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A year of nature observations at Balickera, north of Newcastle, Australia.

January ... February ... March ... April ... May ... June ... July ... August

... September ... October ... November ... December ... Weather ...

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(See also year 2002 observations)

NATURE WATCH DIARY For the Year: 2001

Name of observer: Kevin McDonald

Observer's postal address: 383 (formerly 59) Italia Road, Balickera NSW 2324

Phone number: (02) 49 886471 Email: [email protected]

Geographic location of observations: Latitude: 32deg 39' S Longitude: 151deg47' E

Key to abbreviations used: lf = leaf; lvs = leaves; fl = flower; flg = flowering;
SOI = Southern Oscillation Index; i.d. = identification; RT = Raymond Terrace

JANUARY Year: 2001

Rainfall for this month (mm): 48.3 (Average: 107.9) No. of rain days: 8 (most rain fell on last day)
Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 33 Min: n/a

Wind information for this month: (e.g., Beaufort scale): Wind Index: 2.1 (fairly windy)

Plant observations:
(including: which plants came into bud, and/or flowered, set seed, etc. for this month.)
A very poor month for flowering; the relentless heat stressed almost all plants, and some died or shed all their leaves. Hickory Wattle (Acacia implexa) and Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) flowered. Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa) flowered poorly. The mistletoe: Muellerina eucalyptoides was in bud. A previously unrecorded sedge, Drooping Sedge (Carex longebrachiata) was noted. Rough Saw Sedge (Gahnia aspera) had many red fruits. Most of the lawn areas around the house were totally brown, appearing dead; large cracks appeared in the soil.

Animal observations:
(including: which animals were particularly noticed this month; migratory species; behaviours, etc)
Bird species commonly seen included: Kookaburras, Choughs, Satin Bower Birds (mainly juveniles), Jacky Winters, Wonga Pigeons, Black-faced Cuckoo Shrikes, Galahs, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, Yellow Robins, Willy Wagtails, Magpies, Eastern Rosellas, Babblers, Pied Cormorants, Wood Ducks, Azure Kingfishers, Blue Wrens.
Towards the end of the month, our "resident pair" of Tawny Frogmouths reappeared. Locally, a pair of Jabirus was sighted (Newline Road area). Cicadas were heard, but numbers were rather low. Bush flies were a nuisance. Wanderer and Grass Yellow butterflies were around. Few mosquitoes, because of the heat and dryness. Water Dragons often seen.

Gardening notes:
(including: when seeds/seedlings were planted; flowerings, harvestings, weed problems, etc. for this month)
No attempt was made at any gardening in our vegie patch this month. On many days it was far too hot to venture outdoors. Our large Pecan Nut tree died. At least there was no need to mow any lawns this month! Several of our planted Banksia ericifolia shrubs appeared dead.

Any other interesting observations:
(including: any frosts; road kills of native animals; unexpected or unusual or "on time" happenings)
There were 13 days when the temperature was 35degC or higher, and 5 days when the temperature was 40degC or higher! On 17 January we purchased 3000 gallons of water for our household water tanks. Road kills (Italia Road only): 3 Red-necked Wallabies, 2 Wallaroos. Caught 2 rats in the ceiling.

FEBRUARY Year: 2001

Rainfall for this month (mm): 118.7 (Average: 107) No. of rain days: 13

Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 31 Min: n/a

Wind information for this month: (e.g., Beaufort scale): Wind Index: 1.4 (fairly calm)

Plant observations:
(including: which plants came into bud, and/or flowered, set seed, etc. for this month.)
Flowering this month: Water Lily (Nymphaea sp.), Red Bloodwoods (Corymbia gummifera), Whalebone Tree (Streblus brunonianus), Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa), Narrow-leaved Geebung (Persoonia linearis), Love Creeper (Glycine tabacina), Hickory Wattle (Acacia implexa), Pastel Flower (Pseuderanthemum variabile), Blue Murdannia (Murdannia graminea), Yellow Rush Lily (Trichoryne simplex), Pink Pavonia (Pavonia hastata), Strangle Vine (Parsonsia straminea), Tea Tree (Leptospermum petersonii cv), White Root ( Pratia purpurescens), Tiny Daisy (Lagenifera stipitata), Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii), Red Ash Tree (Alphitonia excelsa), Scurvy Plant (Commelina cyanea). There was much bark drop and leaf shed early in the month a result of the very hot, dry January.

Animal observations:
(including: which animals were particularly noticed this month; migratory species; behaviours, etc)
Birds frequently seen: Firetail Finches, Eastern Spinebill, Yellow Robins, B/sh Doves, Eastern Rosellas, Pied Cormorant, Brown Thornbills, Magpies, Azure Kingfishers, Kookaburras, Grey Fantails, W/thr Treecreepers, Pied Butcher Birds, Superb Blue Wrens, Nankeen Night Heron, Wh/br Sea Eagle, Jacky Winter, Willy Wagtails, Choughs, Noisy Friar Birds. Our resident Tawny Frogmouth pair was seen on 8 of the days.
Other animals seen: Wallaroos, Mound Ants swarming, Black Lawn Beetles, Grass Yellow Butterfly, Skipper Butterflies, Citrus Swallowtail, Vine Moth, Tiger Moth, Cicadas, Slate-coloured Dragonfly, Goanna, Large Green Tree Frog, Long-necked Tortoise, Eastern Water Dragon, and many mosquitoes.

