George’s blog

Having planted many thousand plants a year for 18 years through all types of weather conditions, I am building up a lot of knowledge about what survives and what doesn’t. Influencing factors include soil moisture (too dry or too wet), attack by rabbits, possums, rats and birds, lack of mycorrhizal associations, drought and waterlogging, soil pH and encroaching shade and competition.

Then there is also natural senescence. What is the life expectancy of a poa tussock or a goodenia? I have learned to plant only the hardiest types in the harshest sites, a hard won lesson by experience. Then sometimes a favourite plant such as blue devil thrives when I have almost given up on it. Possibly because of higher year round moisture or maybe a hardier variety.

Then there is a host of special and colourful plants that I have being trying to establish for years that hardly survive their first summer. Plants such a native heath, blue stars, hoary sunray, love creeper, trigger plant, common beard heath, orchids, stackhousia and many more. Yet these grow exceptionally well in their natural habitats, sometimes in the harshest or driest sites. I suspect they have their own special mycorrhiza and other soil flora aiding their survival which are lacking in the park.

The soil in Westgate Park is all imported from countless sources. A few years ago we investigated commissioning a study into beneficial soil flora and fungi with the aim to perhaps introduce what was missing. However the cost was prohibitive and it went no further. Meanwhile we just keep plugging away trying different sites, soil conditions and summer water regimes.

Love Creeper (Comesperma volubile) has now brightened up our heaths each spring for a number of years and Hardenbergia is now a spectacular resident.

The challenge now is to pass on the accumulated knowledge to those that follow. Record keeping is not my strong point but totally necessary.

 

July 14, 2018

What a way to mark World Environment Day!

On 5 June, 127 volunteers in three teams joined our Bili Landcare crew of 15 to plant, mulch and clean up the River bank at Westgate Park.

  • Community Volunteers Australia arranged for 96 enthusiastic workers from Aon, Origin, FujiXerox, Energy Australia, Bridgestone, BASF and TabCorp and they put in around 2,500 plants.
  • Landcare organised 8 Telstra volunteers who did a good day’s work mulching and planting
  • Covestro Australia sent 8 staff to remove litter from our stretch of the Yarra River bank which is no easy task on that rock wall.

Thanks to everyone involved!

Website under construction!

We are building our website so you can have access to a wide range of information about and photos of indigenous plants, those we grow and those we plant.

Read about the transformation of Westgate Park by Westgate Biodiversity’s Bili Landcare and there will soon be a shop where Bili Nursery plants and other products can be purchased online.

See too our upcoming events in the sidebar.

Thanks for your patience!

May 2018 bird survey

Diving feeders – Hardheads, Australasian Grebes and Hoary-headed Grebes – in better than average numbers suggest aquatic invertebrates and other small prey are plentiful in Freshwater Lake. With levels of both main lakes remaining fairly high, conditions are good for supporting birds. 

Visiting nectar feeders, especially Rainbow Lorikeets, Musk Lorikeets and Red Wattlebirds, abound in the park’s large Spotted Gums, which have flowered since April. 

Our resident observer recorded a diverse range of visiting raptors during April. One Brown Falcon may be staying on, as it was also seen today in Howe Parade Extension south of the bridge.

The frequency of spoonbill sightings on Freshwater Lake last month provides more evidence of suitable food available for wetland bird species.  

Also of interest is the increasing range of honeyeaters in the park, with White-naped Honeyeaters recorded this survey.

