Banksia Bulletin summer 2010

banksia bulletin

issue number 036 — summer 2009/2010

Friends of Bayside 2010 contact list Bayside Environment Friends Network Coordinator: Barbara Jakob Mobile: 0408 032 963 Email: Barbara@bjakob.com.au

Friends of Long Hollow Heathland/ Friends of Table Rock Coordinator: Ken Rendell 33 Clonmore Street, Beaumaris 3193 Phone: (03) 9589 4452

Friends of Balcombe Park Coordinator: Joan Couzoff 26 Balcombe Park Lane, Beaumaris 3193 Phone: (03) 9589 1060

Friends of Gramatan Avenue Heathland Sanctuary Coordinator: Ken Rendell

Friends of Bay Road Reserve Coordinator: Michael Norris (Southern Ward Councillor) 5 Deakin Street, Hampton 3188 Phone: (03) 9521 0804 Email: menorris@ozemail.com.au BRASCA Coordinator: Janet Ablitt 4A Fairleigh Avenue, Beaumaris 3193 Phone: (03) 9589 6646 Friends of Brighton Dunes Coordinators: Elizabeth McQuire 34 Normanby Street, Brighton 3186 Phone: (03) 9592 6474 and Jenny Talbot 71 Champion Street, Brighton 3186 Phone: (03) 9592 2109 Friends of Cheltenham Park Coordinator: Valerie Tyers Phone: (03) 9588 0107 Email: valerietyers@hotmail.com Cheltenham Primary School Sanctuary PO Box 289, Cheltenham 3192 Phone: (03) 9583 1614 Friends of Donald MacDonald Reserve Coordinators: Alison and Bill Johnston 4 Wellington Avenue, Beaumaris 3193 Phone: (03) 9589 5459 Friends of George Street Reserve Coordinators: Val Tarrant 47 Bayview Crescent, Black Rock 3193 Phone: (03) 9598 0554 Email: vtarrant@ozemail.com.au and Pauline Reynolds 9 Reno Road, Sandringham 3191 Phone: (03) 9598 6368

Friends of Merindah Park and the Urban Forest Coordinator: David Cockburn 72 Spring Street, Sandringham 3191 Phone: (03) 9598 6148 Friends of Native Wildlife Coordinator: Michael Norris (Southern Ward Councillor) 5 Deakin Street, Hampton 3188 Phone: (03) 9521 0804 Email: menorris@ozemail.com.au Friends of Ricketts Point Landside Coordinator: Sue Raverty 5 Rosemary Road, Beaumaris 3193 Phone: (03) 9589 2103 Email: sraverty@westnet.com.au

Disclaimer The views expressed in the Banksia Bulletin are not necessarily those of Bayside City Council or its representatives.

Editors Fiona Dodge, Nicole Teys and Katie Croft

Friends of Watkins Bay Coordinator: Moira Longden 73 Dalgetty Road, Beaumaris 3195 Phone: (03) 9589 2725

Copy deadlines 2010 Copy deadlines are set for the first Friday of the month of release: Autumn 2010 Friday 2 April for release end April Winter 2010 Friday 4 June for release end June

Marine Care Ricketts Point Inc President: Ray Lewis ray.lewis@greypath.com Mobile: 0408 308 768

Banksia Bulletin is published quarterly by Bayside City Council to service people interested in enjoying and protecting the local environment.

NED (New Environment Directions) at Elsternwick Park Coordinator: Neil Blake Port Phillip EcoCentre, cnr Herbert and Blessington St, St Kilda 3182 Phone: (03) 9534 0413 Email: neilblake.ecocentre@iinet.net.au St. Leonards College Conservation Group Contact: Tim Barlow 163 South Road, Brighton East 3187 Phone: (03) 9909 9300 Email: Timothy.Barlow@stleonards.vic. gov.au

Cover photograph: Slender Sun Orchid (Thelymitra pauciflora) by Pauline Reynolds

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Acknowledgements Thank you to all the people who have contributed to this issue of Banksia Bulletin. The editors encourage people to submit articles, however Bayside City Council reserves the right to edit or omit articles. Artwork, illustrations and photographs can also be submitted to feature in the publication.

banksia bulletin — summer 2009/2010

If you would like to be added to the Banksia Bulletin mailing list, please contact Bayside City Council on 9599 4444 or email: banksia@bayside.vic.gov.au.

Please indicate whether you would prefer to receive your Banksia Bulletin by post or via email.

