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NATURE WATCH DIARY

SET OF 12 MONTHLY SUMMARIES

For the Year: 2002

Observer Information

Name of observer: Kevin McDonald

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

Phone number: (02) 49 886471 Local Government Area: Port Stephens Shire

Fax: (none) Email: [email protected]

Geographic location of observations:

Latitude: 32deg 39' S Longitude: 151deg47' E LJ866862

Key to abbreviations used: lf = leaf; lvs = leaves; fl = flower; flg = flowering;
SOI = Southern Oscillation Index; i.d. = identification; RT = Raymond Terrace
WSF = Wallaroo State Forest; WNR = Wallaroo Nature Reserve

Title/author/page no. of any reference books used for identification, etc.

Robinson, L. (1991) Field Guide to the Native Plants of Sydney. Kangaroo Press.

Fairley, A. and Moore, P. (1989) Native Plants of the Sydney District. Kangaroo Press.

Readers Digest Services (1976) Readers Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds.

Simpson, K. and Day, N. (1996) Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. 5th ed.

Zborowski, P. and Storey, R. (1997) A Field Guide to Insects of Australia. Reed Books.

Robinson, M. (1993) A Field Guide to Frogs of Australia. Australian Museum/Reed.

Swan, G. (1990) A Field Guide to the Snakes and Lizards of NSW. Three Sisters Publ.

Menkhorst, P. and Knight, F. (2001) A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia. Oxford.

MONTHLY SUMMARY Nature Watch

For the month of: JANUARY Year: 2002
Rainfall for this month (mm): 33.1 (Average: 107.9) No. of rain days: 9
(5 days gave less than 1 mm)
Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 30.0 Min: n/a
Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): Wind index: 2.3 (fairly windy)

Plant observations:
Flowering: Crinum Lily (Crinum pedunculatum)
Native Grape (Cayratia clematidia)
Lemon-scented Tea Tree (Leptospermum petersonii)
a Mistletoe (Muellerina eucalyptoides)
Crimson Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus)
Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa)
Pastel Flower (Pseuderanthemum variabile)
Red Ash (Alphitonia excelsa)
Pink Pavonia (Pavonia hastata)
Bladderwort (Utricularia exoleta)
Midgin Berry (Austromyrtus dulcis)
In Bud: Yellowwood (Acronychia oblongifolia)
In Fruit: Wombat Berry (Eustrephus latifolius)
Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica)
Hairy Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum tomentosum)

Animal observations:
Birds seen: Silvereye, Night Heron, Babblers, C/b Cuckoo, Koel, Rufous Fantail, Grey Thrush, Bl/f Cuckoo Shrike, E. Yellow Robin, E. Swamphen, Satin Bower Bird, Wood Duck, Y/t Black Cockatoo, Grey Fantail, Superb Blue Wren, Wonga Pigeon, Azure Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Black Cormorant, Lewins Honeyeater, Wh/f Heron, Australasian Bittern, Pee Wee, Leaden Flycatcher.
Insects: (a) cicadas: Green Grocer, Cherry Nose, Red Eye, Double Drummer, Floury Baker; (b) Other insects: Mud Wasps, Iridescent Green Scarab Beetle, Bushflies, Blue-banded Bee, Flat Black Wasp, Longicorn Beetle, Wattle Goat Moth, Old Lady (Cloak) Moth. Frogs: Large Green Tree Frog, Perons Tree Frog. Reptiles: R/b Black Snake, Robust Velvet Gecko.

Gardening notes:
Did not attempt any vegetable gardening because of prolonged heat and dryness.
Crocus plants flowering. Petunias and lawns badly affected by heat.
Weeds: Canadian Fleabane flowering; Cotton Bush (Gomphocarpus spp.) in fruit.

Other observations:
A very good month for cicadas. Extensive leaf fall from eucalypts. Sighted a Fox. Red-back Spider on garage door. Heard male Koala bellowing at night. Max Maddock reported 417 Cattle Egret nests at Seaham Swamp.
Road kills: 1 R/n Wallaby; 1 Swamp Wallaby; 1 Brushtail Possum.

MONTHLY SUMMARY Nature Watch

For the month of: FEBRUARY Year: 2002
Rainfall for this month (mm): 224.8 (Average: 107.0 ) No. of rain days: 16
(wettest February in 8 years of records at this site)
Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 25.8 Min: n/a
Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): 1.0 (calm)

Plant observations:
Flowering: Native Peach (Trema aspera)
Lemon-scented Tea Tree (Leptospermum petersonii)
Red Bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera)
Pastel Flower (Pseuderanthemum variabile)
Scurvy Plant (Commelina cyanea)
Yellow Rush Lily (Trichoryne simplex)
Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa)
Broad-leaved Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
Cut-leaf Daisy (Brachycome multifida)
Blue Murdannia (Murdannia graminea)
Rough Guinea Flower (Hibbertia aspera)
Sunshine Wattle (Acacia terminalis)
a Water Lily (Nymphaea sp.)
Love Creeper (Glycine tabacina)
Forest She-oak (Allocasuarina torulosa)
In Bud: Yellowwood (Acronychia oblongifolia)
Heath Banksia (Banksia ericifolia)
Strangle Vine (Parsonsia straminea)
Narrow-leaved Geebung (Persoonia linearis)
Falcate Wattle (Acacia falcata)
In Fruit: False Capsicum (Solanum pseudocapsicum)
Native Frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum)
Maytenus (Maytenus silvestris)
Yellow Pittosporum (Pittosporum revolutum)
Lilypilly (Acmena smithii)
A Mistletoe (Dendrophthoe vitellina)

Animal observations:
Birds seen: Black Cormorant, Little Pied Cormorant, E. Yellow Robin, Sacred Kingfisher, Wagtail, B/sh Dove, Babbler, Galah, Grey Thrush, Golden Whistler, Grey Fantail, S. Blue Wren, Y/f Honeyeater, Satin Bower Bird, W/br Scrub Wren, W/thr Treecreeper, Whip Bird, Wonga Pigeon, Magpie, Pee Wee, Firetail Finch, Spangled Drongo (first sighting). Resident Frogmouths: 5 sightings.
Insects: Grass-yellow butterfly, Common Brown butterfly, Common Crow butterfly, midges, earwigs, click beetle, mosquitoes, Bush flies, March flies, Mountain Grasshopper, fawn "2+4"spotted beetle. Frogs: Bleating Tree Frog. Reptiles: Yellow-faced Whip Snake, Eastern Water Dragon, Jacky Lizard. Mammals: Hare, Swamp Wallaby, R/n Wallaby. Other: Flatworm.
Gardening notes:
No vegetable gardening attempted. Garlic Chives flowering. Crocus flowering. Oncidium (orchid) flowering. Mandarines in early stage of ripening.
Weeds: Canadian Fleabane.

