Yellingbo and surrounds's Journal

Notes from: a Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater hosted citizen science event.
With the expertise of ecologist David de Angelis, a fabulous team of Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater citizen science and Youth Reference Group volunteers hit the tracks on a still, warm, 28 deg C evening to survey for frogs in Yellingbo. There had been rain in previous days, so there was plenty of moisture in the ground.
The insect life was abundant, with our torches certainly attracting them! Eight of the eleven species of frogs known to have been historically present in YNCA were recorded: Common Eastern Froglet, Eastern Banjo Frog (Southern sub-species), Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog (a relatively new arrival in YNCA), Peron's Tree Frog, Southern Brown Tree Frog, Spotted Marsh Frog, Striped Marsh Frog and Whistling Tree Frog.
Although our focus was frogs, it was lovely to see a Brushtail Possum, Swamp Wallaby and a gang of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. Plus, some invertebrates, including a Leopard Slug and our friend the leech - we've become masterful at spotting and removing these before they attach!
What a joy to be in the bush with people who have so much interest and respect for all species in this special part of the world. A special thank you to David for imparting so much of his knowledge to us so willingly. Thank you everyone - a great team effort 🙂

Notes from: a Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater hosted citizen science event.
The weather was almost perfect - still and mild - as we headed out for our Bird & Frog survey.
We all agreed, Alison & Bruce spotted the 2 species of the day. The stunningly beautiful Azure Kingfisher is not commonly seen in Yellingbo NCA, but today it happily perched a few metres from us, diving for food along the swamp edge. Frogs beware! The White-winged Triller is rarely recorded in YNCA. Today we saw a male, with its striking white and black plumage, feeding in Silver Wattle and Blackwood.
Together, our fabulous team of citizen scientists all contributed to recording 43 bird species, including a family of Australian Shelducks, Shining Bronze-cuckoos, White-necked Herons, Rufous and Golden Whistlers and a Pelican flying overhead. Up to 4 frog species were recorded (Pobblebonk, Striped Marsh Frog, Common Eastern Froglet, and TBC the Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog).
Every time we survey, we learn a little more about the animal species living amongst us, the habitat they are dependent on for survival and the joy that being in the natural world with like-minded people brings. What a great day. Thank you everyone!