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Observations of flora, fauna and landscape in central Victoria Many nestling birds, especially the pas*erines, produce membrane-covered faecal sacs on a regular basis as they grow. Sometimes these sacs (usually white in colour with a black tip) are deposited over the edge of the nest, or commonly they are removed by the parents to keep the nest clean and hygienic. As this series of images shows the sacs are also sometimes consumed by the parents. A warm afternoon prompted a visit to the Loddon – I was half expecting my first Sacred Kingfisher of the season. No luck on that front, but there were other sights to enjoy. Cup-moth caterpillars are again creating havoc in the local bush. Cuckoos are having a field day, although in some areas, such as west of Mia Mia Track, the damage is largely done. This pattern is a feature of the ecology of box-ironbark forests, however there is some speculation that infestations are becoming more severe and more frequent. I’ll be watching this patch closely for signs of recovery over coming months. fairy-wrens and the Speckled Warbler. Species, such as the locally rare Spotted Quail-thrush and Chestnut-rumped Hylacola, when seen, are One local ‘hotspot’ for Rough Wattle is along Mia Mia Track. A visit earlier in the week was highlighted by a number of RED-CAPPED ROBINS and numerous BROWN THORNBILLS, the latter almost certainly using the Rough Wattle as nesting sites. I was planting a local native climber in my garden today, and my digging uncovered a pair of skinks with blood-red tails. They moved like a snake or a meandering river (rather than going in a straight line like Garden Skinks do), and with the dark st*ipe along the sides I think they must be Boungainville’s Skinks. The 25mm wide plant label was the only thing to hand to pop next to the little reptile for scale. I was lucky to get a photo at all as they were very keen to get back into the soil! Presentation hosted by Newstead Landcare, Thursday 20th Sept 8pm