Other observations:
Minor flooding after heavy rains in first week of February. Young (very wild) tabby cat caught on front verandah grapevine, 26 Feb. Found a large load of dumped cactus stems up Quarry Trail. Fungal fruiting bodies observed.
Road kills: 2 R/n wallabies, 1 Wallaroo, 1 R/b Black Snake, 1 Hare, 1 male Peacock.

MONTHLY SUMMARY Nature Watch

For the month of: MARCH Year: 2002
Rainfall for this month (mm): 104.7 (Average: 120.5 ) No. of rain days: 10
(good rain on last 3 days)
Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 26.8 (hotter than Feb!) Min: n/a
Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): 1.0 (calm)

Plant observations:
Flowering: Strangle Vine (Parsonsia straminea)
White Root (Pratia purpurescens)
Clustered Everlasting (Helichrysum semipapposum)
Broad-lvd Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
a Waterlily (Nymphoides indica)
Yellowwood (Acronychia oblongifolia)
Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa)
Hoya (Hoya sp.)
Sunshine Wattle (Acacia terminalis)
Basket Grass (Oplismenus aemulus)
Crimson Bottlebrush (Callistemon Kings Park)
Guinea Flower (Hibbertia scandens)
Rough Guinea Flower (H. aspera)
Pink Pavonia (Pavonia hastata)
Cockspur Flower (Plectranthus parviflorus)
River Buttercup (Ranunculus inundatus)
a Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea sp.)
Hop Goodenia (Goodenia ovata)
White Spider Flower (Grevillea linearifolia)
In Bud: (then flg) Heath Banksia (Banksia ericifolia)
Hairpin Banksia (B. spinulosa)
In Fruit: Wombat Berry (Eustrephus latifolius)
a Mistletoe (Dendrophthoe vitellina)
Jasmine Morinda (Morinda jasminoides)
Sword sedge (Gahnia sp.)
Cheese Tree (Glochidion ferdinandi)
Maytenus (Maytenus silvestris)
Yellow Pittosporum (Pittosporum revolutum)

Animal observations:
Birds seen: Currawong, Magpie, Pied Cormorant, Babbler, Grey Butcher Bird, Azure Kingfisher, Lewins Honeyeater, Wonga Pigeon, King Parrot, Kookaburra, Noisy Friar Bird, Chestnut Teal, Firetail Finch, Yellow Robin, S. Blue Wren, Grey Thrush, S/cr Cockatoo, Pelican, E. Spinebill, Jacky Winter, B/sh Dove, Pee Wee, Wh/h. Pigeon. Resident Frogmouths: 2 sightings.
Insects: Mosquitoes, March Flies, no Cicadas, Native Bees, Earwigs, countless midges; Tiger Moth, Grapevine Moth, Painted Vine Moth, Common Brown Butterfly, Wonder Brown Butterfly, Common Crow butterfly, Dead-leaf Moth, Grass Yellow butterfly, Orchard Butterfly, Imperial Blue (with attendant ants). Other animals: Nephila Spider, 2-Spined Spider; Eastern Water Dragon.

Gardening notes: Petunias continued flowering well.Weeds: Rank growth of Canadian Fleabane (Erigeron canadensis); Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana).

Other observations: Mass skeletonising of mangrove leaves at Stockton. Grape vine leaves developing autumn colours.
No road kills this month.

MONTHLY SUMMARY Nature Watch

For the month of: APRIL Year: 2002
Rainfall for this month (mm): 104.0 (Average: 97.6 ) No. of rain days: 9

Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 24.1 Min: n/a
Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): 0.3 (very calm)

Plant observations:
Flowering: Falcate Wattle (Acacia falcata)
Prickly Moses (A. ulicifolia)
Sunshine Wattle (A. terminalis)
Hairpin Banksia (Banksia spinulosa)
Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta)
Bearded Heath (Leucopogon juniperinus)
Native Olive (Notolaea sp.)
Broad-lvd Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
Pink Pavonia (Pavonia hastata)
Grevillea cv (Grevillea Pink Ice)
Blue Grass Lily (Caesia vittata)
Yellow Rush Lily (Trichoryne simplex)
Blue Murdannia (Murdannia graminea)
White Root (Pratia purpurescens)
Scurvy Plant (Commelina cyanea)
Bird Orchid (Chiloglottis sp.)
Parsons Bands (Eriochilus cucullatus )
Gnat Orchid (Acianthus exsertus)
In Bud: Fringed Wattle (Acacia fimbriata)
Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis)
Northern Grey Ironbark (E. siderophloia)
Giant Lily (Doryanthes excelsa)
Grevillea cv (Grevillea Moonlight)
Heath Banksia (Banksia ericifolia)
In Fruit: Midgin Berry (Austromyrtus dulcis)
Rough Saw Sedge (Gahnia aspera)
Irrorata Wattle (Acacia irrorata)
Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum)

Animal observations:
Birds seen: Eastern Rosella, Magpie, Yellow Robin, Grey Butcher Bird, Kookaburra, Pee Wee, Babbler, Satin Bower Bird, Lewins Honeyeater, Wagtail, Noisy Friar Bird, B/sh Dove, Wonga Pigeon, Whip Bird, Black Cormorant, Little Pied Cormorant, Firetail Finch, Oriole, E. Spinebill, Grey Fantail, Grey Thrush, Pipit (first sighting), Powerful Owl, Jacky Winter, domestic duck on dam. Resident Frogmouths: Only 1 sighting.
Insects: Butterflies: Common Brown, Grass Yellow, Meadow Argus, Imperial Blue, Common Australian Crow. Mosquitoes a nuisance. Sandflies. Saw-fly larvae, 4 orange-spot beetle. Other: Yellow-striped Flatworm. Striped Marsh Frog. R/b Black Snake. Hare.