Gardening notes:
(including: when seeds/seedlings were planted; flowerings, harvestings, weed problems, etc. for this month)
No vegie gardening attempted. Crocus plants flowered; also the citrus trees. Weeds prominent this month included: Summer Grass (Digitaria sanguinalis) rampant growth in the abandoned vegie garden beds, Swamp Dock (Rumex brownii), and Lantana (Lantana camera) flowering. Our large Hakea laurina has died (due to the drought).

Any other interesting observations:
(including: any frosts; road kills of native animals; unexpected or unusual or "on time" happenings)
No road kills (Italia Rd) recorded this month. Discovery of a very tall Kurrajong Tree along Lone Pine Trail in Wallaroo State Forest. The Ivory Curl Tree (Buckinghamia celsissima) flowered magnificently at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens. In Raymond Terrace, the Crepe Myrtle trees were spectacular in flower.

MARCH Year: 2001

Rainfall for this month (mm): 189.1 (Average: 120.5 ) No. of rain days: 14

Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 25 Min: n/a

Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): Wind Index: 1.4 (fairly calm)

Plant observations:
(including: which plants came into bud, and/or flowered, set seed, etc. for this month.)
Flowering this month: Melaleuca quinquenervia, Commelina cyanea, Nymphaea sp., Plectranthus parviflorus, Scrambling Lily (Geitonoplesium cymosum), Murdannia graminea, Hoya sp., Pratia purpurascens, Tricoryne simplex, Trema aspera, Glycine tabacina, Leptospermum petersonii, Callistemon cv, Exocarpus cupressiformis, Parsonsia straminea, Bursaria spinosa, Desmodium varians, Goodenia heterophylla, Dillwynia retorta, Acacia terminalis, Westringia sp., Pavonia hastata.
In bud were: Eucalyptus siderophloia, Banksia ericifolia (early "candles"), Persoonia linearis. In fruit were: Morinda jasminoides, Maytenus silvestris, Eustrephus latifolius, Melia azedarach, and Paperbark Mistletoe (Amyema gaudichaudii).

Animal observations:
(including: which animals were particularly noticed this month; migratory species; behaviours, etc)
Birds seen included: Wonga Pigeon, Noisy Friar Bird (very vocal), Kookaburras, Sacred Kingfisher, Black Cormorant, Yellow Robins, Pied Butcher Birds, Jacky Winter, S/n Ibis, Y/f Honeyeater, Lewins Honeyeater, Brown Pigeon (first sighting), Pee Wees, Red Wattle Birds, Eastern Spinebill, Rufous Fantail, Satin Bower Birds, Dusky Moorhen.
Our resident Frogmouth pair was seen on 17 days. Insects seen included: (Lepidoptera): Grass Yellow, Meadow Argus, Imperial Blue, Sword Grass Brown, Tiger moths; larvae of Crinum moth, and Privet Hawk Moth; greenish Dragon Fly, Crusader Bug, Crater Ants, Black Lawn Crickets; March Flies; mosquitoes and midges were in large numbers. Flying Foxes were reported at Glen Oak. 3 Dingoes seen on adjacent property. Blue Tongue Lizard and Water Dragons; baby Robust Velvet Gecko; Large Green Tree Frog; many frogs croaking 9-11 March, after very useful rain. Frog spawn on pond. Flatworm.

Gardening notes:
(including: when seeds/seedlings were planted; flowerings, harvestings, weed problems, etc. for this month)
Mulberries ripened, but failed to fully develop; Garlic Chives flowered. Grevillea Golden Glow, Grevillea Coconut Ice and Grevillea Redhead all flowered. Crocus, Erigeron (daisy) and Cassia sp. (intro.) all flowered. Nuisance weeds included: Fireweed, Paspalum, Summer Grass, Brazil Weed, Barbed-wire Grass.

Any other interesting observations:
(including: any frosts; road kills of native animals; unexpected or unusual or "on time" happenings)
Because of the ample rainfall, this was a very good month for fungal fruiting bodies, including: Phallus rubicundus, Puff Balls, Red Stars (Aseroe rubra), and some unidentified white-capped toadstools. There was some recovery leaf growth on some shrubs. Road kills: 1 Spiny Anteater, 2 Red-necked Wallabies.

APRIL Year: 2001

Rainfall for this month (mm): 54.4 (Average: 97.6 ) No. of rain days: 9

Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 24 Min: n/a

Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): Wind Index: 0.6 (very calm)

Plant observations:
(including: which plants came into bud, and/or flowered, set seed, etc. for this month.)
Flowering this month: Melaleuca quinquenervia, Acacia terminalis, Acacia falcata, Pavonia hastata, Bursaria spinosa, Wahlenbergia gracilis, Leucopogon juniperinum, Pimelea linifolia, Dillwynia retorta, Trichoryne simplex, Plectranthus parviflorus, Goodenia bellidifolia, Bird Orchid (Chiloglottis sp.), Helmet Orchid (Corybas sp.).
In bud this month: Eucalyptus tereticornis, Xanthorrhoea media, Persoonia linearis,
Acacia ulicifolia, A. elongata, A. fimbriata, A. falcata, Notolea sp.
In fruit this month: Breynia oblongifolia, Imperata cylindrica, Austromyrtus dulcis, Morinda jasminoides, Pittosporum revolutum, Exocarpus cupressiformis, Bursaria spinosa, Maytenus silvestris.

