This was another great walk led by Brian Everingham for the National Parks Association of NSW. Of particular note was the number of orchids we observed.
In the party was Brian, Valerie, Ian, Elaine and myself. The route we walked was along the Mirang Road Fire Trail, near Heathcote, to the Pipeline Trail, then south along it to Heathcote Creek – at The Batteries. Then back north along the Pipeline to the Friendly Track. which we followed to the Scout Camp and Heathcote shops.
Once we started off on the Mirang Road Trail, we were on the lookout for orchids and other wildflowers.
Grevillea buxifolia
And then we started finding orchids!
Caladenia catenata
Caladenia carnea
Angophora hispida
Persoonia pinifolia
Pultenaea tuberculata
Grevillea sp.
Prasophyllum elatum – Tall Leek Orchid
This is probably a Legless Lizard –
Philotheca sp.
Boronia serrulata
Gymea Lily
Thelymitra ixioides – Spotted Sun Orchid
Thelymitra ixioides – Spotted Sun Orchid
The Miring Road Fire Trail would have been constructed to allow access when the pipeline from Woronora Dam was being laid.
Thelymitra carnea – Pink Sun Orchid
I think this is the first Pink Sun Orchid I have seen.
Caladenia fuscata
We then arrived at The Batteries and Gunners Pool, where the fire trail crosses Heathcote Creek. It was a good place to stop for lunch.
Grevillea longifolia
Gymea Lily
Variegated Fairy-wrens
Then Brian pointed out a Grevillea sp. with green flowers –
We then left the Pipeline Trail and climbed up onto the Friendly Track.
Grey Butcherbird
Glossodia minor – Small Wax-lip Orchid
Boronia sp.
Hybanthus monopetalus
Caladenia catenata
Acianthus caudatus – Mayfly Orchid
Caladenia catenata
Once again – thanks to Brian for leading the walk, and also for some of the i.d’s and also to Roger for some of the i.d’s.