Friends of Canadian Corridor

Dear Friends
The Field Naturalists Club of Ballarat and the Friends of Canadian Corridor are hosting a self-guided pop-up wild flower trail walk along the Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail in Woowookarung Regional Park beginning at 11am on Sunday 12th October 2025.
The 1.2 km walking trail start point is at the Car Park and the trail is a gentle uphill on formed track with the return gentle downhill. Good footwear is recommended Signs will identify the start and the path will be marked with information signs identifying the diversity of wildflowers along the trail. A description of the wildflowers can also be found at: www.focc.asn.au/flora
2025 has been dry year for wildflowers. They are smaller and flowering at slightly different times. An excellent opportunity to view the flowers in dryer conditions. The pop-up trail will be open daily from Sunday 12th October until 4pm Sunday 19th October 2025.
Further walk information: E: foccinfo@gmail.com

 

1. 10^th Annual Wildflower Walk
   When: 10am Sunday 12^th October to Sunday 19^th October.
   Where: At the Dementia Forest and Sensory Trail in Woowookarung Regional Park.
   The trail starts at the Rotunda at the Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail on Katy Ryans Rd. The Field Naturalists Club of Ballarat and FoCC have organised the self-guided pop-up wildflower trail signage. This year wildflowers have already begun to bloom with traditional favourites such as “Eggs and Bacon” bush pea colouring the forest. The walking trail is a gentle walk uphill on formed track. Good footwear is recommended.

   

   The walk is now in its 10^th year and is a joint FoCC and Field Naturalists Club Ballarat project. Last year 800 visitors walked the wildflower path along the Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory trail in Woowookarung Regional Park.

   

Afternoon tea To celebrate the end of the Wildflower Walk, a BYO afternoon tea will be held at the Rotunda at the Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail Rotunda at 4pm Sunday 19^th October 2025. All friends welcome. Just turn up and bring a chair! Part of the celebration is to pick up the signs from the trail!!!

2. Seniors Festival Wildflower walk promotion.
   

   

3. “City of Ballarat” Wildflower Walk Seniors Festival promotion. 

4. 4. Bird of the Month XLV (September 2025)
      Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea)

Another month, another unprecedented record of a species at a location within the Corridor! The location? Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve. The species? Flame Robin (honourable mention to Brown Quail, also observed at Mt Buninyong for the first time!). The context? Following a bushfire in March, Mt Buninyong had been closed to the public for safety reasons, and upon its reopening in early September, multiple Flame Robins of both sexes and different ages were observed foraging about the charred understorey. Now, if the ‘Flame’ name, its plumage of fiery orangey red and ashy grey, or its scientific name being a derivative of phoenix (you know, the mythical bird that rises from the ashes) – don’t all evoke fire symbology, then perhaps the following excerpt from the Australian Bird Guide (Menkhorst et al. 2019) will solidify its affinity with fire:
“… [Flame Robins] readily, but temporarily, colonises cleared or burnt areas.”
That theory certainly seems to be the case here, given the fact the Flame Robin, previous to the bushfire, was not known to Mt Buninyong, and now its presence is strongly concentrated on the burnt side of the mount. What needs to be considered, however, is the possibility that the Mt Buninyong Flame Robins may be representative of the species colonising other areas within the Corridor. If there are Flame Robins newly present elsewhere in the Corridor, I want to test that theory!

