Ringwood Field Naturalists Club Inc.

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Ringwood Field Naturalists Club Inc.

The Ringwood Field Naturalists Club is for people interested in Australian Natural History. We have a monthly meeting, excursions, and weekends away.

The Ringwood Field Naturalists Club provides an open and friendly forum for members to share and develop their interests in Australian natural history. We have a monthly meeting, field trips on a weekend, Spring and Autumn camp-outs and do field care days. The Club encourages the enjoyment of nature. The RFNC is based in Ringwood which is in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The Club has affiliations with other local Field Naturalists Clubs throughout the State.

02/04/2025

In March, 30+ members headed out west to Port Fairy for our autumn weekend away. Running from Friday afternoon to Sunday, it's a chance for us to visit places that are much further away than a typical weekend excursion. We run two weekends away each year - autumn and spring.

Meeting up on Friday, we went for a walk around the wetlands, where several members saw an Australian Spotted Crake among other water birds. We then enjoyed a BBQ dinner together. Afterwards, we had a walk around the jetty and to the Short-tailed Shearwater viewing platform. Unfortunately luck wasn't on our side that night, and we only saw a handful of Shearwaters flying overhead.

Saturday we walked around Griffiths Island and had a number of views of seabirds such as Australian Gannets, Black-faced Cormorants, and even a Short-tailed Shearwater near the lighthouse. We headed to Yambuk area for lunch and a walk along the beach, where we were most surprised to see an Emu on the beach!

On Sunday we headed to a couple of beaches around Kilarney. The weather wasn't great, with heavy winds and some rain - perfect for walking on the beach! We did however manage to see a few waders/shorebirds, including Ruddy Turnstones, Red-necked Stints, Sanderlings, Red-capped Plovers and Double-banded Plovers.

We headed to Tower Hill for lunch and hunkered down in a picnic shelter. There were a number of koalas in the carpark area which gave great views, although they didn't seem too cheery in the wild weather. We then did the wetlands walk which was quite protected and saw lots of waterbirds and a host of bush birds, including Grey Fantails which gave close views.

On concluding the walk, members dispersed to head home. Many thanks to our leaders Inta and Roger for providing an excellent weekend.

23/03/2025

Held annually on March 23, National Eucalypt Day aims to raise awareness of eucalypts and celebrate the important place that they hold in the hearts and lives of Australians. There are so many varieties from small garden types to large stands in open paddocks and bushlands.
These were taken in Melton Botanic Gardens.

04/03/2025

Our planned excursion for February to Coolart Homestead and Wetlands was cancelled because the wetlands were too dry due to the lack of decent rainfall over the past few months. Ironically, the replacement excursion to Braeside Park was scheduled with a forecast of rain and thunderstorms! 21 members braved the weather for what turned out to be a very fruitful excursion, recording 60 bird species. And we only got slightly rained on.

We met at the Red Gum picnic area spent the morning walking around the main lake. The water level in the lake was quite low, with a wide expanse of mud surrounding it. This actually helped with birdwatching, as some birds were feeding or sitting on the mudflats out in the open, while the waterbirds were less spread out on the water. We saw 9 species of ducks, including great views of Pink-eared Ducks, Freckled Ducks and Australian Shovelers. On the mud, we observed a small group of Pied Stilts, a number of Black-fronted Dotterel and a Latham’s Snipe.

Braeside Park is a great spot for raptors, but there weren’t many about, perhaps being a little too windy. We did see a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles, and a Black-shouldered Kite. Around the eastern side of the lake, where there are more bushy areas and smaller islands, we found a Great Egret, Royal Spoonbill, White-faced Heron, and to everyone’s delight, 7 Nankeen Night Herons on the edge of the water. Heading back to the carpark, we added Crested Pigeon, Eastern Rosella and Red-rumped Parrot to our list, which are all reliable in the park.

After lunch we did a bird call and were very pleased to get to 60 species, which is a great total given the weather. Braeside Park should be on every birders list as a place to visit throughout the year.

28/01/2025

So sad to hear of the fires that have destroyed the Little Desert Nature Lodge. As a group we have enjoyed stays here and have encouraged member groups from all over Victoria to also stay here. So glad no one was hurt. We hope that in time it will be rebuilt and will certainly have support from our group.
A message below from the current owners.