Gardening notes:
Sudden flush of flowering of Crocus plants (began 4 Apr, ended 14 Apr). Petunias have finished flowering. Our planted Cadagi (Eucalyptus torrelliana) is in bud. Planted Violas and Pansies in porch garden. Yellow "Apron" orchid, Oncidium cheirophorum, flowering. Mandarines are ripe. Chives are flg. Grapevine leaves colouring & dropping.
Weeds: Fireweed, Moth Plant, Cassia (Senna coluteoides). This month I completely mowed down the two major blackberry infestations in the back paddock.

Other observations:
It was fungus time, with various fruiting bodies appearing.
Road Kills: 1 Frogmouth, 1 Magpie, 2 R/n Wallabies.

MONTHLY SUMMARY Nature Watch

For the month of: MAY Year: 2002
Rainfall for this month (mm): 85.1 (Average: 86.2 ) No. of rain days: 9

Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 19.9 Min: n/a
Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): 1.3 (fairly calm)

Plant observations:
Flowering: Falcate Wattle (Acacia falcata)
Sunshine Wattle (A. terminalis)
Myrtle Wattle (A. myrtifolia)
Purple Spade Flower (Hybanthus monopetalus)
Bearded Heath (Leucopogon juniperinus)
Cut-leaf Daisy (Brachycome multifida)
Pink Pavonia (Pavonia hastata)
Blue Murdannia (Murdannia graminea)
Heathy Parrot Pea (Dillwynia retorta)
Slender Rice Flower (Pimelea linifolia)
Love Creeper (Glycine tabacina)
Strangle Vine (Parsonsia straminea)
Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta)
Grevillea cv (Grevillea Moonlight)
Grevillea cv (Grevillea Coconut Ice)
Broad lvd Paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
Bluebell (Wahlenbergia gracilis)
Cockspur Flower (Plectranthus parviflorus)
a Greenhood (Pterostylis sp.)
In Bud: Fringed Wattle (Acacia fimbriata)
Coastal Wattle (A. longifolia)
Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis)
Cabbage Gum (E. amplifolia)
Muttonwood (Rapanea variabilis)
Crimson Bottlebrush (Callistemon Kings Park)
In Fruit: Wombat Berry (Eustrephus latifolius)
Orangethorn (Citriobatus pauciflorus)
Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii)
New leaf-tip growth and colour on Callistemon salignus. In front pond: much growth of Azolla sp. and Spirogyra sp.)

Animal observations:
Birds seen: Yellow Robin, Babbler, Oriole, Pee Wee, Magpie, Eastern Rosella, Firetail Finch, Noisy Friar Bird, Lewin Honeyeater, Silvereye, Yellow Spoonbill, Y/t Black Cockatoo, Kookaburra, Superb Blue Wren, Grey Thrush, S/cr Cockatoo, Str/n Ibis, Wh/thr Treecreeper, Grey Fantail, Eastern Spinebill, W/t Eagle, Grey Butcher Bird, Wagtail, B/s Dove. Resident Frogmouths: Only 3 sightings.
Insects: Butterflies: Grass Yellow, Common Crow, Citrus. Saw-fly larvae, a black Dragon Fly, mosquitoes. Other: Nephila spider. Hare. R/b Black Snake.
Dolphin census at Port Stephens: 109

Gardening notes:
Planted 20 Lobelia, 20 Daffodil bulbs, 12 Tulip bulbs (refrigerated 4 weeks). Purchased and planted: Callicoma serratifolia and Caldcluvia paniculosa.
Grapevine leaves port-wine colour. Planted 3 Buddleia. Oranges ripening. "Winter green" appearance of front lawn. Chinese Tallow tree shedding leaves.
Weeds: Cassia (Senna) flowering; Fireweed and Lantana flowering. Chickweed, Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum), Purple Top (Verbena sp.)

Other observations:
More fungal fruiting bodies. Visit by Alan & Wendy Reid of Timelines Australia on Friday, 24 May.
Road kills: 1 Hare

MONTHLY SUMMARY Nature Watch

For the month of: JUNE Year: 2002
Rainfall for this month (mm): 54.6 (Average: 101.3 ) No. of rain days: 6
Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 17.3 Min: n/a
Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): 1.8 moderately calm
Classic winter pattern; cold nights and mornings; pleasant days; some fogs; 2 frosts. SOI very negative

Plant observations:
Flowering: (Little in flower this month)
Hairpin Banksia (Banksia spinulosa)
Coastal Wattle (Acacia longifolia)
Prickly Moses (A. ulicifolia)
Crimson Bottlebrush (Callistemon King Park)
Guinea Flower (Hibbertia scandens)
Cockspur Flower (Plectranthus parviflorus)
Bearded Heath (Leucopogon juniperinus)
Purple Pea (Hardenbergia violacea)
Blunt Greenhood (Pterostylis curta)
In Bud: Fringed Wattle (Acacia fimbriata)
Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis)
Cabbage Gum (E. amplifolia)
Northern Grey Ironbark (E. siderophloia)
Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata)
Native Cranberry (Lissanthe sapida)
Purple Pea (Hardenbergia violacea) (then flowering)

Animal observations:
Birds seen: E. Swamp Hen, Lewins Honeyeater, Magpie, Kookaburra, Eastern Rosella, Crimson Rosella, Wood Duck, Yellow Robin, Grey Thrush, Eastern Spinebill, Superb Blue Wren, Grey Butcher Bird, Noisy Friar Bird, Jacky Winter, Wagtail, Grey Fantail, Y/t Black Cockatoo, Red Wattle Bird, Chestnut Teal, Pee Wee, Raven, Noisy Miner, Rose Robin. Resident Frogmouths: no sightings at all this month.
Insects: Mosquitoes still troublesome. Grass ticks. Wanderer Butterfly. Reptiles: R/b Black Snake; Eastern Water Skink. Mammals: Fallow Deer in Wallaroo State Forest.

Gardening notes:
Ripening of Oranges and Lemonade Lemons. Chinese Hawthorn and Photinia flowering.
Mulberry Tree has lost all its leaves. Pruned the leafless grapevines. First leaves appearing of the planted Daffodil and Tulip bulbs. Weeds: Chickweed; Onion Grass.

Other observations:
Some fungal fruiting bodies, e.g., coralline fungi, and puff balls. A few liverworts seen. The Y/t Black Cockatoos have caused some damage to various wattles as they seek the larvae of cockchafer beetles. SOI still in the deep negative zone, signaling a very dry summer. No road kills recorded this month.