Animal observations:
(including: which animals were particularly noticed this month; migratory species; behaviours, etc)
Birds seen included: Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike, Pee Wees, Satin Bower Bird, Yellow Robin, Eastern Spinebill, Pied Cormorant, W/thr Treecreeper, Plovers, Firetail Finches, Wonga Pigeon, Whip Bird, Lewins Honeyeater, Jacky Winter, Wh/thr Woodswallows, Pied Butcher Birds, Grey Fantails, Grey Shrike Thrush, Pelicans (overhead), Magpies, B/s Doves, Willy Wagtails, Kookaburras.
Insects: (Lepidoptera): Lesser Wanderer Butterfly, Grass Yellow, Imperial Blue, Meadow Argus, Sword Grass Brown, a black "Ironbark" moth, a looper caterpillar moth; other insects: Brown Weevil Beetle, Green Preying Mantis, Bull Ant nest, Ichneumon Flies, Saw Fly larvae, Lace Wing, Yellow-banded Dragonfly, Mealy Bug, Black Lawn Beetles, Mountain Grasshopper (male); many mosquitoes and midges. Spiders: Nephila; Mammals: Brush-tailed Possum.

Gardening notes:
(including: when seeds/seedlings were planted; flowerings, harvestings, weed problems, etc. for this month)
On 26 April, planted front porch garden with seedlings of: Alyssum, Pansies (orange), Lobelia (Rose compact) and Snapdragon (Camelot); no vegie gardening undertaken.
Weeds flowering: Fireweed, Cassia (Senna coluteoides), Lantana. Solanum pseudocapsicum in fruit.

Any other interesting observations:
(including: any frosts; road kills of native animals; unexpected or unusual or "on time" happenings)
Major damage was caused to the leaves of the Crinum Lilies by the Lily Moth (Spodoptera picta, or Calogramma festiva?), whose larvae are large, black, with a yellow dorsal stripe and lateral white stripes; there is a black body band near the head.
Pleasant weather was noted throughout April. "Dog-dropping" fungal bodies were found on Meat Ant mounds. No road kills were recorded.

MAY Year: 2001

Rainfall for this month (mm): 471.1 (Average: 86.2 ) No. of rain days: 16

Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 18.5 Min: n/a

Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): Wind Index: 0.97 (calm)

Plant observations:
(including: which plants came into bud, and/or flowered, set seed, etc. for this month.)
Flowering this month (very little!): Acacia falcata, A. terminalis, Notolea sp., Boronia polygalifolia, Leucopogon juniperinum, a few Greenhood orchids, Chiloglottis sp., Acianthus fornicatus, Pimelea linifolia, Xanthorrhoea latifolia, Epacris pulchella, Persoonia linearis, Banksia spinulosa, Wahlenbergia gracilis.
In bud: Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. siderophloia, Acacia longifolia.
In fruit: Dianella sp., Citriobatus pauciflorus.

Animal observations:
(including: which animals were particularly noticed this month; migratory species; behaviours, etc)
Birds seen: (Our resident pair of Tawny Frogmouths was seen on 18 days.) Royal Spoonbill, Satin Bower Bird, Azure Kingfisher, Grey Fantail, E. Spinebill, Painted Button Quail, Red Wattle Bird, Wonga Pigeon, Pied Cormorant, Currawongs (pair), Y/t Black Cockatoo, Willy Wagtails (pair), Jacky Winter, Pee Wees, B/sh Doves, Blue Wren
Insects: Small termite infestation in house (caught early!); Saw Fly larvae (causing skeletonising of many leaves of various young eucalypts), Vine Moth larvae, large shiny black (scarab) beetle; many midges in evenings. Other animals: 1.4m R/b Black Snake, dead wallaby in back paddock; also a dead yabby. Found dead Brown Antechinus up Lone Pine Trail.

Gardening notes:
(including: when seeds/seedlings were planted; flowerings, harvestings, weed problems, etc. for this month)
Annual leaf drop from grapevines under way; Willows also losing leaves; lawn growth virtually ceased; first pansies flowering; sugar snap peas germinating. Weeds: Shepherds Purse flowering; Fireweed everywhere (some paddocks a "sea" of yellow); Whisky Grass now dead; Onion Weed in lawn.

Any other interesting observations:
(including: any frosts; road kills of native animals; unexpected or unusual or "on time" happenings)
Huge rainfall in early May rendered the grounds completely waterlogged. Various fungal fruiting bodies: tan-brown toadstools; bright orange toadstools; orange bracket fungus. 112 dolphins counted in recent Port Stephens Dolphin Watch exercise. Nature Watch display mounted at the annual 3-day Tocal Field Days; viewed with much interest by many people. No road kills recorded this month.

