Perhaps our smallest group for a Friends’ activity with just four starters and lots of apologies from our regular walkers, this walk through the forested areas west of Moggs creek was indeed a delightful experience.
After the recent rains and warm sunshine there was plenty of fungi for us to admire
There were plenty of others showing their beauty
While others were colourful amongst the mosses and dry leaf litter
There were also many lichens at the base of the trees
The ants had been busy at the side of the track and it was interesting to see the built up entrances to their underground nests
The blackened forest with green undergrowth and the track edges of brilliant green demonstrated how resilient the Australian bush is to fire as within two months there was a green underfoot carpet
Calls of many forest birds could be heard along the walk. Grey Fantails, Grey Shrike-thrush, Scrubwrens, Treecreepers and Wattlebirds were very vocal. The ironbark blossoms also attracted large groups of honeyeaters and Brown Thornbills.
We paused to observe a Scarlet Robin and his mate flitting through the understorey regrowth, which was a delight.
Further along the track, the unmistakeable sound, and a quick glimpse, of a Golden Whistler.
Splashes of Pink Heath, Victoria’s floral emblem, were just brilliant against the blackened vegetation.
So a walk with what seemed to have a cloud overhanging it with forecast for strong winds and showers, ended up with a perfect autumnal day for an 8 to 9 km walk, and the four people who came along thoroughly enjoyed it.
Marg MacDonald/Kaye Traynor