MONTHLY SUMMARY Nature Watch

For the month of: JULY Year: 2002
Rainfall for this month (mm): 25.7 (Average: 71.1 ) No. of rain days: 4
Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 16.4 Min: n/a
Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): 2.0 (moderately windy)
Classic winter pattern continues; several fogs, 4 frosts, fine days. SOI negative.

Plant observations:
Flowering: (low level of flowering this month)
Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta)
Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis)
Hairpin Banksia (Banksia spinulosa)
Crimson Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus)
Coastal Wattle (Acacia longifolia)
Prickly Moses (A. ulicifolia)
Green Wattle (A. decurrens)
Swamp Wattle (A. elongata)
Heathy Parrot Pea (Dillwynia retorta)
Slender Rice Flower (Pimelea linifolia)
a Daviesia (Daviesia squarrosa)
Native Cranberry (Lissanthe sapida)
Villous Pea (Pultenaea villosa)
Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa)
Wonga Wonga Vine (Pandorea pandorana)
Purple Pea (Hardenbergia violacea)
Silky Purple Flag (Patersonia sericea)
Nodding Greenhood (Pterostylis nutans)
White Fingers (Caladenia catenata)
Wing Plume Sedge (Ptilanthelium deustum)
In Bud: Ironbark Orchid (Dendrobium aemulum)
Grevillea cv (Grevillea Moonlight)
Fringed Wattle (Acacia fimbriata)
Spotted Emu Bush (Eremophila maculata)
Muttonwood (Rapanea variabilis)
Mirbelia (Mirbelia rubiifolia)
In Fruit: Rough Saw Sedge (Gahnia aspera)
Falcate Wattle (Acacia falcata)

Animal observations:
Birds seen: (bird life was plentiful this month; 42 different species noted)
Yellow Robin, Lewin Honeyeater, Satin Bower Bird, King Parrot, Grey Fantail, Magpie, Pee Wee, Eastern Swamphen, Rose Robin, Grey Thrush, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, B/s Dove, Eastern Rosella, Crimson Rosella, Black Duck, Wood Duck, Wh/br Sea Eagle, Grey Butcherbird, Pied Butcherbird, W/f Heron, Azure Kingfisher, Noisy Friar Bird, Eastern Spinebill, Spotted Pardalote, Babbler, Str/n Ibis, Superb Blue Wren, Y/t Black Cockatoo, Pied Currawong, Wagtail, Firetail Finch, Little Pied Cormorant, Galah, Raven, White-headed Pigeon, Wh/thr Treecreeper, Chough, Str/n Ibis, Bassian Thrush. Resident Frogmouths: no sightings.
Insects: Green caterpillars skeletonising leaves of Brush Box. Mammals: Hare; Deer.
Media report: Southern Right Whales migrating north.

Gardening notes:
Flowering: Chinese Hawthorn; Lobelia; Oncidium ornithorhynchum (orchid). Lemonade Lemon tree is dropping many ripe lemons. Blossom on Almond Tree. Buds on Daffodil.
Weeds: Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) flowering. Onion Grass abundant. Shivery Grass (Briza minor) flowering. Fireweed abundant.

Other observations:
The frosts harmed various plants, including a Ficus hillii (which subsequently died), and leaves of Crinum Lily (Crinum pedunculatum).
Road kills: 4 R/n Wallabies; 1 Wallaroo.

MONTHLY SUMMARY Nature Watch

For the month of: AUGUST Year: 2002
Rainfall for this month (mm): 32.0 (Average: 63.7 ) No. of rain days: 9
Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 18.5 Min: n/a
Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): 1.6 (moderately calm)
SOI consistently in the negative, with readings of -8, -11, -15, etc.

Plant observations: Much flowering this month.
Flowering: Tallowwood (Eucalyptus microcorys)
Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis)
Cabbage Gum (E. amplifolia)
Fringed Wattle (Acacia fimbriata)
Straight Wattle (A. stricta)
Prickly Moses (A. ulicifolia)
Green Wattle (A. decurrens)
Blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa)
Villous Pea (Pultenaea villosa)
Heathy Parrot Pea (Dillwynia retorta)
Glory Pea (Gomphlobium laitfolium)
Slender Rice Flower (Pimelea linifolia)
Bearded Heath (Leucopogon juniperinum)
Bitter Furzy Bush (Daviesia ulicifolia)
a Daviesia (D. squarrosa)
Native Indigo (Indigofera australis)
Handsome Flat Pea (Platylobium formosum)
Purple Pea (Hardenbergia violacea)
Wonga Wonga Vine (Pandorea pandorana)
Forest Clematis (Clematis glycinoides)
Love Creeper (Glycine tabacina)
a Mistletoe (Dendrophthoe vitellina)
Sandfly Zieria (Zieria smithii)
Calytrix (Calytrix tetragona)
Lomandra (Lomandra filiformis)
Crimson Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus)
Pale Sundew (Drosera peltata)
Various planted Grevillea cultivars (Grevillea spp.)
The terrestrial (ground) orchids merit special mention:
White Fingers (Caladenia catenata)
Nodding Greenhood (Pterostylis nutans)
Tall Greenhood (P. longifolia)
Ironbark Orchid (Dendrobium aemulum)
Rock Orchid (D. speciosum)
Tangle Orchid (Plectorrhiza tridentata)
In Bud: Flax Lily (Dianella sp.)
Irrorata Wattle (Acacia irrorata)
In Fruit: Falcate Wattle (Acacia falcata)
Flax Lily (Dianella revoluta)
Animal observations:
Birds seen: Babbler, Noisy Friar Bird, Red Wattle Bird, Kookaburra, Azure Kingfisher, Crimson Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Little Pied Cormorant, Magpie, Superb Blue Wren, Str/n Ibis, Lewin Honeyeater, Spotted Pardalote, Satin Bower Bird, Jacky Winter, S/cr Cockatoo, King Parrot, Eastern Spinebill, Wagtail, Grey Thrush, Bassian Thrush, Grey Fantail, Firetail Finch, Wood Duck, Galah, B/sh Dove, Wonga Pigeon, Wh/f Heron, Yellow Robin, Grey Butcher Bird, Oriole, Whip Bird, W/thr Treecreeper, Spotted Quail. Resident Frogmouths: The pair returned on 11 August; 12 subsequent (daily) sightings.
Insects: Ticks, Bees (at Wattles), Saw-fly larvae, Wanderer Butterfly. Other: Robust Velvet Geckoes now about; Brush-tailed Possum.