JUNE Year: 2001

Rainfall for this month (mm): 1.5 (Average: 101.3 ) No. of rain days: 1

Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 18.3 Min: n/a

Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): Wind Index: 0.93 (calm)

Plant observations:
(including: which plants came into bud, and/or flowered, set seed, etc. for this month.)
June is a very quiet month for the flowering of native plants.
Flowering this month: Banksia ericifolia, Acacia myrtifolia, A. longifolia, A. terminalis, A. ulicifolia, Xanthorrhoea latifolia, Acianthus fornicatus. Goodenia ovata.
Drosera plants emerging.
In bud: Cymbidium sp.
In fruit: Eustrephus latifolius, Billardiera scandens

Animal observations:
(including: which animals were particularly noticed this month; migratory species; behaviours, etc)
Birds seen: Our resident Tawny Frogmouth pair was seen on 19 days.
Magpies, Royal Spoonbill, Powerful Owl, Wood Duck, Pied Cormorant, Swamp Hen, Y/t Black Cockatoo. Grey Fantail, Lewin Honeyeater, Pee Wees, Yellow Robin, Currawong (pair), Satin Bower Birds, Eastern Rosellas, Crimson Rosellas (only at the end of June), Red Wattle Bird, Kookaburras, Dusky Woodswallows.
Insects: many midges; Saunders Case Moth

Gardening notes:
(including: when seeds/seedlings were planted; flowerings, harvestings, weed problems, etc. for this month)
No attempt at any vegie gardening. Pruned the grapevines. The Willows have lost all their old leaves. Grapefruit ripening. Mulberry leaves yellowing. Weeds flowering: Shivery Grass (Briza minor), Fireweed. Shepherds Purse is seeding.

Any other interesting observations:
(including: any frosts; road kills of native animals; unexpected or unusual or "on time" happenings)
What a contrast to last month! Only 1.5 mm rain; this allowed the saturated grounds to begin to dry out. A frost on 26 June; some early morning mists. Huge Ibis numbers reported locally. Humpback Whales moving north up the coast, providing spectacular viewing. Went to Sydney (28 June) to view Gary Weber's photographic exhibition of bark textures in "Seeing Through Landscapes". Road kills: 1 Red-necked Wallaby.

JULY Year: 2001

Rainfall for this month (mm): 65.1 (Average: 71.1) No. of rain days: 8

Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 17.0 Min: n/a

Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): Wind Index: 1.2 (fairly calm)

Plant observations:
(including: which plants came into bud, and/or flowered, set seed, etc. for this month.)
Flowering this month: Casuarina torulosa (male trees shedding pollen), Acacia ulicifolia, A. longifolia, A. elongata, A. myrtifolia, A. decurrens, A. suaveolens, Ptilanthelium deustum (Wing Plume Sedge), Xanthorrhoea latifolia, Dillwynia retorta, Banksia spinulosa, Pterostylis nutans, P. longifolia, Caladenia catenata, Hardenbergia violacea, Pandorea pandorana, Goodenia ovata, Daviesia squarrosa, Boronia polygalifolia, Pimelea linifolia, Lasiopetalum ferrugineum, Pultenaea villosa.
In bud: Acacia fimbriata, A. stricta, Callistemon cv Kings Park, Dendrobium aemulum, Gompholobium latifolium, Lepiderema pulchella (Fine lvd Tuckeroo), Eucalyptus tereticornis, Stylidium graminifolium.

Animal observations:
(including: which animals were particularly noticed this month; migratory species; behaviours, etc)
Birds: Our resident pair of Frogmouths was seen on 29 days.
Crimson Rosellas, B/sh Doves, Straw-necked Ibis, Red Wattle Bird, Eastern Spinebill, Pelicans (overhead), Satin Bower Bird, Jacky Winter, Pee Wee (pair), Magpies, Wh/f Heron, Yellow Robin, Wh/thr Treecreeper, Pied Butcher Bird, Grey Thrush, Olive-backed Oriole, Spotted Pardalote, Lewins Honeyeater, Eastern Rosella, Pied Cormorant, Y/t Black Cockatoo, Golden Whistler, S/cr Cockatoo, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Wood Duck, Firetail Finch, Galah, Noisy Friar Bird, Crested Hawk, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Whip Bird, Grey Fantail, Wonga Pigeon.
Insects: Small "ladybird" beetle (2 black stripes), many midges, pale fawn moth (2 eye spots on rear wings), Imperial White Butterfly (often seen), large fat-bodied dark-fawn moth, clump of "tapping" saw fly larvae,
Other animal sightings: dead Spiny Anteater in Lillie's horse paddock; small (40cm) brown snake disturbed when turning over old bricks, "family" of 3 Wallaroos in Lillie's front paddock, dead fox on Scott Bridge, Red Triangle Slug near Dawsonia moss.

Gardening notes:
(including: when seeds/seedlings were planted; flowerings, harvestings, weed problems, etc. for this month)
No attempt at veggie gardening, except for Sugar Snap Peas, coming into flower. Tiny buds on Mulberry tree, and Almond tree. "Toothbrush" Grevillea starting to flower. Weeds: Fireweed still abundant; garden "escape" Queensland Silver Wattle (A. podalyriaefolia) flowering in old Council quarry.

Any other interesting observations:
(including: any frosts; road kills of native animals; unexpected or unusual or "on time" happenings)
Grounds and tracks now drying out, with below average rainfall after May.
Road kills: Fox; large male Wallaroo.