Corporate Centre PO Box 27 Royal Avenue SANDRINGHAM VIC 3191 Telephone: 9599 4444 www.bayside.vic.gov.au enquiries@bayside.vic.gov.au Hours of business 8.30am – 5pm Monday – Friday (except public holidays)

Printed on 100% recycled paper

In this ISSUE Family Life Open Garden Day 2009 Stephanie Werner

From the Mayor 4

Sundays in September Cheryl Ribeiro

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George Street Reserve Valerie Tarrant & Pauline Reynolds

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The creativity of Correas Kate Brydon

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A very special Christmas Elizabeth Walsh

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Friends of Donald MacDonald Reserve Alison Johnston Native flora at Kooyong Jim Richardson

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Friends of the Brighton Dune (Dr Jim Willis Reserve) Jenny Talbot

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A majestic mammal

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What lies beneath John Nacamuli

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Our local rays Peter Dedrick

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Microbat research

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A Dog’s breakfast Jo Hurse

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Mystery snake solved

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Looking for something to do?

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Friends of Bayside Working Bee times

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I am delighted to be able to write my first welcome as Mayor for the summer edition of the Banksia Bulletin and hope you and your family had a safe and happy festive season.

As a newly elected Mayor of Bayside, I am honoured to have been elected by my fellow Councillors. I would like to thank the immediate past Mayor, Cr James Long BM JP, for his tremendous contribution as the Mayor of Bayside for the past year, and hope this year will be just as successful I have served the Northern Ward community as a Councillor for the past four years, and I have a good understanding of the Bayside community as a whole. We face a number of challenges in the next year including maintaining our valued biodiversity in the face of population pressures and infrastructure renewal. I am looking forward to working with the community and Councillors to achieve the best for Bayside.

Continuing to strengthen our engagement with the community will be a key focus for Council over the next 12 months.

As part of mitigation works from Bayside City Council’s Municipal Fire Management Plan 2009, fuel reduction activities were carried out at some of our foreshore locations.

Works will help to reduce the intensity and the duration of a fire should one break out along the foreshore.

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We are urging residents to prepare properties for the fire season by: t DVUUJOH HSBTT BOE SFEVDJOH AmOF fuels’ — such as long, dry grass, fallen leaves and twigs t DMFBSJOH MFBWFT PVU PG HVUUFST dead undergrowth and fallen branches, and wood piles away from their homes t QMBDJOH XFBUIFS TUSJQQJOH BSPVOE the inside of doors and windows t DMPTJOH VOEFSnPPS TQBDFT BOE sealing all gaps where embers could enter.

During the warmer months, we need to be aware that everyone can be affected by heat in different ways, but there are some people in the community who are more susceptible to prolonged extreme heat.

There are a number things you can do to prevent the hot weather becoming a serious problem for you or family members, friends, neighbours and pets. Remember to keep out of the heat when possible and to drink plenty of cool water, watch out for heat stress and help others in need.

Cr Clifford Hayes Mayor

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Family Life Open Garden Day 2009 Photograph by Prue Carr

Beaumaris Gardens: changing with the climate The plants were green, the sun was shining, and the garden lovers were aplenty at the annual Family Life Open Garden Day in Beaumaris on Sunday 25 October 2009.

A great day was had by the 600 local residents who attended the event, with six diverse and interesting gardens on show, providing ideas on how to cope with harsh weather conditions and inspiration for outdoor areas.

One of the event organisers, Pauline Reynolds was pleased to have six gardens on show despite the harsh conditions of last summer.

“We were really happy to have such a range of gardens open thanks to the generous owners,” Ms Reynolds said.

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“They offered many ideas for gardeners on how to adapt to the changing climate.”

The sausage sizzle and Devonshire tea offered sustenance throughout the day, music from local guitarists and St Leonard’s College bands provided entertainment and three stunning vintage cars transported guests between the gardens. The Bayside Community Nursery also kindly offered seedling and samples for gardeners to take home.

The gardens featured in Beaumaris were: t 3FJE 4USFFU B NPEFSO low maintenance garden with sculptural elements inspired by the owner’s love of Bali.

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t #VSHFTT 4USFFU B .PSPDDBO inspired garden with predominant QVSQMF nPXFST BHBJOTU B background of burnt orange and interesting pots. t #VSHFTT 4USFFU B MBSHF beautifully established garden which survived disease, drought and loss over the past twelve years while also incorporating new plants. t .BSZ 4USFFU B WFHFUBCMF garden with unusual plants including a tea plant and coffee bush, with the front garden comprising drought tolerant indigenous plants from the Bayside Community Nursery.

Photograph by Pauline Reynolds

t .BSZ 4USFFU ‰ BO architecturally designed garden with a beautiful BBQ area which was perfect for the sausage sizzle. t 4VNNFSIJMM 3PBE ‰ B MBSHF formal garden with a long narrow pond, tall cypress hedges and beautiful sculptural features, designed by landscape architect Jamie Clapham.