SpeciesNo. seenSpeciesNo. seen
Brown Quail Galah 
Black Swan    2 + 6DLittle Corella 
Australian Shelduck Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 
Australian Wood Duck Rainbow Lorikeet65+ (*15)
Pink-eared Duck Musk Lorikeet 42
Australasian Shoveler Little Lorikeet  
Grey Teal 2Purple-crowned Lorikeet 
Chestnut Teal 28 (*1)Eastern Rosella 
Pacific Black Duck22Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo 
Hardhead21Fan-tailed Cuckoo 
Australasian Grebe16Sacred Kingfisher 
Hoary-headed Grebe      13Superb Fairy-wren 55+ (7 blue)
   Rock Dove  White-browed Scrubwren 
   Spotted Turtle-Dove5Brown Thornbill 
   Crested Pigeon6Spotted Pardalote3
Darter Striated Pardalote 
Little Pied Cormorant (*3)Yellow-faced Honeyeater 
Great Cormorant*1White-plumed Honeyeater 70+
Little Black Cormorant2Noisy Miner 
Pied Cormorant Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater6
Australian Pelican3Little Wattlebird1
Eastern Great Egret Red Wattlebird 90(*10)
Cattle Egret New Holland Honeyeater 20+
White-faced Heron 1White-naped Honeyeater2
Nankeen Night-Heron Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 
Australian White Ibis White-winged Triller 
Straw-necked Ibis Golden Whistler  
Royal Spoonbill Grey Shrike-thrush 
Yellow-billed Spoonbill Grey Butcherbird 
Black-shouldered Kite Australian Magpie4
Brown Goshawk Pied Currawong 
Little Eagle Grey fantail 
Nankeen Kestrel Willie Wagtail9
Brown Falcon1Little Raven7
Australian Hobby Magpie-lark10
Peregrine Falcon Flame Robin 
Purple Swamphen3Rose Robin 
Buff-banded Rail    Golden-headed Cisticola 
Baillon’s Crake    Australian Reed-Warbler 
Black-tailed Native-hen    Little Grassbird 
Dusky Moorhen27 Silvereye 
Eurasian Coot 120 + 3DWelcome Swallow50+ 
Black-winged Stilt 3Fairy Martin 
Black-fronted Dotterel5Common Blackbird12
Red-kneed Dotterel Common Starling270+
Masked Lapwing   Common Myna6
Latham’s Snipe Red-browed Finch 
Crested Tern*1House Sparrow1
Pacific Gull Australasian Pipit 
Silver Gull125 (*70+)European Greenfinch3
  European Goldfinch3

Number of Bird Species – Wetland dependent & Raptors 20   Land based  23 Total 43 species

Other animals:Common Froglet heard in dam and How Parade Extension Wetlands, Brush-tailed Possum

* seen at/along Yarra River only.  D- Denotes dependent young plus number of separate broods.

Note: For species seen in large numbers, or for which accurate counting was difficult the number seen is rounded off to the nearest of tens or fives followed by a +.

Habitat: The Large Freshwater and Saltwater lakes are at a similar level to the previous month, and conditions in both lakes continue to be good for supporting birds.  Diving feeders, comprising Hardheads Australasian Grebes and Hoary-headed Grebes are present in better than average numbers suggesting aquatic invertebrates and other small prey are plentiful in the Large Freshwater Lake. 

With a number of Spotted Gums in flower during April and this month there are large numbers of visiting nectar feeders in the park, especially Rainbow Lorikeets, Musk Lorikeets and Red Wattlebirds. 

Interesting/notable sightings:

  • A diverse range of visiting raptors recorded by George during April. One of them, a Brown Falcon may be staying for a while as it was seen today in the Howe Parade Extension Area south of the big bridge.
  • The frequency of spoonbill sightings on the Large Freshwater Lake over the last month are yet more evidence of suitable food available in the lake for a range of wetland bird species.  

Apr 2018 Bird survey

Although water levels in the large lakes dropped considerably last month, conditions are good for birds. Park volunteers saw six pelicans feeding on the large freshwater lake early that survey morning, so food, most likely Mosquito Fish Gambusia affinis, is plentiful. Other fish-eating birds observed included three cormorant species, a single Eastern Great Egret and White-faced Heron, and many more Hardheads and Hoary-headed Grebes compared to previous months. 

Further, although the park vegetation is very dry, a diverse range of seasonal migrating land-based birds was present, including an unusually large number of Red Wattlebirds: 150 plus.

Interesting/notable sightings:

–       A single Yellow-faced Honeyeater, a species not previously recorded. More may have been present as a small group of unidentified birds with this species’ characteristics was observed in flight, descending immediately behind the dead shrub where the single bird was seen and photographed. 

–       A single Striated Pardalote in a eucalypt near the windmill, a species not recorded in the park since August 2008 and August 2012.