AUGUST Year: 2001

Rainfall for this month (mm): 32.5 (Average: 63.7) No. of rain days: 7

Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 18.2 Min: n/a

Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): Wind Index: 3.0 (very windy)

Plant observations:
(including: which plants came into bud, and/or flowered, set seed, etc. for this month.)
Excellent month for flowering! Acacia stricta, A. ulicifolia, A. decurrens, A. fimbriata, A. longifolia, Ptilanthelium deustum, Westringia gracilis, Daviesia ulicifolia, D. squarrosa, Caladenia catenata, C. carnea, Pterostylis nutans, P. rufa, Dendrobium aemulum, Zieria smithii, Patersonia sericea, Dillwynia retorta, Goodenia heterophylla, G. ovata, Hardenbergia violacea, Hibbertia aspera, Drosera peltata, Lissanthe strigosa, Pimelea linifolia, Eucalyptus siderophloia, Platylobium formosum, Pultenaea villosa, P. retusa, Lomandra filiformis, Olearia viscidula, Bursaria spinosa, Clematis sp., Grevillea linearifolia, Pittosporum undulatum.
In bud: Fine leaved Tuckeroo (Lepiderima pulchella), Gomphlobium latifolium, Mirbelia rubiifolia, Eucalyptus tereticornis; Pussy Willow; Grapevine.
In fruit: Citriobatus pauciflorus, Dodonaea triquetra.

Animal observations:
(including: which animals were particularly noticed this month; migratory species; behaviours, etc)
Birds: Our resident Tawny Frogmouths were seen on 15 days.
Grey Thrush, Brown Thornbill, Magpie, E. Spinebill, Firetail Finch, Superb Blue Wren, Red Wattle Bird, Noisy Friar Bird, Crimson Rosella, Y/f Honeyeater, S/cr Cockatoo, Spine-tailed Swift, Satin Bower Bird, Regent Bower Bird (male), Spur-winged Plover (pair), Wonga Pigeon, Whip Bird, Golden Whistler, Wh/f Heron, King Parrot, Str/n Ibis, Spotted Pardalote, Pied Cormorant, Wh/thr Treecreeper, Wood Duck, B/sh Dove.
Insects: Many bees; 2-spotted Fawn Beetle, Black Lawn Beetle.
Other animals: Robust Velvet Gecko, Striped Skink, Burton's Legless Lizard, Hare, Bleating Tree Frog, family of 3 Wallaroos, Brush Tailed Possum; diggings of Echidna.

Gardening notes:
(including: when seeds/seedlings were planted; flowerings, harvestings, weed problems, etc. for this month)
Almond Tree in blossom; Photinia flowering; Pussy Willow and Mulberry tree in new leaf; Orange tree in bud; buds on grape vine, with filigree of new leaves. Weeds: Chickweed (Cerastium glomeratum) abundant; Winter Grass, Shivery Grass; Perennial Ryegrass. Grevillea Moonlight & Grevillea Ivanhoe flowering.

Any other interesting observations:
(including: any frosts; road kills of native animals; unexpected or unusual or "on time" happenings)
Becoming very dry now. An extremely windy month. Found new plant for list: Guioa semiglauca (on bank of Williams River); caught mouse and rat in house. Road kill; Red-necked Wallaby. Burton's Legless Lizard was a new addition to the reptile list.

SEPTEMBER Year: 2001

Rainfall for this month (mm): 37.2 (Average: 63.8) No. of rain days: 6

Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 22.8 Min: n/a

Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): Wind Index: 1.7 (fairly calm)

Plant observations:
(including: which plants came into bud, and/or flowered, set seed, etc. for this month.)
Another excellent month for flowering of native plants: Clematis glycinoides, Pultenaea villosa, Patersonia sericea, Drosera peltata, Caladenia carnea, Platylobium formosum, Goodenia ovata, Pittosporum undulatum, P, revolutum, Wahlenbergia gracilis, Pterostylis nutans, P. pedunculata, Calochilus robertsonii, Hibbertia dentata, H. aspera, Wurmbea dioica, Burchardia umbellata, Eremophila maculata, Dendrobium kingii, Citriobatus parviflorus, Mirbelia rubiifolia, Bossiaea prostrata, Carex appressa, Gompholobium latifolium, G. pinnatum, Hybanthus monopetalus, Glycine tabacina, Indigofera australis, Lomandra longifolia, L. multiflora, Ptilanthelium deustum, Pimelea linifolia, Eustrephus latifolius, Zieria smithii, Hymenosporum flavum, Melaleuca nodosa, Stylidium graminifolium, Ranunculus inundatus, Themeda australis, Kennedia rubicunda, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Leptospermum polygalifolium, Commersonia fraseri.
In fruit: Acacia ulicifolia, Dillwynia retorta, Daviesia ulicifolia.

Animal observations:
(including: which animals were particularly noticed this month; migratory species; behaviours, etc)
Birds: Our Frogmouth pair was seen on 26 days, and on 17 Sept. the female was seen on a newly constructed nest, in an Ironbark tree. She was subsequently on this nest every day for over 8 weeks. E. Spinebill, Wh/f Heron, N. Friar Bird, Lewins Honeyeater, Y/f Honeyeater, Wonga Pigeon, Spotted Pardalote, Firetail Finch, Satin Bower Bird, Whip Bird, Bl/f Cuckoo Shrike, Chestnut Teal, Yellow Robin, Currawong, King Parrot, B/sh Dove, Ch/b Cuckoo, Wagtail, Pheasant Coucal, Wh/br Scrub Wren, Grey Fantail, Swamphen, Superb Blue Wren, Kookaburra, Pied Cormorant.
Insects: Imperial White butterfly; a skipper (Trapezites sp.?); iridescent green beetles on Pittosporum undulatum; saw fly larvae.
Other animals: Robust Velvet Gecko; Water Dragon; Jacky Lizard; R/b Black Snake; Long-necked Tortoise; Bleating Tree Frog; Striped Marsh Frog.