The Open Garden Day is an annual fundraiser for Family Life, a not-for-proďŹ t community services organisation that provides services such as counselling, support groups, training and community development to the Southern Metropolitan region of Melbourne, including the communities of Bayside. It is organised by a group of core volunteers in the months leading up to the event and there are almost 100 people who volunteer their time to help on the day.

It was the eighth consecutive year for the event, and was supported by major sponsors Copper Rock and Citywide Open Space, as well as a number of other local sponsors, JODMVEJOH #BZTJEF $JUZ $PVODJM T A#F a Bayside Water Saver’ campaign.

If you would like to show your garden for this great cause, please call 'BNJMZ -JGF PO

Stephanie Werner Community Relations Assistant Family Life

Photograph by Pauline Reynolds

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Sundays in September Thanks to Bayside’s Open Days in Spring, I had the opportunity to enjoy various bush land reserves and parks, especially those not usually open to the public. As a keen photographer I was hoping to get some images of our native plants.

Over three weeks I visited:

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t Bay Road Heathland, where I was introduced to bright yellow Guinea Flowers and Common Beard-heath, Common Flat Pea and Correa with its lovely bell TIBQFE nPXFST UIF #MBDL BOUIFS Flax-lily (a mouthful to say) and unobtrusive, delicate, Nodding Greenhood orchids. t Gramatan Avenue Heathland Sanctuary, although small, had many plants bursting with colour o ZFMMPX BOE SFE QFB nPXFST a Bossiaea or Aotus?

DPOF nPXFST a Chocolate Lily (which smells like chocolate!) and a pretty blue Love Creeper. I discovered that grass trees come in small sizes BOE BENJSFE UIF TJMLZ ACFBSET of the Clematis. However the highlight for me were the beautiful Donkey Orchids, bold and bright beside the path, showing their glory.

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t Balcombe Park Reserve, where I saw the very aptly named running postman, (with pillar-box red QFB nPXFST BOE FZF DBUDIJOH milkmaids standing tall among the grass. I was able to enjoy UIF NBTTFT PG QVSF XIJUF nPXFST of the wedding bush due to its regeneration after ďŹ re. t George Street Reserve had a proliferation of kangaroo apple shrubs since the 2006 ďŹ re and were displaying their attractive QVSQMF nPXFST 0VS HVJEF 1BVMJOF Reynolds, showed us the reason for their name; the leaves are shaped like kangaroo paws!

Although the fruits that follow are edible, they are poisonous if not very ripe.

I also visited Long Hollow Reserve, Donald MacDonald Reserve and Cheltenham Park and I am starting to recognise heathland communities.

I would like to thank Joan Couzoff, who encouraged me to visit all the heathlands, and all the volunteers who shared their knowledge and enthusiasm. One day I may be able to tell you if that Guinea plant is bundled or erect, if that She-Oak is drooping or a dwarf and have some JEFB PG XIBU UIBU QFB nPXFSJOH CVTI is, amongst so many!

Cheryl Ribeiro Bayside Resident

Photographs by Cheryl Ribeiro 1. Milkmaids 2. Donkey Orchid 3. Chocolate Lily

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banksia bulletin — summer 2009/2010

George Street Reserve The Bushlands Open Day, scheduled for the last Sunday in September, was not warm and sunny as the organisers had hoped, but bleak and windy, with rain threatening.

Nevertheless, visitors were undeterred and Friends were delighted with UIF FOUIVTJBTUJD SFTQPOTF PG UIF people who came to George Street.

Many visitors also enjoyed walking along the sandy tracks that wind through the Reserve and are always open.

Daniel from the Bushland Crew set up a table and chairs outside the gate, readily welcoming visitors and giving out Banksia Bulletins and pamphlets providing information about the Bayside Community Nursery and Friends Groups.

Valerie Tarrant and Pauline Reynolds Joint Coordinators Friends of George Street Reserve

Three Friends led guided walks through the regenerated heathland and were impressed by the enthusiasm of all those who appreciated the opportunity to discover the rich springtime nPXFSJOH 8FEEJOH #VTI (Ricinocarpos pinifolius), Common Beard-heath (Leucopogon virgatus), Silky Tea Tree (Leptospermum mysinoides) and Native Fuschia (Correa reexa) made a splendid show, and two Milkmaids (Burchardia umbellata) were in bloom. Most of the Egg and Bacon Pea (Bossaeia cinaria) was past its best, but the seed pods looked attractive.