Little Desert Nature Lodge Destroyed by Fire; All Safe
January 28, 2025 – Nhill, Victoria
It is with deep sadness that we announce the complete destruction of the Little Desert Nature Lodge due to a fire that broke out on January 27, 2025. The lodge, situated on the edge of the Little Desert National Park, was a cherished site for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
We are relieved to confirm that all people and animals are safe. The YJP camp held at the lodge concluded as scheduled on Monday morning, with all guests departing earlier that day. Staff and animals left the property as a precautionary measure before the fire began, ensuring there were no injuries or harm.
We are deeply grateful to the Country Fire Authority (CFA) for their rapid and courageous response in battling the blaze. Their tireless efforts under challenging conditions ensured the safety of the surrounding area and minimized further risk.
Little Desert Nature Lodge has long been a haven for those seeking to connect with nature, offering eco-friendly accommodation, birdwatching, and unique wildlife experiences in an extraordinary natural environment. While the loss of the lodge is a significant blow, we are comforted by the knowledge that no lives were at risk.
We are currently assessing the extent of the damage and planning the next steps forward. Updates will be shared as they become available. In the meantime, we extend our thanks to the community for their messages of support and encouragement during this difficult time.
We remain committed to the spirit of the lodge and the values it represents, and we are optimistic about rebuilding a future where nature, wildlife, and community continue to thrive together.
Thank you
Moshe Kahn
Camp director
[email protected].

21/01/2025

Our January excursion was to Lillydale Lake. It was a hot weather forecast but the 22 members attending did a lovely walk along the shore of the main lake, and then took a left hand turn to head into the wetland area which is a natural filter drain for storm water running into the lake.

Birds were relatively scarce, aside from the usual "parkland" birds and ducks, which are always plentiful around the lake, but we managed 30 birds for the day with only a single Darter being seen! Lillydale Lake is normally a good spot for Darters, when you might see 8 or more on a walk.

It was starting to heat up as we had lunch under the large gum trees beside the lake, so we were happy to call it a day.

Thanks to Eleanor and Warwick for leading the walk.

26/12/2024

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Healthy 2025.
Swainsona formosa Sturt's Desert Pea

21/12/2024

Snake bite in Australias.
This is a long read, but may save a loved one, friend or even yourself.

3000 bites are reported annually.
300-500 hospitalisations
2-3 deaths annually.
Average time to death is 12 hours. The urban myth that you are bitten in the yard and die before you can walk from your chook pen back to the house is a load of rubbish.
While not new, the management of snake bite (like a flood/fire evacuation plan or CPR) should be refreshed each season.
Let’s start with a
Basic overview.
There are five genus of snakes that will harm us (seriously)
Browns, Blacks, Adders, Tigers and Taipans.
All snake venom is made up of huge proteins (like egg white). When bitten, a snake injects some venom into the meat of your limb (NOT into your blood).
This venom can not be absorbed into the blood stream from the bite site.
It travels in a fluid transport system in your body called the lymphatic system (not the blood stream).
Now this fluid (lymph) is moved differently to blood.
Your heart pumps blood around, so even when you are lying dead still, your blood still circulates around the body. Lymph fluid is different. It moves around with physical muscle movement like bending your arm, bending knees, wriggling fingers and toes, walking/exercise etc.
Now here is the thing. Lymph fluid becomes blood after these lymph vessels converge to form one of two large vessels (lymphatic trunks)which are connected to veins at the base of the neck.
Back to the snake bite site.
When bitten, the venom has been injected into this lymph fluid (which makes up the bulk of the water in your tissues).
The only way that the venom can get into your blood stream is to be moved from the bite site in the lymphatic vessels. The only way to do this is to physically move the limbs that were bitten.
Stay still!!! Venom can’t move if the victim doesn’t move.
Stay still!!
Remember people are not bitten into their blood stream.
In the 1980s a technique called Pressure immobilisation bandaging was developed to further re**rd venom movement. It completely stops venom /lymph transport toward the blood stream.
A firm roll bandage is applied directly over the bite site (don’t wash the area).
Technique:
Three steps: keep them still
Step 1
Apply a bandage over the bite site, to an area about 10cm above and below the bite.
Step 2:
Then using another elastic roller bandage, apply a firm wrap from Fingers/toes all the way to the armpit/groin.
The bandage needs to be firm, but not so tight that it causes fingers or toes to turn purple or white. About the tension of a sprain bandage.
Step 3:
Splint the limb so the patient can’t walk or bend the limb.
Do nots:
Do not cut, incise or suck the venom.
Do not EVER use a tourniquet
Don’t remove the shirt or pants - just bandage over the top of clothing.
Remember movement (like wriggling out of a shirt or pants) causes venom movement.
DO NOT try to catch, kill or identify the snake!!! This is important.
In hospital we NO LONGER NEED to know the type of snake; it doesn’t change treatment.
5 years ago we would do a test on the bite, blood or urine to identify the snake so the correct anti venom can be used.
BUT NOW...
we don’t do this. Our new Antivenom neutralises the venoms of all the 5 listed snake genus, so it doesn’t matter what snake bit the patient.
Read that again- one injection for all snakes!
Polyvalent is our one shot wonder, stocked in all hospitals, so most hospitals no longer stock specific Antivenins.
Australian snakes tend to have 3 main effects in differing degrees.
Bleeding - internally and bruising.
Muscles paralysed causing difficulty talking, moving & breathing.
Pain
In some snakes severe muscle pain in the limb, and days later the bite site can break down forming a nasty wound.
Allergy to snakes is rarer than winning lotto twice.
Final tips: not all bitten people are envenomated and only those starting to show symptoms above are given antivenom.
Did I mention to stay still.

