 Fears
of a miserable day for the annual Carwoola Landcare Spring Wildflower
Walk were dismissed when Sunday 17 October dawned bright and sunny.
Although still cool and windy, the season has been promising a fantastic
display of wildflowers, and the 21 people that arrived at Phil Kuczma
and Dee McArthur’s property were not to be disappointed. For some, the
challenge is to find the elusive orchids, for others, it is an
opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
The property is enclosed by Cuumbeun Nature Reserve
allowing a different view of the Reserve for many of us; the walk went
for around 1.5km. Ros Cornish, local member of Australian Native Plant
Society, pointed out and commented on over 80 species of plants - a good
range of trees, shrubs, grasses and herbs, from the tiny twining
fringe-lily (Thysanotus patersonii) to the scribbly gums (Eucalyptus
rossii).
Those looking for orchids were initially somewhat
frustrated by the season, with many orchids found but none in flower,
but when the first cluster of Glossodia wax-lip orchids in full
bloom was found, enthusiasm was renewed.
Meanwhile Martin Butterfield, local member of Canberra
Ornithologists Group tried to offer a commentary on the birds, but the
wind seemed to be keeping many of them out of sight and out of ear-shot.
Nonetheless, Martin recorded 17 birds on the walk.
Wax-lipped orchid (Glossodia major) |
On returning to the house, the group was treated to
pumpkin soup, tea, coffee and cakes and, of course, more opportunity to
catch up on the latest goings-on. Many declared an interest to return
shortly to check out those elusive orchids.
Download plant list from the
walk (
6KB)
Download bird list from the walk (
143KB)
Download Ros Cornish's descriptive plant list with images, combined
with bird list (
3.54MB) |
Native yam (Microseris lanceolata) |