Soft Spear-grass (Stipa millis)

Jo Hurse, (Citywide’s Bushland Co-ordinator) who made a great contribution to the day, was able to spend time in the Reserve and was happy with the response of the public.

We hope there will be another Spring Open Day in 2010.

Photographs by Pauline Reynolds 1. Large Kangaroo Apple (Solanum laciniatum) 2. Milkmaids (Burchardia umbellata)

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There were still masses of the Kangaroo Apple bushes (Solanum laciniatum) that grew after the ďŹ re in the former woodland area, as well as Sword Sedge (Lepidosperma spp.), which is thriving in the understorey.

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The creativity of Correas Correa is a small genus of 11 species which are all endemic to Australia. Correa reexa is the most variable and widespread of all the species, occurring in VIC, NSW, SA as well as southern QLD and eastern WA. *U XBT mSTU EFTDSJCFE JO CZ French botanist Etienne Pierre Ventenat and named after Jose Francisco Correa de Serra who was a Portuguese botanist in the 18th BOE UI DFOUVSZ A3FnFYB SFGFST UP the angle the leaf-like bracts above UIF nPXFS KPJO UIF TUFN Although quite variable, Correa reexa is easily recognisable by JUT CFMM TIBQFE nPXFST 5IF NPTU common colours are pale green or red with yellow tips, however many variations and combinations are found. The leaves are broadly ovate and may be dull to bright green.

They are usually hairy (and on new growth are often rust coloured), but can be almost hairless. The shrub may be open and upright to approximately two metres or spreading and prostrate. Correa reexa occurs in a wide range of vegetation types across Australia from coastal to sub-alpine areas.

Correas are pretty tough cookies, but are happiest in well-drained soils and a semi-shade position.

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Pink Bell Photographs by Kate Brydon

We are lucky in Bayside to have several bushland reserves showing FYBNQMFT PG UIF PSJHJOBM nPSB 5IJT nPSB XBT DBMMFE UIF A4BOESJOHIBN nPSB CZ FBSMZ OBUVSBMJTUT BSPVOE UIF turn of the century and there are references to Correa reexa dating back to 1885. In May of that year the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria held an excursion to the Red Bluff area and they note that “Correas‌ were prominentâ€?. Heathlands in particular were of great interest to naturalists and early residents. In contrast, they were of little interest to landholders initially because the nutrient poor

banksia bulletin — summer 2009/2010

soils were not suitable for farming or market gardening. For this reason large areas of heathland remained until more recent years when the land was needed for urban development.

This fact was sadly predicted by Dr CS Sutton in 1911. He was a member of the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria and in 1911 he conducted B DFOTVT PG UIF 4BOESJOHIBN nPSB In it he notes that “Unfortunately, what SFNBJOT PG JU 4BOESJOHIBN nPSB

is so rapidly passing away with the extension of the city southward that in another 10 years, perhaps, fragments alone will be left of it.� (Fletcher, 1988).

As already mentioned, Correa reexa is known to be the most variable of all the Correa species and Bayside is no exception. You can ďŹ nd upright shrubs and prostrate forms, very hairy or almost hairless leaves and of course a variety of nPXFS DPMPVST 5IF NPTU DPNNPO nPXFST IFSF BSF UIF QBMF HSFFO PS red with yellow tips, but if you keep an eye out, you may also ďŹ nd a green bell with cream tips or an all-pink bell similar to the cultivar A%VTLZ #FMMT 5IF #BZTJEF $PNNVOJUZ Nursery has on ďŹ le cuttings and QIPUPHSBQIT PG BMM UIF nPXFS variations that have been found in the past six years or so.

Although Correa reexa seems to be more variable than most species in the area, the reasons given for the variety are the same as those acting on all plants — namely environmental factors and hybridisation over time. Environmental conditions such as soil type, moisture, light and temperature (even on a very TNBMM TDBMF DBO HSFBUMZ JOnVFODF individual plants. Correa reexa easily hybridises and over long periods of time this results in a NVMUJUVEF PG nPXFS MFBG BOE GPSN combinations. Maria Hitchcock from the Correa Study Group CFMJFWFT UIBU UIF nPXFS WBSJBUJPOT of Correa reexa that remain now (Australia wide) are remnants and hybrid swarms which have become dominant after the original parent species have died out.