Gardening notes:
(including: when seeds/seedlings were planted; flowerings, harvestings, weed problems, etc. for this month)
Snapdragons flowered well; Photinia and Sea Daisy (Erigeron sp.) flowering; buds on orange tree; mulberries ripening but shriveling. Weeds: Cape Daisy, Clover, Onion Grass, Shivery Grass (Briza maxima), Rye Grass (Lolium perenne).

Any other interesting observations:
(including: any frosts; road kills of native animals; unexpected or unusual or "on time" happenings)
Much croaking of frogs; ticks around. Road kills: Red-necked Wallaby; Swamp Wallaby; Jacky Lizard; Red-bellied Black Snake.

OCTOBER Year: 2001

Rainfall for this month (mm): 31.3 (Average: 68.9) No. of rain days: 7 (4 of which
gave negligible rain)
Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 24.5 Min: n/a

Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): Wind Index: 2.7 (rather windy)

Plant observations:
(including: which plants came into bud, and/or flowered, set seed, etc. for this month.)
Flowering: Eucalyptus siderophloia, Callistemon citrinus. Callistemon Kings Park, Callistemon linearis, Hibbertia acicularis, Hymenosporum flavum, Goodenia bellidifolia, Eustrephus latifolius, Stylidium graminifolium, Calochilus paludosus, Lyperanthus suaveolens, Microtis parviflora, Mirbelia rubiifolia (note: a white flowering form was found); Burchardia umbellata, Thysanotus tuberosus, Ranunculus inundatus, Hybanthus monopetalus, Cordyline stricta, Ozothamnus diosmifolius (formerly Helichrysum diosmifolium), Dendrophthoe vitellina, Gompholobium pinnatum, Caesia vittata, Grevillea robusta, Patersonia sericea, Nymphaea sp., Syncarpia glomulifera, Leptospermum petersonii, Kunzea cv.
In bud: Clerodendrum tomentosum, Rhodomyrtus psidioides, Elaeocarpus ovata, Baeckea cv, Acacia irrorata, Backhousia myrtifolia.
In fruit: Dodonaea triquetra, Hardenbergia violacea.

Animal observations:
(including: which animals were particularly noticed this month; migratory species; behaviours, etc)
Birds: Our resident Frogmouths were seen on 31 days; the female was on the nest every day; first chick seen on 15 Oct.
Wonga Pigeon, W. Wagtail, Ch/b Cuckoo, Pheasant Coucal, Lewins Honeyeater, Y/f Honeyeater, Oriole, Pied Butcher Bird, Satin Bower Bird, Chestnut Teal, Yellow Robin, Bl/f Cuckoo Shrike, E. Spinebill, Magpie, Pee Wee, Pied Cormorant, Black Cormorant, Golden Whistler, Grey-crowned Babbler, E. Rosella, Raven, Azure Kingfisher, Buff-banded Rail, Cicada Bird, King Parrot, Wood Duck, Wh/f Heron, Variegated Blue Wren.
Other animals: Water Dragon, R/b Black Snake, Long-necked Tortoise; Perons Tree Frog, Large Green Tree Frog; Eastern Grey Kangaroo; Brush-tailed Possum; Hare.
Insects: "Fireflies" (Beetles) seen in early October; glossy green beetles defoliating Blackthorn bush; iridescent green beetles eating leaves of Pittosporum revolutum; small brown beetles; bull-ant nest; "blue dot" bugs attended by ants; Imperial White butterfly; Skippers; Evening Brown; Common Brown Ringlet; "Ironbark" moth; black lawn beetles.

Gardening notes:
(including: when seeds/seedlings were planted; flowerings, harvestings, weed problems, etc. for this month)
All citrus trees now flowering. Snapdragons continue to flower well. Cymbidium has 15 blooms. Jacarandas in early flower in Raymond Terrace. Lawns are whitish-fawn, and crackle dry; soil parched. Weeds: Briza minor and B. maxima both flowering.

Any other interesting observations:
(including: any frosts; road kills of native animals; unexpected or unusual or "on time" happenings)
Spotted Gum bark beginning to crack and fall away. Grapevine pollen drop at beginning of month. BBC film crew at Seaham Nature Reserve, 2 Oct. Cattle Egrets developing rusty-brown breeding colour and starting to nest. Many garden snails seen. Fire in Wallaroo Nature Reserve and adjacent properties, 28 Oct.
Two roaming peacocks are a nuisance for property owners. Fourth dry month in a row.
Road kills: 2 R/b Black Snakes; Long-necked Tortoise; Goanna.

NOVEMBER Year: 2001

Rainfall for this month (mm): 156.1 (Average: 71.7) No. of rain days: 11

Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 24.3 Min: n/a

Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): Wind Index: 2.1 (fairly windy)

Plant observations:
(including: which plants came into bud, and/or flowered, set seed, etc. for this month.)
Flowering: Kunzea cv, Baeckea cv, Melaleuca linariifolia, M. styphelioides, M. decora, Angophora costata, Backhousia myrtifolia, Clerodendrum tomentosum, Ozothamnus diosmifolius, Helichrysum semipapposum, Dendrophthoe vittelina, Xanthorrhoea macronema, Morinda jasminoides, Cordyline stricta, Goodenia bellidifolia, Hibiscus heterophyllus, Acacia irrorata, Rhodomyrtus psidioides, Hibbertia scandens, Waterhousea floribunda, Xanthorrhoea macronema.
In bud: Acmena smithii, Trema aspera, Austromyrtus dulcis, Hoya sp.
In fruit: Dianella caerulea, Notolea ovata, Glochidion ferdinandi
Stems of Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium punctatum) appearing.

