Meets for next two months!
Hi! The marathon was achieved (!) and after recovery, school holidays, and other activities, I will be back for the 23 May meet, a bit late in the month.
Some news on MT Taylor:
The Brachychiton populneus groups are looking good, with about 5 to be replaced (one on the North, 4 on the South side) The replacements are ready to go out, and we can do that in late May. The watering of these trees definitely saved them during the heat and lack of rain, and thanks very much to everyone who carried water up the mountain.
Information on the roo population and water requirements on Taylor. Roos require drinking water when the grass is dry, dusty and in short supply. Green grass reduces the water requirements. With little water remaining on Taylor, many roos will be grazing near houses, and down towards the slipways between houses, usually towards Hindmarsh drive towards Woden. The only constant supply of water between Taylor and Farrer is on the agistment. Reports from the N side of Taylor show many roos are still there; the E/S side is populated with over 60-100 on the agistments.
The recent report in the Canberra Times showing continuing damage on the old Richmond track and the new zig zag track is very sad: the rangers have tried to stop the damage since the opening of the new track, but to no avail, as all notices etc destroyed immediately. The damage on the S side is also being exacerbated with the opening up of new "paths" and erosion.
The CT last week reported the stress and death of birds during the climate change and continuing drought: noting the lack of breeding and lack of insects for adult as well as young nestlings. On Taylor, the starlings have returned to nesting trees (early in April) and native birds are around in the suburbs seeking water. Only one couple of Kookaburras appear to be on Taylor now, and the lack of mice(?) also appear to be a problem.
In early August we will be celebrating 20 years on Mt Taylor, and it will be great to celebrate. Ideas please!
The rabbit survey is on the Web if anyone wants to record sightings and numbers; I have only seen a couple of active warrens on the E side of Taylor, in the old agistment.
I will be back mid May, and will be in contact. Take care, Anne
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