Correa reexa is one of those species which really requires further study to determine if the various forms can be reclassiďŹ ed into varieties. During my study, plant taxonomists were either called AMVNQFST PS ATQMJUUFST .FBOJOH there were those that liked to group similar plants together and those who wanted to split them up. Until

fairly recently Correa reexa forms have generally been lumped together. There has been some study on the subject, and in 1961 Paul Wilson revised the genus and classiďŹ ed the species into four varieties. Two of these occur in Victoria, but not in the Bayside area. The species was revised again in 1998 and several more varieties are now recognised. A group of people that are particularly passionate about the many Correa reexa forms are the Correa Study Group. The group originated in Cheltenham in the 1960s and after several leadership and name changes, was revived in Tamworth in 1989. It is now run

by Maria Hitchcock and members are involved in the documentation of all the varieties, forms and cultivars that they can ďŹ nd and grow.

It is really thanks to the preservation of several patches of remnant heathland that we can ďŹ nd so many different forms of Correa reexa. So keep your eye out, you never know when you might discover a new one!

Kate Brydon Citywide Bushland Crew

References Australian Plants Society Maroondah (2001) Flora of Melbourne, Hyland House, Melbourne.

Fletcher, D. (1988) The Bushlands of Sandringham, City of Sandringham.

Hitchcock, M. (1996) A Hitchhiker’s Guide to Correa reexa. Retrieved November 11, 2009. http://asgap.org.au Hitchcock, M. (2001) Coming to Grips with the Genus Correa – History of the Correa Study Group. Retrieved November 11, 2009. http://asgap.org.au Wallace, B (2001) Understanding the System of Botanical Plant Names. Retrieved November 11, 2009. http://asgap.org.au

New growth

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A very special Christmas

I hope you all had a very happy Christmas. Mine was made very special as a family member found three Tawny Frogmouths roosting in our very large Golden Elm. The youngster was about half the size of its parents.

We are so happy to have a refuge for them. On either side of us the gardens are inappropriate or non-existent for our native wildlife.

How could I sell my property one day and risk our garden becoming a desert? I pray somehow, policies can be put in place to keep gardens as habitat.

Happy New Year everyone, I hope you like Stephen’s photo of our beautiful family!

Elizabeth Walsh Friends of Native WIldlife

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banksia bulletin — summer 2009/2010

Friends of Donald MacDonald Reserve Last summer we installed a number of two litre containers at various points in the Haydens Road end of the Reserve, to provide water for the wildlife in the reserve. (See the article in Banksia Bulletin *TTVF Autumn 2009).

At our working bee in December 2009, we checked all the containers, cleaning them and refilling with fresh water, and making sure a stick was placed in each as an escape route for small lizards and insects. All of the containers were in place and intact and a small skink was drinking from one of them.

After our morning tea break, we spent the rest of our time collecting seed from Austrastipa mollis and Clematis microphylla. The seed was placed in brown paper bags and labelled with the species, date and place of collection, and then passed on to the Bayside Community Nursery for propagation.

In due course, some of the seedling will be allocated to the Reserve for planting in revegetation sites.

We decided to cancel our January working bee, as it falls on New Year weekend, but we will be resuming as usual on the first Sunday of each month.

Alison Johnston Coordinator Friends of Donald MacDonald Reserve

The new Friends of Donald MacDonald Reserve brochure is available at Bayside Council offices and libraries. The Friends group thank Bayside City Council and Bendigo Bank for their financial assistance and we appreciate the personal and practical help given by Amy Hough, and Fiona Dodge, of Bayside Council and the Citywide Bushland Crew.

Clematis microphylla

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Native flora at Kooyong

Silver Princess (Eucalyptus caesia)

The Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club (KLTC) was founded in 1892 and is now located at Glenferrie Road, Kooyong. Widely regarded as the historic home of Australian tennis, some of the greatest matches of all time, including several Davis Cup contests, have been fought out on its famous centre court.

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banksia bulletin — summer 2009/2010

Today, there are approximately 50 tennis courts, with about half having a grass surface and the other half, en tout cas (all weather porous court). Both types require considerable quantities of water during summer time, but this did not present a significant problem until recent times. Responding to climate change, KLTC management organised the installation of large water tanks and extensive reticulation systems. These ensure that all courts can be adequately serviced at all times.

1. Spider Flowers or Orange Marmalade (Grevilla spp.)

2. Wattle (Acacia spp.)

3. Courtside at Kooyong 4. Gerladton Wax (Chamae laucium) Photographs by Jim Richardson

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In addition, it was decided several years ago to introduce native vegetation on both the northern and southern boundaries, in two swathes, about 200 metres long and several metres wide. Today, these plants require scant water, thereby achieving a huge saving in comparison with alternatives.

Altogether several hundred have been planted, with variegated appearance, and exhibiting an amazing range of colours — red, pink, orange, yellow, purple and white — as well as textures.

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The botanic and popular names of these much admired plants are now listed. Several photographs of the more impressive ones, taken during spring time, are now presented.

