Leaving a misty morning in Marysville, 18 participants of the SEANA Conference departed to meet at Healesville Sanctuary. Travelling via the Black Spur it looked stunning in the early morning with the tree ferns overhanging the road and the Eucalypts all upstanding in their rows.
Everyone was on time at 10.00 am and commenced a walk around the Sanctuary. We were introduced to the echidnas then the koalas and kangaroos including the Goodfellows Tree kangaroos.
The group was particularly interested in the Fighting Extinction Aviary where they saw Orange Bellied Parrots, Regent Honeyeaters and the conservation program for the Corroboree Frogs.
They were also impressed at the Raptor Rehabilitation Facility and the Animal Hospital adjacent to it. We saw the Platypus swimming in its tank and learned of the Aboriginal legend about the birth of a Platypus.
We attended the Spirits of the Sky Bird Show at 12 noon then we had our lunch where we were greeted by the echidnas once again.
Following the break, we went to the Wetlands to see a large range of water birds including a Black Necked Stork, Rajah Shelducks Royal Spoonbills with their nuptial plumes and a great view of a Blue-Winged Kookaburra.
The next visit was to the Tasmanian Devils, Wombats and the Nocturnal House.
Many people remarked on the flora at the Sanctuary which is at its best at this time of the year with the Native Frangipani, (Hymenosporum flavum) many grevilleas and Native Hibiscus all showing off their beautiful blooms as well as a lovely example of a Xanthorrea australis at the front entrance.
The group finished the tour at 3pm and went their various ways
Barbara Lloyd
ABN 23 918 778 150
Incorporation No A0044963D