Sunday- Full-day visit to Mt Beckworth + Lakes Learmonth and Burrumbeet

By Max Thompson

Led by Roger Thomas and assisted by Max Thompson

A full contingent of twenty participants joined Roger for an excursion to Mt Beckworth, where he generously shared his extensive knowledge of the area. The Mt Beckworth Scenic Reserve, an open grassy woodland dominated by Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) and Long-leaved Box (E.goniocalyx), provided a perfect backdrop for exploration.

Our first stop was the dam, now showing its humble origins as a gravel pit due to receding water levels. Yet, under Roger’s guidance, this unassuming spot revealed a remarkable array of tiny, intricate plants that soon had us kneeling or crouching to admire and photograph their delicate beauty.

We then moved into an open woodland meadow, transformed into a tapestry of blues, purples and yellows. Orchids were abundant, including Waxlip Orchids (Glossodia major), Lemon-scented Sun-orchids (Thelymitra antennifera), Spotted Sun-orchids (Thelymitra ixioides), Plain Sun-orchids (Thelymitra nuda), and Purplish Beard-orchids (Calochilus robertsonii). Golden Moths (Diuris chryseopsis) were particularly plentiful, though identification was challenged by their hybridisation with the Leopard Orchid (Diuris pardina). The emerging Chocolate Lilies (Arthropodium strictum) promised to extend the purple display in the coming weeks, complemented beautifully by Bulbine Lilies (Bulbine bulbosa) and Blue Stars (Chamaescilla corymbosa). It was truly a breathtaking sight. To conclude the day, Roger led us to Lake Learmonth, where we swapped magnifying lenses for binoculars to enjoy the birdlife.

The group expressed heartfelt thanks to Roger for a wonderful and informative day, enriched by his enthusiasm, insight, and deep understanding of the landscape.