Gardening notes:
New leaves appearing on Mulberry Tree. Flowering of planted Daffodils. Pansies and Lobelias also flowering in porch garden. Almond Tree in blossom. New buds on citrus trees. Photinia flowering. Buds on Pussy Willow. Much new leaf development on Weeping Willow. Leaf buds appearing on grapevines. Weeds: Clover now in lawns; Onion Grass (Romulea rosea); Shivery Grass (Briza minor); Cape Daisy (Arctotheca calendula), Winter Grass (Poa annua) flowering.

Other observations:
The flowering of the wattles has been magnificent this month. Magpies constructing a nest in a backyard Ironbark. Planed 33 various potted shrubs in newly developed, mulched front mounds.
Road kills: 1 R/n Wallaby; 1 Wallaroo.

MONTHLY SUMMARY Nature Watch

For the month of: SEPTEMBER Year: 2002
Rainfall for this month (mm): 39.7 (Average: 63.8 ) No. of rain days: 6
Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 22.9 Min: n/a
Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): 2.6 (windy)

Plant observations: A great many plants flowering this month.
Flowering: Tallowwood (Eucalyptus microcorys)
Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis)
Cabbage Gum (E. amplifolia)
Northern Grey Ironbark (E. siderophloia)
Blue-leaved Stringybark (E. agglomerata)
Orange Wattle (Acacia saligna) (introd.)
Yellow Prickly Moses (A. browneii)
Willow Bottlebrush (Callistemon salignus)
Ball Honeymyrtle (Melaleuca nodosa)
Brush Kurrajong (Commersonia fraseri)
Native Rosemary (Westringia sp.)
Villous Pea (Pultenaea villosa)
a Pultenaea (P. paleacea)
Golden Spray (Viminaria juncea)
Dogwood (Jacksonia scoparia)
Corkwood (Duboisia myoporoides)
Grevillea cv (Grevillea Moonlight)
Orangethorn (Citriobatus pauciflorus)
Forest Clematis (Clematis glycinoides)
Bitter Furzy Bush (Daviesia ulicifolia)
a Daviesia (D. squarrosa)
Glory Pea (Gompholobium latifolium)
Mirbelia (Mirbelia rubiifolia)
Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum)
Dusky Coral Pea (Kennedia rubicunda)
Purple Pea (Hardenbergia violacea)
Trigger Plant (Stylidium graminifolium)
Dumplings (Billardiera scandens)
Silky Purple Flag (Patersonia sericea)
White Spider Flower (Grevillea linearifolia)
Slender Rice Flower (Pimelea linifolia)
Purple Spade Flower (Hybanthus monopetalus)
Milkmaids (Burchardia umbellata)
a Lomandra (Lomandra multiflora)
Hop Goodenia (Goodenia ovata)
Bluebell (Wahlenbergia gracilis)
River Buttercup (Ranunculus inundatus)
Nodding Greenhood (Pterostylis nutans)
Tangle Orchid (Plectorrhiza tridentata)
White Fingers (Caladenia catenata)
In Bud: a Mistletoe (Dendrophthoe vitellina)
Lemon-scented Tea Tree (Leptospermum polygalifolium)
Fine-leaved Tuckeroo (Lepiderema pulchella)
Yellow Pittosporum (Pittosporum revolutum)
Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera)
Maytenus (Maytenus silvestris)
In Fruit: Native Hopbush (Dodonaea triquetra)
Purple Pea (Hardenbergia violacea)

Animal observations: Many bird species seen this month.
Birds seen: Noisy Friar Bird, Crimson Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Red Wattle Bird, Babbler, Firetail Finch, S/cr Cockatoo, Wagtail, Wh/thr Warbler, Wood Duck (and ducklings), Galah, Wh/thr Treecreeper, Wh/cheeked Honeyeater (1st sighting), Raven, Satin Bower Bird, Superb Blue Wren, Little Pied Cormorant, Magpie, Grey Butcher Bird, Powerful Owl, Whip Bird, Wonga Pigeon, Eastern Spinebill, Lewin Honeyeater, C/b Cuckoo (14 Sept.), Brown Goshawk, Chestnut Teal, Scarlet Honeyeater, Eastern Swamphen, Bl/f Cuckoo Shrike, Silvereye, Spotted Turtle Dove, Oriole, Spotted Pardalote, Y/f Honeyeater, Black Duck, Pee Wee, Leaden Flycatcher, Brown Thornbill. Resident Frogmouths: Sighted daily; nested 13 Sept; eggs found smashed on ground 29 Sept. Insects: Many midges and moths at night. Old Lady Cloak Moth; Crusader Bug; Imperial White Butterfly. Spiders: St Andrews Cross spider. Reptiles: Robust Velvet Gecko; Lace Monitor Goanna; E. Water Dragon. Frogs: Lge Green Tree Frog. Mammals: Deer; Fallow Deer.

Gardening notes:
Flowering: Snapdragons; Jasmine; Tulips; Wisteria; Sea Daisy. The Daffodils have finished flowering. In bud: Orange tree; Pussy Willow; mulberries reddening. Weeds: Shepherds Purse (Capsella bursapastoris); Petty Spurge (Euphorbia peplus); Deadnettle (Lamium amplexicaule); Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris); Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata); Common Vetch (Vicia sativa); Evening Primrose (Oenothera stricta); Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne); Quaking Grass (Briza maxima); Onion Weed (Nothoscordium inodorum). Also: vigorous regrowth of Blackberry rootstocks. Clover in lawns. Filigree of new leaves on grapevines. We mulched the side front mounds.

Other observations:
Prolific flowering of Forest Red Gums this month, combined with the massed gathering of Noisy Friar Birds in the canopies. Many Scarlet Honeyeaters seen. Ball Honeymyrtle (Melaleuca nodosa) flowered very well. Road kills: 1 R/n Wallaby; 2 Swamp Wallabies; 1 Bearded Dragon.