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I wish to acknowledge the CEO of KLTC, Chris Brown, for permission to write an article such as this, also for the helpful advice received from other Kooyong staff and from Bayside local resident and conservationist, Val Tarrant.

Jim Richardson BRASCA

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Friends of the Brighton Dunes (Dr Jim Willis Reserve) As we moved into summer our area looked good, in spite of the fact that we have lost a lot of Tea Trees (Leptospermum laevigatum) and Coast Wattles (Acacia sophorae) over the past few summers. The plants have been reviviďŹ ed by the rain in September and October, and in December. We had above average rainfall in September and 0DUPCFS XJUI UIF EBNT QFS DFOU full at the same time last year, and QFS DFOU GVMM UIJT ZFBS 'PS UIF mSTU

time this year, we cancelled a Tuesday morning Working Bee (8 December 2009) because of heavy rain. Over the last 11 years we have had less than average rainfall every year.

We have started to seed collect — Danthonia (three species) in November, the Acacias (mearnsii and sophorae) in late November after the burst of heat (six days in B SPX PWFS � B GFX DPPMFS EBZT UIFO BOPUIFS UISFF EBZT PWFS �

We plant on the peripheries of the reserve where there is never going to be natural bush regeneration, with seed collected in our area.

Throughout September, October, November and December we have removed (where possible) and cut back Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) and pulled out Cape Ivy (a much easier weed to deal with). We are using seaweed, dead branches of trees, anything we can ďŹ nd to mulch plants and help eroding sand dunes.

We have noticed that the high tides in the Bay are higher than they used to be — a combination of global warming (sea levels are rising everywhere) and channel deepening in Port Phillip Bay. The high tides seem all to be like spring tides. We have noticed that the high tides are higher than they were 5, 8, 10, or 15 years ago.

We have seen the usual numbers of birds this year (including Blue Wrens) and the odd visitors, like the pair of Eastern Rosellas on the gums near the Lifesaving Club. According to Park Watch magazine (December 2009) there has been a worrying crash in bird numbers in the BoxIronbark forests of Northern and Central Victoria over the past ďŹ ve years.

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A large study over the past 15 years PG PWFS LN IBT TIPXO UIBU about two thirds of bird species have declined dramatically. The decline has not been related to whether the birds are seed-eaters, insect-eaters, or nectar-feeders, and seems to be linked to reduction of habitat (land clearing, poor land management, decline in health of remnant bushland due to stress), and the extended drought Victoria IBT TVGGFSFE GPS ZFBST

Many thanks to the volunteers who come to our Working Bees, especially Kevin Gurry and Elizabeth Owen, Mark Rasmussen of Citywide and to Bayside City Council for supporting our work. Newcomers are always welcome.

Illustrations and text by Jenny Talbot Coordinator Friends of the Brighton Dunes

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A majestic mammal The Australian Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) is the largest of all the fur seals. It is sexually dimorphic (males and females are visibly different). Males are larger than the females at maturity and carry a dark mane of coarse hair. They can raise their CPEZ POUP UIFJS GSPOU nJQQFST UP NPWF around on land but their true grace is in the water. An agile swimmer, this seal can dive to depths of 200 m to catch ďŹ sh and squid.

The Australian Fur Seal has a relatively restricted distribution around the islands of Bass Strait, parts of Tasmania and southern Victoria. Their preferred habitat for breeding is rocky islands, which include boulder or pebble beaches and gradually sloping rocky ledges.

If you ever come across a seal on the foreshore, keep a good distance and do not feed it. If the animal appears injured, please contact )FMQ GPS 8JMEMJGF PS 8JMEMJGF 7JDUPSJB Kim Croker, avid photographer and Bayside resident, took this photograph of an Australian Fur Seal clearly enjoying basking in the sun at Beaumaris.

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banksia bulletin — summer 2009/2010

What lies beneath

Photographs by John Nacamuli

From Table Rock Point to Middle Brighton Pier, there are a number of reefs close to our Bayside beaches. In the reef and the kelp beds there is wonderful marine life: GSPN UIF WFSZ TNBMM UVCF XPSN UP ATLBUFT TFB VSDIJOT and starfish. There are also shellfish and jellyfish, and a number of reef fish, making the reef and the kelp bed a safe haven and home.

John Nacamuli Bayside resident

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Stingaree

Stingray

Our local rays

The Southern Fiddler Ray

Rays, like their cousins the sharks, are part of the cartilaginous group of ďŹ shes. This means that they have a back bone of cartilage, rather than bone.

They also have very tough skin, rather than scales.

We are fortunate to have a number of species in the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary, particularly in the warmer months.