–       Seasonal visitors also included an unusually high number of Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters, Flame Robins, Grey Fantails and Musk Lorikeets.

–       George observed an interesting combination roosting together on the same fallen branch in the large freshwater lake: two Eastern Great Egrets, one White-necked Heron, one White-faced Heron and two Australian White Ibis. A great photograph but unfortunately George didn’t have his camera.

–       Other very occasional visitors seen included a pair of Red-kneed Dotterels on the edge of a dull pink saltwater lake, and the large freshwater lake had a single Yellow-billed Spoonbill and single Cattle Egret – the latter apparently with a broken leg. In all, one of the best days in years!

Jan 2018 bird survey

Pleasingly, almost all recently hatched Australasian Grebes, Dusky Moorhens, Eurasian Coots and Black-winged Stilts recorded in December are now healthy juveniles. Water levels are very high in the main lakes, but lower in smaller water bodies. 
Land-based bird species commonly seen were much less evident – for example only two New Holland Honeyeaters, one Little Wattlebird and no Rainbow Lorikeets.
However, there were Interesting/notable sightings:
– The first record of a nesting Hoary-headed Grebe since monthly surveys began
– At least two Brown Thornbills (one seen, another heard) indicate this species is now a likely resident
– Three Nankeen Night-Herons: one adult and one immature roosting in a eucalypt beside the dam, and an adult flying over FOWP compound towards Wharf Road
– An unconfirmed distant call, possibly a Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo
– A Common Bronzewing was observed earlier

Andrew McCutcheon, Euan Moore and Rob Youl  

Weather: Mostly fine with light to moderate south west wind. Temp 18⁰ C – 23⁰ C. Entire survey route completed. Time start 0910, finish 1330

SpeciesNo. seenSpeciesNo. seen
Brown Quail Galah 
Black Swan    3 + 2 juv (*1)Little Corella 
Australian Shelduck Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 
Australian Wood Duck Rainbow Lorikeet 
Pink-eared Duck Musk Lorikeet  
Australasian Shoveler Little Lorikeet  
Grey Teal 4Purple-crowned Lorikeet 
Chestnut Teal 66 + 4 juvEastern Rosella 
Pacific Black Duck26Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo 
Hardhead5Fan-tailed Cuckoo 
Australasian Grebe1 + 4 immSouthern Boobook 
Hoary-headed Grebe      (1 on nest)12Barn Owl 
   Rock Dove4Sacred Kingfisher 
   Spotted Turtle-Dove19Superb Fairy-wren 30+ (13 blue)
   Common Bronzewing White-browed Scrubwren2
   Crested Pigeon3Brown Thornbill2
Darter Spotted Pardalote 
Little Pied Cormorant 11 (*10)White-plumed Honeyeater 30(*3)
Great Cormorant*1Noisy Miner 
Little Black Cormorant*9Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 
Pied Cormorant*2Little Wattlebird1
Australian Pelican2Red Wattlebird13 
Eastern Great Egret New Holland Honeyeater2
Cattle Egret White-naped Honeyeater 
White-faced Heron 1Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 
Nankeen Night-Heron3White-winged Triller 
Australian White Ibis*1Golden Whistler  
Straw-necked Ibis Grey Shrike-thrush 
Royal Spoonbill Grey Butcherbird 
Black-shouldered Kite Australian Magpie1
Whistling Kite Pied Currawong 
Brown Goshawk Grey fantail 
Little Eagle Willie Wagtail9
Nankeen Kestrel Little Raven2
Brown Falcon Satin Flycatcher 
Australian Hobby Magpie-lark11
Peregrine Falcon Flame Robin 
Purple Swamphen5Rose Robin 
Buff-banded Rail Eurasian Skylark 
Baillon’s Crake    Golden-headed Cisticola 
Australian Spotted Crake    Australian Reed-Warbler1
Black-tailed Native-hen    Little Grassbird 
Dusky Moorhen12 + 4 juv + 1DSilvereye 
Eurasian Coot (2 on nests)30Welcome Swallow40+ 
Black-winged Stilt (3 on nests)12 + 5 juvFairy Martin 
Black-fronted Dotterel5 + 1 juvCommon Blackbird16
Red-kneed Dotterel Common Starling50+
Masked Lapwing  (*5)Common Myna27
Latham’s Snipe Red-browed Finch 
Crested Tern House Sparrow25+ (*4)
Pacific Gull Australasian Pipit 
Silver Gull200 (*190)European Greenfinch4
  European Goldfinch6

* seen at/along Yarra River only.  D- Denotes dependent young plus number of separate broods.