MONTHLY SUMMARY Nature Watch

For the month of: OCTOBER Year: 2002
Rainfall for this month (mm): 4.7 (Average: 68.9 ) No. of rain days: 4
(driest October in 8 years of records)
Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 27.6 Min: n/a
Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): 2.6 (quite windy)

Plant observations:
Flowering: Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis)
Northern Grey Ironbark (E. siderophloia)
Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta)
Lemon-scented Tea Tree (Leptospermum polygalifolium)
Crimson Bottlebrush (Callistemon Kings Park)
Narrow-lvd Bottlebrush (C. linearis)
Snow-in-Summer (Melaleuca linariifolia)
Native Frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum)
Trigger Plant (Stylidium graminifolium)
Variable-lvd Goodenia (Goodenia heterophylla)
Jasmine Morinda (Morinda jasminoides)
Sago Bush (Ozothamnus diosmifolius)
a Lomandra (Lomandra filiformis ssp. coriacea)
Fringed Lily (Thysanotus tuberosa)
Fringed Lily (T. juncifolius)
Scrambling Lily (Geitonoplesium cymosum)
Glory Pea (Gompholobium latifolium)
Bearded Orchid (Calochilus sp.)
Slender Onion Orchid (Microtis parviflora)
Kunzea (Kunzea cv)
a Mistletoe (Dendrophthoe vitellina)
In Bud: Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii)
Cordyline (Cordyline stricta)
Baeckea (Baeckea cv)
In Fruit: Maytenus (Maytenus silvestris)

Animal observations: Many bird species seen this month.
Birds seen: Azure Kingfisher, Wood Duck, King Parrot, S/cr Cockatoo, Y/t Black Cockatoo, Scarlet Honeyeater, C/b Cuckoo, Noisy Friar Bird, Yellow Robin, Eastern Rosella, Wh/h Pigeon, Wh/f Heron, Galah, Str/n Ibis, Lewin Honeyeater, Wagtail, Magpie, Spotted Pardalote, Whip Bird, Currawong, Eastern Spinebill, Little Pied Cormorant, Black Cormorant, Bl/f Cuckoo Shrike, Grey Butcher Bird, B/s Dove, Brown Warbler, Chough, Leaden Flycatcher, Nankeen Night Heron, Babbler, Satin Bower Bird, Superb Blue Wren, Wh/br Sea Eagle, Needle-tail Swift, Raven, Pacific Heron, Brown Honeyeater, Wh/thr Treecreeper, Rufous Fantail. Resident Frogmouths: Daily sightings; new nesting commenced: 10 Oct. Insects: Red-shouldered Leaf Beetle (Monolepta australis); Honeybees and Native Bees; Caper White Butterfly; Meadow Argus; Small Common Blue butterfly; Bogong Moth. Many bushflies and blowflies. Reptiles: Eastern Water Dragon; Long-necked Tortoise; Lace Monitor Goanna; Robust Velvet Gecko. Mammals: Koala, with advanced young on back.

Gardening notes:
Lime Tree flowering. Mass pollen drop from grapevine flowers. Lawns parched. Flowering locally: Jacarandas, Agapanthus. Our purple Cattleya and purchased Dendrobium nobile both flowering. Weeds: Clover in lawns. Cotton Bush (Gomphocarpus spp.); Plantain (Plantago lanceolata); Perennial Rye Grass.

Other observations:
Bark split and drop from Spotted Gums under way. Whales migrating south. Fox sighted. Koala with advanced young on back in front Grey Gum: 24 Oct. Road kills: 1 Goanna; 1 Wallaroo; 1 R/n Wallaby.

MONTHLY SUMMARY Nature Watch

For the month of: NOVEMBER Year: 2002
Rainfall for this month (mm): 40.6 (Average: 71.7 ) No. of rain days: 7
Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 30.8 (very high!) Min: n/a
Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): 2.4 (quite windy)

Plant observations:
Flowering: Snow-in-Summer (Melaleuca linariifolia)
Prickly-lvd Paperbark (M. styphelioides)
Rusty Gum (Smooth-barked Apple) (Angophora costata)
Rough-barked Apple (A. floribunda)
Grey Ironbark (Eucalyptus paniculata)
Northern Grey Ironbark (E. siderophloia)
White Mahogany (E. acmenoides)
Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus)
Irrorata Wattle (Acacia irrorata)
Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius)
a Mistletoe (Dendrophthoe vitellina)
a Waterlily (Nymphaea sp.)
Crinum Lily (Crinum pedunculatum)
Kunzea (Kunzea cv)
Baeckea (Baeckea cv)
Floating Bladderwort (Utricularia exoleta)
In Bud: Cordyline (Cordyline stricta)
Cedar Wattle (Acacia elata)
In Fruit: Irrorata Wattle (Acacia irrorata) (last year's flg)
Wombat Berry (Eustrephus latifolius)
Flax Lily (Dianella sp.)

Animal observations:
Birds seen: Wonga Pigeon, Pacific Heron, Wh/f Heron, Black Duck, King Parrot, Eastern Rosella, Azure Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Scarlet Honeyeater, Galah, Str/n Ibis, Chestnut Teal, Magpie, Koel, C/b Cuckoo, Noisy Friar Bird, Little Pied Cormorant, Black Cormorant, Satin Bower Bird, Red Wattle Bird, B/s Dove, Kookaburra, Wagtail, Lewin Honeyeater, Rufous Fantail, Royal Spoonbill, Babbler, Leaden Flycatcher, Grey Butcher Bird, Bl/f Cuckoo Shrike,Swamp Hen, Dusky Moor Hen. Resident Frogmouths: 2nd nesting confirmed; new chick seen on 26 Nov.
Insects: Common Brown Butterfly; Caper White butterfly. Many blowflies and bushflies. Ant Lions (soil depressions); midges; bees. Other animals: Eastern Water Dragon; Lace Monitor Goanna; Perons Tree Frog; Large Green Tree Frog.

Gardening notes:
First grapes starting to appear. Lawns and shrubs severely affected by the current drought. Oddly, many garden snails seen. Flowering: Agapanthus; Hoya; Japanese Flag Lily (Iris ensata); in Raymond Terrace: Jacarandas, Oleanders and Norfolk Island Hibiscus are flowering. Major leaf and bark drop (drought response). Weeds: major infestation of Bindiis in lawns.

