It is still officially winter, and last Sunday started out as a beautiful spring like (if not summer) day reaching a top temperature of around 23 degrees celsius. There was a ‘strange’ explosion of dragonflies—they were everywhere. I came across a Short-beaked Echidna wandering about—a bit earlier than normal? There were the calls of continental migratory birds in the area. There had been hints of early Hooded Plover nesting on the beaches. By late afternoon, a hailstorm arrived and since then, strong to gale force winds have continued to hit The Cape from the north-west. If you’re confused, imagine what it is like for the animals and birds trying to eke out a living. I haven’t seen a dragonfly since Sunday (they’re probably in New Zealand now) and any chance of Hoodie eggs surviving  the wave surge and wind on the upper beaches is well and truly gone—washed into the wild waters of Bass Strait. And what about the full/blue/sturgeon moon on 19th August rising above Moonshadow Avenue!! Nature!
 

Following on from the last two editions where we looked at the development of the reconstructed water features and habitats within The Cape estate, in this issue of Cape Chatter (No. 117) we take a look back over the past 12 months of species observation data to see how things are tracking. We now have 5 years’ worth of observations to ponder and to see who the winners and losers are. There is also a snapshot of how some of our threatened species are coping with the development. There are more words and numbers in this issue for those interested in reflecting on the health of the estate’s natural world. I promise to include more pictures in the next issue!

Cold, wet and windy … typical Cape winter weather. Not the greatest time of the year for exploring nature with just the tough and hardy animals out and about. One little mammal that seems to like this time of the year is the native Swamp Rat (Rattus lutreolus). Most of the bird life is that of our permanent/resident species, but there are signs things are about to change. I am pretty sure I heard the call of the elusive Olive Whistler a few days back and a lone Laughing Kookaburra (not a species we see very often in the estate) was hounded away by some aggressive Australian Magpies and a pair of Magpie Lark—indications they are readying for breeding and not letting any intruders into their breeding territory. Masked Lapwings are becoming agitated as well! Interesting times ahead—so be wary of swooping, nesting birds

Winter has finally hit with a vengeance – cold, wet and windy – what else would one expect at Cape Paterson! It is only the hardy ones in nature that are out and about at the moment (including the odd snake) but things will ramp up soon. There are indications of nest building by some of the resident birds and in a few more weeks we will see more activity! In this Cape Chatter (No. 115), we take a look at another of the major landscape water features of The Cape, the west-east ‘chain of ponds’, which was constructed in 2022. We will see how they are progressing and what fauna species are coming and going.

Cape Chatter No. 114 explores the amazing Humpback Whales journey past our coastline through pictures, words and a colouring book in Mandy Leggett’s ‘Whales’ Song’. Also, this month marks the five-year anniversary since the first sods were turned in the creation of the biodiverse water features that dominate The Cape’s landscape and habitat areas. We take a look at how the wetlands and creek line have grown and what special animals have moved in to call them home.

Today’s geology of the Bunurong Coast represents the accumulation of sediments formed in a vast rift valley that existed between the south coast of Australia and Antarctica when still attached before they parted in the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana. It was a wide, flat valley rich in plant and animal life. The Early Cretaceous sedimentary rock outcrops found today along the local coast are dated at 115-200 million years old and contain Australia’s first dinosaur fossils discovered in 1903 and some of the oldest fossil evidence of birds in Australia. You can still find evidence of this amazing past if you look carefully on our nearby rocky platforms. Several residents of The Cape have been out fossil hunting lately, finding some beautiful examples of ancient plant life—right at the backdoor. And yes, there are photos of the Aurora Australis as well!

This is the third edition in a row I have mentioned the presence of local snakes, making the point that, just because the weather is cooling off, doesn’t mean snakes are no longer around and you are less likely to come across them. The Lowland Copperheads tolerate colder environments, so be aware of their presence. You never really know what is going to pop up around the estate. We have microbats around, but who would have guessed of a bigger bat species? One—a vulnerable Grey-headed Flying Fox, was spotted recently hanging from a Coastal Banksia within the estate. Pausing on your walks, noticing movements in habitats, or hearing sounds or calls are all ways we can connect with nature and help appreciate what we have so closely around us—especially an animal uncommon or under threat.

The ridge above Weathertop Crest within The Cape is an ancient sand dune, from which wonderful vistas can be had of the Bunurong Coast, overlooking the wild Bass Strait. The panorama extends to Cape Woolamai in the west and Cape Liptrap in the east with the mountains of Wilson’s Prom beyond. At the west end, a viewing point has been built which would have to be the best on this section of the coast. It is a great spot to contemplate and take in the beauty of the natural world, especially at either end of the day. I went there recently at dusk in search of Flame Robins and was not disappointed … and of course several Kangaroos, glowing in the golden light, were emerging for their nightly grazing activities throughout the estate’s open spaces. Not a bad place to live for a kangaroo!

Finally … we have had some decent rain to break the spell of dry weather and we are into a seasonal change—midway through autumn. Things are fresh, the nights are a bit cooler, the water tanks are topped up, there is a touch of green in the landscape and the wetlands are pumping with water. It is a transitional time for birds—the summer migrants have or are departing for their winter homes, and some species from the higher country will move into lower coastal habitats and co-exist with the permanent, resident species.

The Cape lives in a challenging coastal environment that has become heavily degraded since European settlement. Extensive rewilding of the estate’s drainage lines into reconstructed water features and retention of important habitat buffers with the adjoining Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Reserve have helped restore some of it’s past glory. However, there remains a dearth of trees, especially mature trees in the area, which are so important for a wide variety of fauna and a healthy ecology. Back in 2021, a community led project began to enhance the treed environment of The Cape. Project KOALA came into being and with the great support of the developer and the community of residents and owners, the resultant ‘mini-forest’ vegetation plots have proved a great success. Now it’s time to extend the Project and develop further habitat links throughout the estate. If you are a resident or owner at The Cape and want more trees in the landscape, get on board and lend a hand in this conservation project. See event and registration details on the second page of the newsletter—it is happening just after Easter!