Note: For species seen in large numbers, or for which accurate counting was difficult the number seen is rounded off to the nearest of tens or fives followed by a +.

Habitat: The water level in the Large Freshwater and Saltwater lakes remains very high, but has fallen considerably in the smaller water bodies and the dam. It appears that almost all the recently hatched young Australasian Grebes, Dusky Moorhens, Eurasian Coots and Black-winged Stilts recorded during the December survey have survived to become healthy juveniles according to the numbers counted this month. 

Numbers of all land based bird species commonly seen in the park were much lower than the previous month. Most notable were only two New Holland Honeyeaters, one Little Wattlebird and noRainbow Lorikeets recorded today.

Interesting/notable sightings:

The first ever record of a Hoary-headed Grebe on a nest in the park today (since we commenced our regularly monthly surveys).

At least two Brown Thornbills (one seen and another heard) indicate this species is now likely to be resident in the park.

Three Nankeen Night-Herons, one adult and one immature were roosting in a eucalypt beside the dam, and an adult in flight over the track to the FOWP compound from Todd Road. 

A distant call, possibly a Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo was heard but could not be confirmed.

Opportunistic sightings:

DateSpeciesNo. seenObserver
3 DecWhite-faced Heron1George Fotheringham
4 DecEastern Great Egret1George Fotheringham
17 DecWhite-necked Heron 1George Fotheringham
22 DecCommon Bronzewing1George Fotheringham

Dec 2017 bird survey

Some common land-based bird species were recorded in higher than usual numbers, especially White-plumed Honeyeaters. The eight Noisy Miners seen along Todd Road were of concern; we hope they will not extend their range into Westgate Park.

All lakes, smaller water bodies and the dam are now at their highest levels since the wet summer of 2010-11, thanks to 113mm of heavy rain in early December. Wetland conditions look excellent, but waterbird numbers remain low. Nevertheless there is breeding activity amongst the few Dusky Moorhens, Eurasian Coots and Black-winged Stilts in the park.

One interesting sighting: a single Darter flew over the park on 16 November. 

SpeciesNo. seenSpeciesNo. seen
Brown Quail Galah 
Black Swan    2+ 2DLittle Corella 
Australian Shelduck Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 
Australian Wood Duck Rainbow Lorikeet21
Pink-eared Duck Musk Lorikeet  
Australasian Shoveler Little Lorikeet  
Grey Teal 9Purple-crowned Lorikeet 
Chestnut Teal 50Eastern Rosella 
Pacific Black Duck7Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo 
Hardhead13Fan-tailed Cuckoo 
Australasian Grebe2+ 3DSouthern Boobook 
Hoary-headed Grebe 8Barn Owl 
   Rock DoveSacred Kingfisher 
   Spotted Turtle-Dove32 *1Superb Fairy-wren 40+16 blue *1
   Common Bronzewing White-browed Scrubwren5
   Crested Pigeon6Brown Thornbill 
Darter Spotted Pardalote 
Little Pied Cormorant *1White-plumed Honeyeater45+*3
Great Cormorant Noisy Miner8
Little Black Cormorant*14Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 
Pied Cormorant*2Little Wattlebird7
Australian Pelican*1Red Wattlebird45+ *3
Eastern Great Egret New Holland Honeyeater20+
Cattle Egret White-naped Honeyeater 
White-faced Heron  Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 
Nankeen Night-Heron White-winged Triller 
Australian White Ibis Golden Whistler  
Straw-necked Ibis Grey Shrike-thrush 
Royal Spoonbill Grey Butcherbird 
Black-shouldered Kite Australian Magpie*1
Whistling Kite Pied Currawong 
Brown Goshawk Grey fantail 
Little Eagle Willie Wagtail13
Nankeen Kestrel Little Raven28
Brown Falcon Satin Flycatcher 
Australian Hobby Magpie-lark16*1
Peregrine Falcon Flame Robin 
Purple Swamphen5Rose Robin 
Buff-banded Rail Eurasian Skylark 
Baillon’s Crake    Golden-headed Cisticola 
Australian Spotted Crake    Australian Reed-Warbler2
Black-tailed Native-hen    Little Grassbird 
Dusky Moorhen (3 on nests)6+ 4D+ 2D+ 1DSilvereye 
Eurasian Coot (3 on nests)16+ 2DWelcome Swallow60+ 
Black-winged Stilt (1 on nest)15+ 3D+ 1DFairy Martin 
Black-fronted Dotterel1Common Blackbird21
Red-kneed Dotterel Common Starling80+*6
Masked Lapwing  *2Common Myna10
Latham’s Snipe Red-browed Finch 
Crested Tern House Sparrow35+*15
Pacific Gull Australasian Pipit 
Silver Gull170 *140European Greenfinch 
  European Goldfinch2