Other observations:
Max Maddock reported 487 Cattle Egret nests at Seaham Nature Reserve. Termites swarming on 24 Nov. No mosquitoes, and no cicadas! (Too hot and dry?). Two stems of Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium punctatum) have appeared at front fence area.
Road kills: 1 Swamp Wallaby; 3 R/n Wallabies; 3 Wallaroos; 1 Bearded Dragon; 1 Long-necked Tortoise; 1 Kookaburra.

MONTHLY SUMMARY Nature Watch

For the month of: DECEMBER Year: 2002
Rainfall for this month (mm): 179.1 (Average: 102.6 ) No. of rain days: 6
(most of this rain fell on just 2 days; Total year's rainfall: 928.1 mm; average is 1061.6)
Average temperature(s) for this month (degC): Max: 30.0 Min: n/a
Wind information for this month (e.g., Beaufort scale): 2.4 (quite windy)

Plant observations:
Flowering: Northern Grey Ironbark (Eucalyptus siderophloia)
Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis)
Cabbage Gum (E. amplifolia)
Rough-barked Apple (Angophora floribunda)
Irrorata Wattle (Acacia irrorata)
Hickory Wattle (A. implexa)
Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius)
Baeckea (Baeckea cv)
Yellow Elderberry (Sambucus australasica)
Rosella (Hibiscus heterophyllus)
Kunzea (Kunzea cv)
Midgin Berry (Austromyrtus dulcis)
Pink Pavonia (Pavonia hastata)
Cut-leaf Daisy (Brachycome multifida)
Purple Spade Flower (Hybanthus monopetalus)
Maytenus (Maytenus silvestris)
Rough Guinea Flower (Hibbertia aspera)
Bluebell (Wahlenbergia gracilis)
Blue Murdannia (Murdannia graminea)
Strangle Vine (Parsonsia straminea)
Wombat Berry (Eustrephus latifolius)
Scrambling Lily (Geitonoplesium cymosum)
In Bud: Devil's Twine (Cassytha sp.)
Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium punctatum)
In Fruit: Wombat Berry (Eustrephus latifolius)
Scrambling Lily (Geitonoplesium cymosum)
Devil's Twine (Cassytha sp.)
Native Grape (Cissus antarctica)

Animal observations: Many bird species sighted this month.
Birds seen: Sacred Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, Str/n Ibis, Mistletoe Bird, Yellow Robin, Raven, Little Pied Cormorant, Black Cormorant, Y/f Honeyeater, Satin Bower Bird, Chough, C/b Cuckoo, Koel, B/s Dove, Superb Blue Wren, Variegated Wren, Eastern Rosella, Wh/f Heron, Scarlet Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill, Rufous Fantail, Grey Fantail, Little Thornbill, Brown Thornbill, Shrike Tit, Golden Whistler, Silvereye, Bl/f Monarch, Wh/thr Treecreeper, Dollar Bird, Kookaburra, Babbler, Whistling Kite, N/t Swift, Wood Duck, Black Duck, Pheasant Coucal, Noisy Friar Bird, S/cr Cockatoo, White-headed Pigeon, Cicada Bird, Wonga Pigeon, Pee Wee, Firetail Finch, Wagtail, Wh/thr Warbler, Brown-headed Pigeon, Bl/f Cuckoo Shrike. Resident Frogmouths: Sighted daily until the family of four departed on 13 Dec.; the 2 chicks had been confirmed by 5 Dec.
Insects: Orange-antenna Black Wasps; Potter Wasps; Bush Flies; countless Midges; Mosquitoes; Termite swarm; pair of Wattle Goat Moths; a few Cicadas; Sugar Ants, Scarab Beetles; Danaid Eggfly butterfly; Grapevine Moths; Grey Weevil Beetle. Other animals: R/b Black Snake; Lace Monitor Goanna; Long-necked Tortoises; Perons Tree Frog; Hare; Koala.

Gardening notes:
Flowering: Nandina; Cadagi (Eucalyptus torrelliana) ­ 1st flowering since planted. Agapanthus and Chives flowering. Baby oranges all fell from tree ­ drought reaction. Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) flowering in Musicka property. Weeds: Centaury; Plantain; Summer Grass (Digitaria sanguinalis); Pigweed (Portulaca oleracea); Crowfoot Grass (Eleusine indica); Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa crusgalli).

Other observations:
Hardly any cicadas this month ­ none seen, a few heard. Carp spawning in Musicka's wetlands. The flowering of the Rough-barked Apples (Angophora floribunda) was spectacular this month. Beetles defoliated much of the Pittosporum undulatum. Partial eclipse of the sun on 4 Dec. Sugar Glider caught on barbed wire of front fence ­ released successfully. Life-saving rain on 10/11 Dec. (filled house water tanks).
Road kills: 2 R/n Wallabies; 1 Goanna; 1 Brush-tailed Possum.

WEATHER SUMMARY 2002 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 very hot month as usual.
Total rainfall for the month: 33.1 mm (9 rain days, 5 of which gave less than 1 mm!)
(Average for January is 107.9 mm). Thus this was the driest January since I've kept records, i.e., driest January in 8 years)
Average maximum temperature for this January: 30.0 degC. (which is average)
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 2.3 (i.e., fairly windy)

2. February: Not as hot and humid as February can be; indeed it was a very wet February, the wettest here in 8 years!
Total rainfall for the month: 224.8 mm (16 rain days). (February average is 107.0 mm.)
Average maximum temperature for this February: 25.8 degC. (cooler than average)
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 1.0 (i.e., calm)

3. March: Fairly normal rainfall this March, but it was hotter than usual.
Total rainfall for the month: 104.7 mm (10 rain days). (Average for March is 120.5 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this March: 26.8 degC.
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 1.0 (i.e., calm)

4. April: Quite mild, pleasant weather this April.
Total rainfall for the month: 104.0 mm (9 rain days) (Average for April is 97.6 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this April: 24.1 degC.
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 0.3 (i.e., very calm)

5. May: A fairly normal May in terms of rainfall and temperature, in stark contrast to May of 2001 when record-breaking rain fell.
Total rainfall for the month: 85.1 mm. (9 rain days) (Average for May is 86.2 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this May: 19.9 degC.
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 1.3 (i.e., fairly calm)

6. June: A fairly dry June.
Total rainfall for the month: 54.6 mm. (6 rain days) (Average for June is 101.3 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this June: 17.3 degC
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 1.8 (i.e., moderately calm)

