Bonnie Doon Walk – 3 August 2023

Posted on August 4, 2023 by Dave Noble

Bob and myself were keen to revisit Bonnie Doon at Katoomba for a better look. We had both visited the area twice recently – the first trip being a reconnaissance to see if we could find the old tracks, and then a follow-up trip when Nellies Glen was reopened and that allowed us to do a through trip on the old tracks from the bottom to the top. This new trip would give us an opportunity to look a bit more carefully.

We first walked out to North Lookout and admired the fine views. Looking down we could see Bonnie Doon – Continue reading →

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Malabar Headland – 1 August 2023

Posted on August 4, 2023 by Dave Noble

Another nice day spent on Malabar Headland. I met Sue at Maroubra Beach and we walked out to look for the Peregrine Falcons. As far as the falcons were concerned it turned out to be a very quiet day – with only a glimpse of one as it flew by and landed on a ledge for a short time before flying off. But the other wildlife we saw was very good.

We sat on the cliffs and watched the passing Australasian Gannets. Continue reading →

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Bundeena to Marley Walk – 31 July 2023

Posted on August 3, 2023 by Dave Noble

Brian Everingham had put a Bundeena to Marley walk on the walks program of the National Parks Association. I had been on a recent walk with Sue on that same route, but we were both keen for another visit to this exquisite section of the coastline of Royal National Park.

Many in the party travelled to Bundeena in the ferry from from Cronulla, and we joined Brian near the wharf. In the party was Brian, Sue, Joan, Vivienne, Caroline, Dorothy, Sophie, Rosland, Bea, and myself.

We were soon on the track to the Balconies. Continue reading →

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Wolli Creek – Cooks River Walk – 30 July 2023

Posted on August 3, 2023 by Dave Noble

After coming back from Tasmania, I was keen to see if there was any local fungi. Most areas of Sydney seemed to have received very little rainfall in recent weeks, but the gauge at the Marrickville Golf Course had measured 25 mm falling on the 24th July. So perhaps some fungi would be out along Wolli Creek.

I set off on the bus for Bexley North and was soon on the Two Valleys Track. Luckily, I carried a telephoto lens, as I never used the macro lens. I only spotted old dried up fungi – and not much of that. Continue reading →

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Fungi at Castra Falls – 27 July 2023

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Dave Noble

This was the last of my Tasmanian Fungi outings. I travelled with my sister to Castra Falls in the Nietta locality south of Penguin. Like previous excursions, the fungi was a lot poorer than previous visits, but we still managed to find some interesting fungi out. Also – the Castra Falls circuit is a delightful track passing through rugged and very beautiful country.

It was apparent soon after setting off along the track that the area has been severely damaged by recent floods. Many thanks to the local volunteers that work hard to maintain the track. Continue reading →

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Birds near Ulverstone 21 – 27 July 2023

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Dave Noble

While staying at my sister and brother in law’s house at West Ulverstone, I took a few photos of the local birds – both in their garden and at nearby locations.

Here is a selection  of photos – Continue reading →

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Raptors near Braddons Lookout 25 – 26 July 2023

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Dave Noble

It was great to spend some time at and near Braddons Lookout near Ulverstone. The lookout is above the Forth River and seems to be a good place to observe raptors – in particular Wedge-tailed Eagles.

My sisters were visiting some antique shops at Devonport, and my brother in law and myself were keen to look for raptors. Continue reading →

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Visit to Tasmazia – 24 July 2023

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Dave Noble

This day was something different – a visit to Tasmazia – a theme park with a collection of mazes to walk through and a miniature village – Lower Crackpot. I was joined by my two sisters and another friend, and we had a fun day. The mazes would be great fun for kids, but there is also a lot of fun for adults.

Tasmazia is situated near the town on Sheffield and is in the locality of “Nowhere Else” – a truly quirky Tasmanian name. Continue reading →

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Fungi at Philosophers Falls – 23 July 2023

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Dave Noble

The track to Philosophers Falls near Magnet in the Waratah area is a very good place to look for fungi. I have visited this area a number of time in the past and have been very happy with the fungi I have been able to observe. So I was keen to make another visit. My sister was also keen to see what was out.

Both my sisters joined in, and they ended up walking to the falls, while I remained in the upper section (the track before the creek) to photograph fungi. I found a fair bit out, but conditions were no where near s good as previous visits. Perhaps it had been too wet and the ground was waterlogged, or perhaps a bit late in the fungi season? Continue reading →

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Fungi at Ferndene Reserve – 21 July 2023

Posted on July 30, 2023 by Dave Noble

In the afternoon, after a visit to the Upper Natone Reserve, I was dropped off at Ferndene Reserve at Penguin, while my two sisters visited some of the local shops. I spent an interesting two hours looking for fungi. This is a place I have visited many time before and is often great for fungi. My last visit was in May 2022.

I am not sure what this first one is –

Clavulina subrugosa Continue reading →

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