Number of Bird Species Wetland dependent & Raptors 18   Land based 22 Total 40

Other animals: Common Froglet Crinia Signifera heard. Emperor Gum-moth Opodiphthera eucalypti – 4 cocoons with holes indicating adults have emerged.

* seen at/along Yarra River only.  D- Denotes dependent young plus number of separate broods.

Habitat: The water levels in all lakes, smaller water bodies and the dam are now at their highest level since the wet summer of 2010-11 thanks to 113mm of heavy rain in early December. Despite what look like excellent wetland conditions, the numbers of water birds remain low, but there was breeding activity with the few Dusky Moorhens, Eurasian Coots and Black-winged Stilts in the park. 

Some of the land based bird species commonly seen in the park were recorded in higher than usual numbers, especially White-plumed Honeyeaters. The eight Noisy Miners seen along Todd Road were of concern and it is hoped they will not extend their range into Westgate Park.

Interesting/notable sightings:  A single Darter seen in flight over the Park on 26 November

DateSpeciesNo. seenObserver
4 NovWhite-faced Heron1George Fotheringham
4 NovEastern Great Egret1George Fotheringham
5 NovHorsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo1George Fotheringham
5 NovGrey Butcherbird1George Fotheringham
9 NovNankeen Kestrel1George Fotheringham
16 NovDarter1George Fotheringham

The Best Coffee Shops To Work From On Maui

If you’re a remote worker looking for a change of scenery, there are few places as beautiful and inspiring as the island of Maui. With its stunning natural landscapes, warm weather, and laid-back culture, Maui is the perfect place to get some work done while also enjoying a little bit of island life. And what better way to do that than by grabbing a cup of coffee and settling in at one of the island’s best coffee shops? Here are the top 5 coffee shops on Maui for remote work:

Akamai Coffee Co. – Kihei

Located in the heart of Kihei, Akamai Coffee Co. is a local favorite for good reason. This coffee shop has a bright and airy atmosphere, with plenty of seating both indoors and out. They offer a wide variety of coffee drinks, as well as smoothies, pastries, and other snacks. What sets Akamai apart, though, is their commitment to sustainability. They use compostable cups and utensils, and source their coffee beans from fair trade and organic farms whenever possible.

Maui Coffee Roasters – Kahului

Maui Coffee Roasters is a true Maui institution. They’ve been roasting their own coffee beans since 1982, and have since become one of the island’s most beloved coffee shops. Located in Kahului, Maui Coffee Roasters has a cozy and welcoming vibe that makes it the perfect place to get some work done. They offer a wide range of coffee drinks, as well as sandwiches, pastries, and other snacks. And if you’re a coffee lover, you won’t want to miss their coffee flight – a tasting of four different Maui Coffee Roasters blends.

Wailuku Coffee Company – Wailuku

Wailuku Coffee Company is a hidden gem in the heart of Wailuku town. This charming coffee shop has a rustic, vintage feel, with exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, and cozy seating nooks. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, as well as smoothies, pastries, and sandwiches. But what really sets Wailuku Coffee Company apart is their commitment to supporting local artists and musicians. They host live music events and showcase local artwork on their walls, making it a great spot for creatives and freelancers.