7. July: Typically the coldest month of the year, and indeed, there were 4 days with a pronounced frost, notably Friday, 12 July when the water in all bird baths was completely frozen. Most mornings were cold, but there were some unusually warm days for this time of the year. It was quite a dry July.
Total rainfall for the month: 25.7 mm (4 rain days) (Average for July is 71.1 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this July: 16.4 degC
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 2.0 (i.e., moderately windy)

8. August: A fairly dry August but not nearly as windy as August generally is.
Total rainfall for the month: 32.0 mm (9 rain days) (Average for August is 63.7 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this August: 18.5 degC
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 1.6 (i.e., moderately calm)

9. September: A fairly dry September with many fine, sunny days; however, it was very windy indeed on some days.
Total rainfall for the month: 39.7 mm (6 rain days) (Average for September is 63.8 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this September: 22.9 degC
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 2.6 (i.e., fairly windy)

10. October: An extremely dry month ­ the driest October in our 8 years of records. The whole state is in the grip of a very severe drought. Since May, only 42% of rain for the June to October period has fallen. Lawns are whitish-fawn in colour, and crackle dry. The soil is parched and cracking, and water tanks are low.
Total rainfall for the month: 4.7 mm (4 rain days) (Average for October is 68.9 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this October: 27.6 degC.
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 2.6 (i.e., fairly windy)

11. November: A very dry November, with most of the rain (30 mm out of the 40.6 mm total) falling on the last two days. It was also extremely hot ­ the maximum temperature on two days was 41 degC! Nine days saw a temperature of 35degC or higher!
Total rainfall for the month: 40.6 mm (7 rain days) (Average for November is 71.7 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this November: 30.8 degC. (This is very high indeed!) Many shrubs and some trees are severely stressed.
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 2.4 (i.e., quite windy)

12. December: At last, on 10th and 11th December, excellent rain fell ­ 171mm in 48 hours! But then Nature turned off the tap, and little rain fell during the remainder of the month. Nevertheless, the drinking water tanks were filled, and some green colour returned to the "lawns". The soils remain extremely dry, however.
Total rainfall for the month: 179.1 mm (6 rain days)
(Average for December is 102.6 mm)
Average maximum temperature for this December: 30.0 degC.
Wind Index (based on Beaufort Scale): 2.4 (i.e., quite windy)

SUMMARY: 2002 was a drought year; indeed the State of NSW is suffering from one of the worst droughts on record. The life-saving rainfall on two days in December has seen some recovery in the vegetation, but much more rain is needed to break the drought.
Total rainfall for the year 2002: 928.1 mm; the average annual rainfall is 1061.6 mm.

NOTE ON THE OBSERVER'S AREA & APPROACH TO OBSERVING NATURE

The observer (Kevin McDonald) has lived for the last 8 years on a 4.6 ha (11 acre) bushland block about half way along Italia Road, Balickera (East Seaham), about 15 km north of Raymond Terrace in the lower Hunter region, NSW. Wallaroo State Forest (WSF) and the adjacent Wallaroo Nature Reserve (WNR) are on the opposite side of the road. Italia Road is 8.5 km in length and connects with the Pacific Highway at the eastern end, and with East Seaham Road at the western end, where the Williams River is nearby.

There are about 50 properties along Italia Road, some of them being grazing or horse stud properties, the remaining ones being much smaller. The area is still reasonably well vegetated with large tracts of the original dry, open forest dominated by eucalypts (including Ironbarks, Spotted Gums, Grey Gums, and Forest Red gums) and, in damper areas, by paperbarks.

The observer has had a lifelong interest in natural history, and prior to retirement in 1993, was a senior lecturer in environmental science at the University of Newcastle. From 1969 to 1978 he was editor of the quarterly journal: Hunter Natural History. Upon coming to live in the area, the observer kept regular notes on observations of the local flora and fauna in a diary format. After meeting with Alan Reid (of the Timelines Australia project ­ the study of seasonality in nature) in 1997, the observer decided to print a small number of Nature Watch diaries for use by members of a small network of local nature observers. In 2000, Port Stephens Council agreed to print and distribute these diaries to any interested citizens as an initiative in biodiversity conservation and education. Since then, the number of observers has grown, and the more committed people in this network enjoy sharing their observations from time to time, particularly in the form of providing annual summaries of their notes. As a result, a detailed description of natural events throughout the year is being built up by a small core of dedicated nature-watchers.

The main intent of the Nature Watch project is simply that of an enjoyable hobby. Some participants in the informal network are highly competent birdwatchers, while others have their main interest in growing Australian plants in their gardens. Most diarists, however, simply like observing (and recording!) what they see around their home ­ whether a plant coming into flower, a cicada droning in the late afternoon, the first sighting of a particular migratory bird, or a pretty butterfly alighting on a blossom.

The informal approach used by this observer is to always keep a piece of paper and a pen on hand to record daily observations ­ the rainfall and temperatures, plants flowering, birds seen, and so on. These observations are briefly recorded in the diary in the evening. As the months and years have passed, a delightful picture has emerged of the changing (and highly predictable) events which unfold during the days (and nights) as the seasons come and go. Nature watching and the accompanying diary keeping provide a highly satisfying hobby.

At a more committed level, contact is maintained with Alan Reid's Timelines Australia project, emanating from the National Timelines Centre at Glenburn, Victoria. It is pleasing to note that there are now nodes of nature watchers in every state and territory of Australia, and in NSW a few more local Councils are joining in the initiative of the Nature Watch Diary scheme.

At a wider level, across Australia, interest in the science of phenology (seasonal studies of biodiversity) is growing, joining a trend already established in the UK, Europe and North America. Several websites have been established enabling people to share their observations on a global basis. Michael Smith has kindly designed a website for the Hunter region network. It is: www.geocities.com/liveattentively Other websites include Macquarie University's recently established Biowatch: www.bio.mq.edu.au/ecology/Biowatch and the northern hemisphere's European Phenology Network: www.dow.wau.nl/msa/epn/

Whatever a person's particular level of interest, however, the main fact is that nature watching is a most enjoyable and satisfying pastime. It can be undertaken by anyone, at any time, in any place. It needs no special equipment or expense (apart from the writer's habit of acquiring books on many aspects of natural history!). And sharing one's observations with other like-minded people simply adds to the enjoyment.

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