Snake bandages are available in most chemists and have a line marked on them to show the required tension. I hope you never need this information, but better safe than sorry.

13/11/2024

Come along tonight to hear Richard Austin speaking on
“Native Orchids on Melbourne’s Fringe”. Richard is a very knowledgable orchid fanatic which many of you will have heard of.

Our meetings are held at 7.30 p.m. on second Wednesday of each month in Room 4 at Maroondah Federation Estate, Greenwood Ave, Ringwood (Melways 49 H10)
All visitors welcome.
Hope to see you there.

23/10/2024

For our October excursion we headed down the Peninsula to Crib Point. There are some lovely bushland reserves down that way which can be good for birdwatching and native terrestrial orchids.

We were extremely lucky with the weather - it was sunny and mild with only a slight breeze - which was much better than the previous weekend which was heavy cloud and rain!

We visited a few sites and while birds weren't common, we still saw 24 species. The orchids however, were absolutely spectacular in the perfect conditions, with many species of sun orchids (Thelymitra) in full flower, much to our members' delight. We also saw a couple of Leek orchids (Prasophyllum) and some Brown Beaks (Lyperanthus suaveolens). We spent most of the day carefully walking, observing and photographing the treasures we found. It was a most enjoyable day.

09/10/2024

Tonight's meeting at the Ringwood Field Naturalists Club has Gemma Snowball speaking on "Platypus- Unique egg-laying mammals and urban environment". Gemma works at Ecology Australia and is very knowledgeable in the field of The Platypus. Meeting is in room 4, Maroondah Federation Estate, Greenwood Ave, Ringwood. Meeting starts at 7-30pm. Visitors welcome.
Photos by Ecology Australia.

07/10/2024

2nd excursion for the month of September was to Boomers Reserve in Panton Hills. We had a very large gathering to look around the Reserve. The tracks were good and wide although some were a bit washed away in spots. Members were able to hear birds straight away, with the best sightings of varied sitellas, black faced cuckoo shrikes and a scarlet robin. The local wildflowers were out with many of the pea flowers, heath and a hakea in flower. Our trip was to see what we could see in the way of orchids. 10 orchids were found during the morning. Parks Victoria have fenced off some large areas to help with regeneration and also protection of some of the more special orchids. Lunch was held in St Andrews in the park. Members then went their own way, spending time at Queenstown cemetery, One tree Hill and back to Tindalls Reserve in Warrandyte. A lovely morning out with the weather being very kind to us.
Photos Alison Rogers

30/09/2024

In September the Club holds 2 excursions. This is because Spring is such a great time in the bush with flowers, orchids and birds. Excursion 1
Euroa Arboretum: Leaders Liz T and Shirley S
Travelling through the early morning fog we arrived to a beautiful sunny day in Euroa. The Euroa Arboretum is only three kilometres south of the town and is made up of 27 hectares of native plants and vegetation. Following our leaders down the many ‘well maintained’ tracks we were able to see many species of flowering and non-flowering plants. The wattles in particular were spectacular with many local and interstate varieties to admire. A huge dam and board walks through the wetlands had us listening to the frogs and admiring the many coloured dragonflies. The birdlife was varied with bush birds and water birds seen throughout the park. A sighting of a mistletoe bird and Diamond Firetail finches made the day complete.

19/08/2024

We spent an enjoyable morning walking through the Yarran Dheran Nature Reserve in Mitcham, with leaders David and Eeva H. This very attractive area was a stone quarry for a time, then a tip, but over the last several decades has become a beautiful and well-cared for park.

Various plants were in flower or about to be. We saw and heard over 20 different bird species, though not many were prepared to pose for the cameras.

Thanks to Eeva and David for leading the excursion.

14/07/2024

Our July excursion was to Sugarloaf Reservoir in Christmas Hills. Many of us had never visited this area before, although it is not a great distance from home.

At one point found ourselves in a "hot spot" with a female Scarlet Robin, a male Golden Whistler and a Grey Shrike-thrush all seen in the same area. We had a total of 33 birds seen or heard during the morning, a good total for midwinter.

Here are a few photographs from the morning walk. There was a second short walk after lunch, but I wasn't able to stay for that and others may have some input from that walk.

Thanks to Graeme and Helen F for leading us on the day.

Address

32 Greenwood Avenue
Melbourne, VIC
3134

Website

http://rfnc.org.au/

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The Ringwood Field Naturalists Club provides an open, friendly and sharing forum for members to explore and develop their interests in Australian natural history. We have a monthly meeting at Maroondah Federation Estate in Ringwood on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. We have weekend excursions, Spring and Autumn weekends away and field care days. The RFNC is based in Ringwood which is in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The Club has affiliations with other local Field Naturalists Clubs throughout the State.