Adult male Flame Robin Image Rob Loveband

You may have heard the colloquial moniker “Robin Redbreast”. This is a generic term for reddish-breasted robins (e.g. European Robin, American Robin) in the northern hemisphere. In Australia, we have our own reddish-breasted robins, the Petroica robins, which total five species. All five Petroica species occur in southeast Australia (also southwest WA, in the Scarlet Robin’s case), indeed including Victoria. Ballarat’s, and certainly the Canadian Corridor’s, most common Petroica is the Scarlet Robin (refer to Bird of the Month XX May 2023), with the Flame Robin being the second-most common, and the other species (Rose, Pink, and Red-capped Robins, in order of most to least common) all being recorded at irregular intervals, and either localised or on the extreme outskirts of Ballarat.
The Flame Robin, by Petroica standards, tends to be associated with open country – particularly during autumn/winter (non-breeding season) – which lends itself to the Flame Robin’s western-leaning distribution throughout Ballarat (e.g. Lake Burrumbeet). By comparison, the Scarlet Robin is usually resident at Woowookarung Regional Park, Union Jack Reserve, Mt Buninyong, and other forest reserves throughout the eastern biolink that is our beloved Canadian Corridor. To help with distinguishing between the two very similar-looking species, please refer to the table below.

 

A small (11-14cm) insectivorous passerine (songbird), Flame Robins are typically viewable owing to their habit of persistently pouncing from a low perch to the ground, in habitats characterised by an open understorey or clearings (i.e. grassy ground covers). Their disposition is generally not flighty, providing encouragement that if they are occupying an area, their habits in theory are conducive to their presence being revealed.
Flame Robins breed in uplands/ high country, in eucalypt forests (including wet forest/ rainforest), woodlands, and scrubland. An altitudinal migrant, most individuals depart the breeding habitat in autumn/ winter (there’s also an annual migration to and from the mainland by Tasmanian Flames), for open woodlands and farmland, where – unique among Petroica robins – it flocks in groups of up to 20 individuals (another characteristic conducive to high visibility). The Flame Robin’s flexibility is typified by the wide-ranging conditions in which it can occupy, from sea level to altitudes of 1,800m; closed canopy overstorey communities in breeding season to open or absent canopy in non-breeding season; and pristine, undisturbed reserves to intensive agricultural contexts.
Breeding season is August through February. Adding to their flexibility, the nest sites vary widely, ranging from tree hollows (often charred or burnt out) or hollowed stumps; behind peeling bark; a deep-forked branch (up to 20m off the ground); amongst exposed roots; woodpiles; a cavity in earthen embankment or rock fissure; mineshafts; and even sheds. The nest is an untidy bowl or bulky rough cup of bark, grass, moss, lichen, fur/ hair, loosely bound together by spiderwebs. The female is responsible for nest-building and incubation duties – the clutch size being 3-4 eggs, and hatching occurring ~14 days after laying.
Flame Robins have a geographic distribution endemic to southeast Australia, plus Tasmania, with a northern limit of southeast QLD, and a southwestern limit of Kangaroo Island (SA). The species-wide (granted, there are no subspecies/ races) conservation status is ‘Least Concern’ (global) with a decreasing population trend. Federally and in Victoria, the species’ extinction risk is classified as ‘Secure’.
Next time you wander through Woowookarung RP, and the Corridor’s other patches where forest meets open farmland – please run a watchful eye over the grassy ground covers and low perches, ready for any opportunistic sightings of the avian symbol of fire that is the Flame Robin!
Author note: FoCC Committee member and co-admin of FoCC’s Facebook and webpage, Joel Ellis is the resident bird nerd, amateur Powerful Owl researcher, and editor of FoCC’s (co-funded) ‘Indigenous [Species] of Southern Ballarat’ brochure series. 

 

4. 4. 5. Soapy’s Dam

The Urban Ripple plantings at Soapy’s Dam have been a huge success. Originally the plan was to plant 1000 trees, shrubs and grasses at Soapy’s Dam during 2025 according to the Urban Ripple project plan. Due to some problems at other sites an extra 1200 plants were available for planting, making a total of 2200 planted. Of these 1800 were planted by students from Damascus College, Mt Clear College, Mt Rowan College and Woodmans Hill College, all along the south side of Soapy’s Dam. Next year the students are set to continue planting to complete more of the reserve’s habitat restoration.