The Southern Fiddler Ray is common in the Sanctuary. It is also known as the Banjo Shark because of its banjo-like shape. Fiddler Rays grow to 120cm and are placid and harmless. They, like the other Rays, feed on invertebrates, crabs and worms, which they crush between their jaws. They give birth to live young.

The Smooth Stingray

Photographs by Ray Lewis

The Smooth Stingray is the largest of all Australian stingrays. It grows to N JO MFOHUI N EJTD XJEUI BOE B XFJHIU PG LH *U JT B CPUUPN dwelling species, which is recorded from temperate waters of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. In Australia, it occurs from southern Queensland, around the south of the country and north to the central coast of Western Australia. It lives in coastal waters and estuaries from TIBMMPX XBUFS EPXO UP BCPVU N and feeds on shellďŹ sh, molluscs, crustaceans and worms, and whatever it can scavenge from the TFB nPPS

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banksia bulletin — summer 2009/2010

Eagle Ray

During summer months, the Smooth Stingray can be found in water as shallow as one metre, or less, especially where ďŹ sh are being cleaned, such as near boat ramps or piers. It is curious and will approach swimmers and divers, especially if there is bait or berley in the water. The ďŹ sh feeding display at the Melbourne Aquarium shows how these animals can be trained to take hand-held food.

The Smooth Stingray is not aggressive, but has one venomous spine halfway along the tail, which is used for defence. When threatened or cornered it will curl its tail up and over its back in a threat display.

4UJOHSBZT BSF DBQBCMF PG JOnJDUJOH severe and potentially fatal wounds.

Stingarees Stingarees are smaller versions of Stingrays but have rounded tails and rarely exceed 500 mm in MFOHUI 5IFSF BSF BCPVU TQFDJFT in Australian waters and, of these, 10 occur in temperate waters. One species – the Banded Stingaree has

Fiddler Ray

patterning not unlike the Southern Fiddler Ray. Like Stingrays, Stingarees are placid and inquisitive. During a night dive last Summer, I shone my torch on a Stingaree only to have it swim up the beam and look at me from the outside of my face mask.

On another occasion, one swam nonchalantly across my hands.

The Southern Eagle Ray The Southern Eagle Ray is, to my mind, the southern version of the Manta Ray. They look majestic underwater and are a delight to see on when snorkeling.

The Southern Eagle Ray grows to N JO EJTD XJEUI BOE N JO UPUBM length. It has a blunt snout and eyes on the sides of the head. The disc is wider than it is in length and has pointed tips. There is a small dorsal ďŹ n followed by a venomous stinging spine on the long whip-like tail. It is brownish, grey, olive-green or yellowish above and paler below.

The upper surface has a variable pattern of grey-blue spots and bars.

banksia bulletin — summer 2009/2010

The Southern Eagle Ray is known from southern Queensland, around the south of the country and north to the south-western coast of Western Australia. It may also occur in New Zealand.

All Rays, except the Southern Fiddler 3BZ BSF DBQBCMF PG JOnJDUJOH TFSJPVT injury so it pays to take some sensible precautions. Do not annoy them or get within range of their tail. Also, keep a look out when swimming over shallow reef or sea grass as they may be sunning themselves in UIF TIBMMPXT 'JOBMMZ TIVGnF ZPVS GFFU when walking in the water.

If you would like to join us on a snorkel to see these amazing animals or learn more about the Sanctuary, please visit the Marine Care Ricketts Point website http://www.marinecare.org.au/

Peter Dedrick Marine Care Ricketts Point

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Microbat research Bayside City Council is a proud partner of some exciting research on microbats!

The University of Melbourne project will undertake a Melbourne-wide microbat survey. Microbats (also known as insectivorous bats) are small to medium–sized bats, XFJHIJOH GSPN H UP H BOE XJUI XJOHTQBOT BSPVOE 25cm. The larger fruit bats or megabats weigh up to a kilogram with wingspans to over one metre.

Little Forest Bat

In 1996, Bayside City Council carried out a general fauna survey. The survey found Grey Headed Flying Foxes (a megabat) and up to seven species of microbats in Bayside. Although bat speciďŹ c distribution and management needs were not assessed as part of the survey, availability of tree hollows and mortality on roads were identiďŹ ed as having a potential impact on these species. The Grey Headed Flying Fox was recognised as a mammal of state signiďŹ cance and all microbats were considered as locally signiďŹ cant but also locally vulnerable.

The University of Melbourne’s microbat survey will play an important role in determining the distribution, abundance, habitat requirements and conservation status of microbats within urban and suburban areas, including Bayside. The outcomes will assist Bayside City Council, as land managers, to make informed decisions to improve bat habitat and provide valuable opportunities for members of our community to be involved in the exciting and educative experience of a bat survey.