Animal observations:
(including: which animals were particularly noticed this month; migratory species; behaviours, etc)
Birds: The resident Frogmouths were seen on 19 days; by 5 Nov., 2 chicks were confirmed; first flight of young: 16 Nov. The family of 4 gone after 19 Nov. no further sightings for remainder of the year.
Satin Bower Bird, E. Rosella, Oriole, Black and Pied Cormorant, King Parrot, Grey Thrush, W/f Heron, Grey-crowned Babbler, B/sh Dove, Rufous Fantail, Whip Bird, Galah, W. Wagtail, E. Spinebill, Yellow Robin, Pee Wee, Wh/thr Warbler, Y/f Honeyeater, Wood Duck, Ch/b Cuckoo, Wh/thr Treecreeper, Sitella, Noisy Friar Bird, Kookaburra, White-headed Pigeon, Leaden Flycatcher, Sacred Kingfisher, Magpie, Wh/thr Needletail, Wh/w Triller, Sacred Kingfisher, S/cr Cockatoo, Pied Butcher Bird, Nankeen Night Heron, Bl/f Cuckoo Shrike
Other animals: Perons Tree Frog, Jacky Lizard, Gecko
Insects: Tiger Moth, Ringed Xenica, Common Brown, Caper White, irid. green beetles, Giant Robber Fly, termites swarming (17 & 25 Nov); many cicada shells; bushflies.

Gardening notes:
(including: when seeds/seedlings were planted; flowerings, harvestings, weed problems, etc. for this month)
Planted Petunia seedlings in front porch garden (14 Nov: "Colour Parade"); also planted one Baeckea and one Austromyrtus. On 23 Nov. planted 8 Agapanthus. (Also planted Melaleuca fulgens "Red", M. thymifolia, Eremophila maculata "Brick", E. linearis, and a Bunya Pine from APS). Buds on garlic chives.
Weeds: Pigweed, Blackberry, Gomphocarpus, Solanum pseudocapsicum, all flowering.
Jacarandas flowering very well in Raymond Terrace

Any other interesting observations:
(including: any frosts; road kills of native animals; unexpected or unusual or "on time" happenings)
Morning Glory is starting to smother vegetation at Seaham Nature Reserve. Our Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) showing no sign of flowering at all this year (last year it flowered well at this time). Jenny Musicka gave excellent Nature Watch talk to Williams River Care Association, 28 Nov. The roaming pair of male peacocks continue to be a nuisance. Sighted a Quoll at night on Clarence Town Rd. Young dappled deer seen on Italia Road. Kerry Gonzalez reported pair of Brush-tailed Phascogales in ceiling of her house. Good rain this month, at last.; however, this brought out many garden snails.
Road kills: Goanna, Kookaburra, 2 Red-necked Wallabies, Wallaroo, Swamp Wallaby.

DECEMBER Year: 2001

Rainfall for this month (mm): 63.4 (Average: 102.6) No. of rain days: 10

Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 28.8 Min: n/a

Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): Wind Index: 2.2 (fairly windy)

Plant observations:
(including: which plants came into bud, and/or flowered, set seed, etc. for this month.)
Flowering: Eucalyptus eugenioides, Acacia irrorata, A. implexa, Hibiscus heterophyllus, Melaleuca styphelioides, Angophora floribunda, Tristaniopsis laurina, Spiranthes sinensis, Austromyrtus dulcis, Hoya sp., Crinum pedunculatum, Alpinia caerulea, Pseuderanthemum variabile, Ranunculus inundatus, Pavonia hastata, Eremophila maculata.
In bud: Dipodium punctatum, Banksia spinulosa.
In fruit: Clerodendrum tomentosum, Breynia oblongifolia, Morinda jasminoides, Pittosporum revolutum, Parsonsia straminea, Dendrobium aemulum, Dendrophthoe vitellina, Rapanea variabilis, Rhodomyrtus psidioides.

Animal observations:
(including: which animals were particularly noticed this month; migratory species; behaviours, etc)
Birds: The Frogmouth family has departed. Wh/thr Warbler, B/sh Dove, Wonga Pigeon, Wh/h Pigeon, Crested Pigeon, E. Rosella, Pheasant Coucal, Noisy Friar Bird, King Parrot, Kookaburra, Grey-crowned Babbler, Ch/b Cuckoo, Koel, Satin Bower Bird, Pied Cormorant, Black Cormorant, Superb Blue Wren, Wagtail, Cattle Egret, Oriole, Dollar Bird, Royal Spoonbill, Magpie, Nankeen Night Heron, Leaden Flycatcher, Bl/f Cuckoo Shrike, Chestnut Mannikin, Wh/thr Treecreeper, Grey Thrush, S/cr Cockatoo, Eastern Swamphen, Spur-winged Plover, Grey Fantail.
Insects: Common Brown Butterfly, Painted Vine Moth, Blue Triangle butterfly, Mountain Grasshopper, cicadas (many!), termites swarming on 3 Dec (eaten on the wing by Spine-tailed Swifts), bushflies, but few mosquitoes, earwigs, midges.
Other animals: Flatworm, R/b Black Snake, Orb-weaving Spider, Huntsman Spider, Jacky Lizard, Robust Velvet Gecko, Perons Tree Frog..