Sip Me – Makawao

Located in the upcountry town of Makawao, Sip Me is a must-visit for any coffee lover. This cozy and colorful coffee shop has a funky, bohemian vibe that’s perfect for getting some work done. They offer a wide range of coffee drinks, as well as smoothies, acai bowls, and other healthy snacks. Sip Me is also committed to sustainability, using compostable cups and straws, and sourcing their coffee beans from ethical and sustainable farms.

Paia Bay Coffee – Paia

If you’re looking for a coffee shop with a view, look no further than Paia Bay Coffee. This charming little coffee shop is located just steps from the beach in the town of Paia. They offer a variety of coffee drinks, as well as pastries, bagels, and other snacks. But the real draw here is the location – you can sit outside on their spacious lanai and watch the waves while you work. And if you need a break from your laptop, you can take a stroll down to the beach or browse the nearby shops.

Whether you’re a digital nomad or just looking to get some work done while enjoying Maui’s beautiful scenery, these five coffee shops are the perfect places to settle in and get to work. With their welcoming vibes, delicious coffee, and commitment to sustainability and community, they’re sure to become your new favorite remote work spots.

How We Manage Our Remote Team From Hawaii

Managing a remote team of contractors can be challenging, but doing so while living in Hawaii comes with its own set of unique challenges. As a digital marketing agency, we’ve learned a few things about how to effectively manage a remote team while also enjoying all that Hawaii has to offer.

One of the most important things we’ve learned is the importance of communication. Because we’re not all in the same physical location, it’s crucial to make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to project timelines, expectations, and goals. We use a variety of communication tools, including Slack, Zoom, and email, to stay in touch and make sure everyone is informed and up-to-date.

Another key to successfully managing a remote team is setting clear expectations and goals.

We make sure that all of our contractors understand exactly what is expected of them and what their specific goals are for each project. This helps to ensure that everyone is working towards the same objective and that there are no misunderstandings or miscommunications.

It’s also important to create a strong team culture, even if you’re not all in the same physical space. We make an effort to regularly connect with our contractors on a personal level, whether that’s through virtual team-building activities or just catching up on each other’s lives during team meetings. This helps to foster a sense of camaraderie and helps us all feel more connected, even though we’re not in the same room.

Finally, it’s important to be flexible and adaptable. Living in Hawaii means dealing with time zone differences and sometimes unpredictable weather conditions, so we’ve learned to be flexible and adaptable when it comes to scheduling and work expectations. By being open to new ideas and approaches, we’re able to make the most of our remote team while also enjoying all that Hawaii has to offer.

Managing a remote team of contractors while living in Hawaii certainly has its challenges, but with clear communication, goal-setting, team-building, and adaptability, it’s possible to successfully manage a remote team while also enjoying all the beauty and culture that Hawaii has to offer.

Check Out Our Makers In The Studio

This is some example content. WordPress is an extremely user friendly content management system for websites and blogs. Users can easily add and update text, images, video, audio and more using the WordPress platform.

Curabitur lacinia porta purus. Mauris laoreet dignissim imperdiet. Proin tempor pellentesque neque tempor feugiat. Vivamus odio tortor, pulvinar vitae placerat sed, ultricies nec augue. In fermentum nunc sit amet mauris tincidunt laoreet. Nulla accumsan, elit quis vehicula auctor, enim ligula pharetra ligula, nec facilisis purus ipsum nec sem. Quisque vitae risus elit, quis lobortis augue. Duis dignissim example link mauris eu arcu consectetur in scelerisque risus iaculis. Maecenas ac sagittis libero. Maecenas consectetur, nunc et euismod malesuada, libero nunc vestibulum ante, sed tempor ligula sapien vitae enim. Nullam in elit quam. Maecenas feugiat euismod libero, quis feugiat enim elementum sit amet. Fusce in sem id mi venenatis hendrerit. Phasellus tempus enim vel nulla accumsan volutpat.

Read More