Lesser Longeared Bat

Volunteer information sessions will be held in 2010 for those interested in assisting with ďŹ eldwork for the mircrobat survey. Keep an eye on future editions of the Banksia Bulletin for further information or contact Bayside $JUZ $PVODJM 1I

Freetail Bat (Eastern form)

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banksia bulletin — summer 2009/2010

Mystery snake solved Andrew Lowry, a local Bayside resident has been keeping snakes GPS ZFBST BOE TQFDJBMJTFT JO dangerous snake handling and keeping of Tiger snakes and Death Adders.

Andrew has identified the snake pictured in the Banksia Bulletin, *TTVF 4QSJOH QBHF as an Eastern Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus).

“Tiger snakes are common in many suburban areas around Melbourne, including along the Yarra and even in inner city suburbs,” Andrew said.

“Around Bayside, Tiger snakes are rare, however they can still be found along the Mordialloc Creek and possibly in golf courses”.

A Dog’s breakfast 0O 4BUVSEBZ +BOVBSZ $PBTU Action/Coastcare with the assistance of Bayside City Council held a Dog’s Breakfast at Sandringham Harbour as part of this year’s Summer by the Sea program.

The event attracted all kinds of dogs and their owners. The aim of the morning was to discuss topics DPODFSOJOH ANBO T CFTU GSJFOE BOE our beaches. Information included the importance of keeping dogs off the fragile primary dunes, and safety with pets and children. Citywide’s

“The Tiger snake is the world’s fourth most venomous snake and an adult snake is capable of killing 50 people.”

Bushland crew were there to discuss foreshore regeneration and to ensure there were enough sausages for all the humans!

All in all, it was a successful event and we hope that it will run again in 2011.

For more information on Summer by the Sea visit www.coastcare.com.au

Jo Hurse Bushland Team Leader Citywide Open Space Photographs by John Nacamuli

banksia bulletin — summer 2009/2010

21

Looking for something to do?

Interested in indigenous plants and animals?

Do you have a passion for the environment and want to contribute toward conserving Bayside’s remnant bushland and foreshore?

Then the Bayside Environmental Network is for you! .FNCFST PG #BZTJEF T &OWJSPONFOUBM 'SJFOET HSPVQT and others interested in the natural environment, meet regularly to discuss their latest projects and issues. .FFUJOHT BSF GSPN QN QN BU UIF )BNQUPO $PNNVOJUZ $FOUSF 8JMMJT 4USFFU )BNQUPO 5IF OFYU meetings will be held on: .BSDI

"QSJM

.BZ

Please contact Coordinator Barbara Jakob PO PS FNBJM CBSCBSB!CKBLPC DPN BV for further information.

And why not get your hands dirty and join a Friends group?

Various Friends groups meet monthly for working bees at Bayside’s bushland and foreshore reserves.

Friends groups offer a great opportunity for all ages to get involved and help protect and enjoy our natural environment.

Contact a Friends coordinator (details on the ďŹ rst page of the Banksia Bulletin) or just turn up on the day (see the back page for working bee times). Make sure you wear protective clothing and sunscreen and bring plenty of water.

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banksia bulletin — summer 2009/2010

Friends of Bayside Working bee times for February to May 2010 Time/Day

February

March

April

May

Balcombe Park

Last Sunday 10am – noon

28

28

25

Bay Rd

2nd Saturday 10am – noon

10

8

BRASCA

Tuesdays BN o BN

Brighton Dunes

Tuesdays 8am – 10am

2, 9, 16,

Cheltenham Park

1st Sunday 10am – noon

2

Cheltenham Primary

$POUBDU TDIPPM QI

Donald MacDonald

1st Sunday 10am – noon

2

George St

SE 4VOEBZ 10am – noon

21

21

18

16

Gramatan

1st Sunday o QN

2

Long Hollow

Last Sunday QN o QN

28

28

25

Friends of Native Wildlife

1st Saturday BN

Ricketts Point Landside

SE 5VFTEBZ QN o QN

16

16

20

18

Table Rock

Last Tuesday QN o QN

25

Urban Forest & Merindah Park

2nd Sunday 10am – 12pm

11

9

Watkins Bay

Last Wednesday QN o QN

28

26

$POUBDU .JDIBFM /PSSJT QI

Gardenvale Primary School

$POUBDU #SJHJUUB 4VFOEFSNBOO QI

Sandringham East Primary School

Contact Katrine Lee ph. 9555 5250

banksia bulletin — summer 2009/2010

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www.bayside.vic.gov.au