Graham gave the Early Birders a treat at Cootharabah, where a colony of Richmond Birdwing butterflies hovered around the tops of flowering Eucalypts.
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| Richmond Birdwing (Male) |
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| Rose-crowned fruitdove |
Even a Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove was barely noticed.
At the next stop, a private property, we were impressed by an area of magnificent trees, Kauri (Agathis robusta), Gum-topped box (Eucalyptus moluccana), and Flooded Gums (Eucalyptis grandis.
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| Strange segmented fruit of Morinda |
Vines included the heavily fruiting Morinda (Gynochthodes jasminoides) and Millaa-Millaa (Elaeagnus triflora).
Although it was a hot day, it was not unpleasant with a cooling breeze coming off Lake Cootharaba. There was a good turnout, including three new members and one visitor.
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| A placid Lake Cootharaba |
After morning tea, we proceeded up the hill to the Appollonian Hotel, skirting the rainforest reserve.
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| Refreshments this way - but not yet! |
A notable species here was the Corky Prickle Vine (Caesalpinia subtropica) with its flanged corky bark on older stems. Also prominent were the Giant Water Vine (Cissus hypoglauca), Quinine Bush (Petalostigma triloculare), numerous Cheese Trees (Glochidion) and Cordyline petiolaris.
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| Cissus hypoglauca |
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| Cordyline petiolaris |
A narrow track behind the hotel led down through the rainforest to a sports field.  |
| What is the "Tingley Wood"? |
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| We admired a large fig tree |
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| Signs of animal activity in a large tree |
A blueberry Ash, ( Eleocarpus reticulatus)was laden with small blue fruit. Hovea grew around the field.
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| Blueberry Ash (Eleocarpus reticulatis) |
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| Australian Dusk Hawker - Female |
Kerrie went in pursuit of dragonflies. A result - Female Australian Dusk Hawker. This large dragonfly is predominately green with brown patches. |
| Scentless Rosewood (Synoum glandulosum subsp.glandulosum) |
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| Swamp foxtail (Baloskion tetraphyllum) |
The Scentless Rosewood is identified by its compound leaf and distinctive flower centre. The eagle-eyed alerted the butterfly enthusiasts to the presence of a Swamp Tiger. This coastal butterfly relies on the Mangrove wax-flower vine (Cynanchum carnorum) for food for its larvae. |
| Swamp Tiger (Danaus affinis) |
At lunchtime, Nonie updated us on the progress of archiving the club’s records, which all seemed to be coming along very nicely. Thanks, Nonie .  |
| Ready for further exploration |
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| Wombat Berry (Eustrephus latifolius) |
While some members left, others chose to relax in the shade or go
“swimming”, well paddling really! -but a small group walked through the caravan
park, here we found some Wombat Berry (Eustrephus latifolius) a with
unusually large fruit.
Beyond was the swampy area with Coastal Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) and understory of rushes, although little water was present,we turned to walk along the waterfront to Dun’s Beach.  |
| Coastal Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) |
An impressive Banksia integrifolia, with flowers at every stage from thin buds to old dried seed ”cones”.
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| Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifolia) |
Last of all, we found a beautiful Canary Beech (Polyalthis nitidissima) with its characteristic right-angled branches, which was a mass of red fruit, unfortunatley seen by only three members.
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| Canary Beech (Polyalthis nitidissima) |
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| Canary Beech fruit |
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| Native Parsnip (Platysace lanceolata) |
Platysace lanceolata is a small shrub from the same family as the Flannel Flower and garden Celery. Common vary for different locations : Native Parsnip, Shrubby Platysace. It is found in coastal, sandy areas.
Hopefully all had an enjoyable day. Thanks to Rahima and Wendy for their input to the outing and to Graham for organising the early group and for finding a great display of Richmond Birdwing butterflies.
Text: Bev McKay
Photos: Bev McKay, Rahima Farnham, Wendy Edmiston, Michele Grant, Kerrie O'Donnell, Archive.
Supplementary Photos from the day.
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