The red-browed finch is common from Brisbane to Melbourne.It is highly sociable, and is usually seen in small flocks of 10 to 20 individuals. Flocks are sedentary or nomadic in their local area. Flocks prefer semi-open woodland, especially edges of forests, where brushy scrub meets cleared areas, especially near creeks.
The finch makes short, piping high-pitched cheeps. When disturbed, the whole flock will disperse, cheeping, and re-congregate near-by.
A seed eater, living mostly on grass and sedge seed, will happily feed on many non-native seeds.
(Wikipedia)
There is a flock at the Reserve regularly, mostly near the picnic area and at Chris Cross Garden centre.
GUNYAH
We have now received our building permit from City of Boroondara and hope to have a "Raise the Gunyah" day soon. The date is still to be determined.
Thanks to Craig Nicholson for generously helping us with constructing the base for the Gunyah and in meeting the Boroondara building permit conditions.
Thanks also to Bendigo Bank who have funded the kit and base, and Kew Rotary for partnering us in the project.
Committee members receive the Bendigo Bank cheque.
David has taken charge of levelling the tough ex-tip site for the gunyah and has been ably assisted by Jenny and Barbara.
The Atlas was initiated by a group of organisations with the intent to create a national database of all of Australia's flora and fauna that could be accessed through a single, easy to use web site. The CSIRO developed and administers the site.
All the data from the 2006 site assessment of Graeme Lorimer and details of flora & fauna observed (and planted) at the Reserve since then is being loaded onto the Atlas.
Check it out at www.ala.org.au.
COMMUNITY WORK DAYS
Two very productive work days were held in July. Eight volunteers weeded and planted the 2008 area, and then on the Sunday work day, we were joined by Camberwell Grammar boys and planted the billabong peninsula with about 750 plants. Kidney weed, bidgee widge, Poa lab, tall sedge, and Spiny-headed Mat-rush.
Camberwell Grammar boys & volunteers planting.
Box Hill U3A walking group had a guided tour of the Reserve and a talk was given to the Deepdene U3A.
FRIDAY 9 AUGUST 2013
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
&
SUNDAY 25 AUGUST 2013
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Burke Rd. Billabong Committee of Management.
www.vicnet.net.au/~fobrb