbata, Cabbage Tree Palms, Coastal Cypress Pine, (Callitris columellaris), Grassy Boat-lip Orchid, Cymbidium suave.

Red-fruited palm lily (Cordyline rubra)

Giant Water Vine (Cissus hypoglauca)

The giant water vine was in bud.  Large, edible purple-blue bunches of fruit will appear much later.

Leaden flycatcher (Female)

A female Leaden Flycatcher put in a later appearance.

Retreat to the shade

Overwhelmed by the midday heat and humidity, and melting in our insect-proof long clothing, we scurried off to the very welcome shade of the large shelter shed by the boat ramp.  True to form, Ima, Cecilia and family leapt into their swimming gear and plunged into the water. 

  

The very sensible members of our group

The sea breeze allowed us to enjoy lunch, which was followed by our last meeting for 2020. 

TEXT: Rahima Farnham

Photos: Cecile Espigole, Annette Bourke, Archive.