Gardening notes:
(including: when seeds/seedlings were planted; flowerings, harvestings, weed problems, etc. for this month)
Petunias , Agapanthus, Garlic Chives all flowering well. Weeds: Pig Weed, Smartweed, Lantana. The soil has dried out yet again.

Any other interesting observations:
(including: any frosts; road kills of native animals; unexpected or unusual or "on time" happenings)
The heat and dry conditions of the last week of December were very trying for humans and nature. The stalks of the Hyacinth Orchid all withered away. The Grey Gums were shedding their bark in large quantities. The grapes on our back verandah grapevine were regularly raided by the Satin Bower Birds, and sometimes by Lewins Honeyeater and King Parrots (the latter only wanting the seeds inside!)
Road kills: 2 Red-necked Wallabies; goanna, hare.

DECEMBER Year: 2001

Rainfall for this month (mm): 63.4 (Average: 102.6) No. of rain days: 10

Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 28.8 Min: n/a

Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): Wind Index: 2.2 (fairly windy)

WEATHER SUMMARY 2001 Kevin McDonald

For: Balickera, NSW 2324

Note: References for average rainfall are made to the nearest Bureau of Meteorology official station at Clarence Town. Although Williamtown weather station is also close, the local landforms determine that weather patterns are closer to those of Clarence Town.

1. January: A month of relentless, searing hot days and minimal rainfall (except on the last day). Numerous shrubs appear to have died, including Macadamia, Banksia ericifolia, Synoum glandulosum, Pecan Nut, Lilly Pilly.
Total rainfall for the month: 48.3 mm (8 rain days) (Average for January is 107.9 mm). Average maximum temperature for this January: 33 degC.
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 2.1 (i.e., fairly windy)

2. February: February was hot and humid.
Total rainfall for the month: 118.7 mm (13 rain days). (Average for February is 107.0 mm.)
Average maximum temperature for this February: 31 degC.
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 1.4 (i.e., fairly calm)

3. March: Very useful rain early in March.
Total rainfall for the month: 189.1 mm (14 rain days). (Average for March is 120.5 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this March: 25 degC.
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 1.4 (i.e., fairly calm)

4. April: Pleasant, mild weather this April.
Total rainfall for the month: 54.4 mm (9 rain days) (Average for April is 97.6 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this April: 24 degC.
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 0.6 (i.e., very calm)

5. May: A month of near record rainfall! The highest rainfall for any one month since we've lived here (7 years); however, Alison Sims (formerly of Italia Road) recorded 595.8 mm for February, 1990. The dam and creek overflowed, and the low-lying land at Balickera Wetlands (Musicka property) became an inland sea!
Total rainfall for the month: 471.1 mm. (16 rain days) (Average for May is 86.2 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this May: 18.5 degC.
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 0.97 (i.e., very calm)

6. June: What a contrast to May! Only 1.5 mm rain for the entire month; yet another record since we've lived here, i.e., lowest rainfall for any June.
Total rainfall for the month: 1.5 mm. (1 rain day) (Average for June is 101.3 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this June: 18.3 degC
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 0.93 (i.e., very calm)

7. July: Typically the coldest month of the year.
Total rainfall for the month: 65.1 mm (8 rain days) (Average for July is 71.1 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this July: 17.0 degC
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 1.2 (i.e., calm)

8. August: A very dry August and typically windy.
Total rainfall for the month: 32.5 mm (7 rain days) (Average for August is 63.7 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this August: 18.2 degC
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 3.0 (i.e., very windy)

9. September: A dry September; indeed, the 4 months, June September, have yielded only 136.3 mm, which is 45% of average for this period.
Total rainfall for the month: 37.2 mm (6 rain days) (Average for September is 63.8 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this September: 22.8 degC
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 1.7 (i.e., fairly calm)

10. October: Another dry month the fifth in a row of less than average rainfall. Lawns are whitish-fawn in colour, and crackle dry. The soil is parched and cracking, and water tanks are low. All this is ironic in view of the flood rain in May!
Total rainfall for the month: 31.3 mm (7 rain days, 4 of which gave negligible rain) (Average for October is 68.9 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this October: 24.5 degC.
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 2.7 (i.e., rather windy)

11. November: At last some good rain; lawns and shrubs recovered and the creek began to flow by the third week, but soon stopped.
Total rainfall for the month: 156.1 mm (11 rain days) (Average for November is 71.7 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this November: 24.3 degC.
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 2.1 (i.e., fairly windy)

12. December: Rainfall was good for the first half, but the remainder of December was very dry, and temperatures rose sharply.
Total rainfall for the month: 63.4 mm (10 rain days) (Average for December is 102.6 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this December: 28.8 degC.
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 2.2 (i.e., fairly windy)

SUMMARY: Although the total rainfall for the year was 1268.7 mm (average all years: 1061.6 mm), this total is quite misleading because of the freak heavy rainfall in May. If
"normal" rain had fallen in May, the year total would be more like 884 mm, making 2001 a dry year, rather than the wet year implied by the total rainfall.

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