Seventeen participants led by Rohan Bugg braved the howling wind and threatening rain to see Mt Nicoll, to the south-west of Foster. The rain held off and early on we caught a glimpse of a much photographed Swamp Wallaby.
We saw just a few birds – including Eastern Yellow Robin, Silvereye, Grey Fantail, Brown Thornbill, Grey Shrike-thrush, White-throated Tree-creeper, White-browed Scrub-wren, White-eared Honeyeater, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Australian Raven, Magpie and White-faced Heron.

Orchids found included the Common Bird Orchid and Tall Greenhood.

The heathland flowers were prolific – a list follows:

Eucalyptus kitsoniana Eucalyptus radiata Acacia genistifolia Acacia mucronata Banksia spinulosa Banksia marginata Casuarina spp. Melaleuca squarrosa Bauera rubioides Daviesia ulicifolia Pultenaea stricta Dillwynia spp. and a number of other peas Epacris impressa Leucopogon virgatus Olearia lirata Comesperma volubile Laxmannia orientalis Tetratheca sp. Xanthorrhoea australis

Banksia spinulosa. Photo: E.P.

Latrobe Valley FNC