Want to know more about Soapys Dam? A draft brochure has been produced by the FoCC telling the story of Soapy’s Dam as the FoCC knows it. It has been posted on the FoCC website. At: https://www.focc.asn.au  

The FoCC welcomes new information about Soapys Dam or feedback on the brochure. The FoCC is keen to document as much as possible about the reserve’s history. Hopefully some of the information will be incorporated onto public information signage at the reserve.

4. 4. 6. Surprise grasstree find.

Much to the surprise of students and staff at Soapys Dam Reserve two small grasstrees were found growing in the middle of the designated schools planting area. In the 1960’s the land was covered in shallow mine holes. These were filled in around the late 1960’s and are shown on the FoCC’s 1970 aerial Images as disturbed land. Since then, grasses and weeds have grown across the area leading to the reserve being regularly mown by the CoB for fire fuel reduction reasons. Fast forward to August 20^th 2025 and two small Xanthorrhoea Minor grasstrees were found growing in the middle of the reserve.

Yep! The arrows point to two small grasstrees growing in the middle of a mown reserve. Further searching around the reserve site discovered three more older and larger grasstrees, one in amongst the gorse along Soapy’s Creek.

4. 4. 7. Koala Sightings
         

         

A koala spotted by Maggie on the west side of the Fern Walk between York St and Wilson St Ballarat East. 23^rd September 2025.
October to March is Koala breeding season and peak sightings time. If you see, hear or find scat from a Koala, please send the information containing the when, where, and how to: foccinfo@gmail.com.  Images are gold (even if a little blurry). All Koala sightings are entered into the iNaturalist online data base. The complete list of sightings can be viewed at https://www.focc.asn.au/koalas/

4. 4. 8. Great Aussie Bird Count 2025 Woowookarung Regional Park spotting locations
         The FoCC map of suggested bird count sites in the park is below.
         

To participate download the app: https://aussiebirdcount.org.au

4. 4. 10. Murnong
          Murnong is traditional food of the Wadawurrung people. Before the squatters and gold rush, Murnong was widespread in the Ballarat region.

          

      11. ‘WETLANDS RESTORATION: Prescriptions and Practice’
          

          

Invitation to a presentation by:
Peter Gell, Emeritus Professor, Federation University
On Tuesday 14th October 2025 at 7.00pm
At Lucas Community Hub, 17 Coltman Plaza, Lucas. (Enter via Coltman Plaza)  Tea/Coffee and light supper Enquiries: Friends of Mullawallah Wetlands
Email: mullawallahwetlands@gmail.com

4. 4. 11. Rubbish dumpers, thieves and vandals The FoCC urges Park friends to report vandals as well as rubbish dumpers, wood thieves and other suspicious activity to Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or email: woowookarung@parks.vic.gov.au

In emergency situations please call 000. If an offender is spotted, please note vehicle registration details as vehicle identification is most helpful, plus location and details. All information is treated by Parks Victoria Rangers professionally and confidentially.

4. 4. 12. Useful information
          Parks Victoria Woowookarung email address: woowookarung@parks.vic.gov.au
          City of Ballarat wildlife information:
          https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/me/pets-and-animals/wildlife
          Wildlife Victoria (03) 8400 7300
          DEECA wildlife issues reporting information Report wildlife crime to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000. Report any wildlife at immediate risk of deliberate harm or neglect to 136 186. Other matters relating to wildlife and wildlife management should use the 136 186 too. The Help for Injured Wildlife tool will help you locate and contact the closest relevant wildlife carers and rescue and rehabilitation organisations to help the injured wildlife.
   5. 13. Membership Membership runs from 1^st January to 31^st December each year, Membership fee is $20 per year. New members and renewals after July 1 are credited to the next year. Membership is available online or email foccinfo@gmail.com
   6. 14. FoCC Facebook and webpage
          www.facebook.com/friendsofcanadiancorridor/
          Rob is overseeing the webpage  webmaster@focc.asn.au
          The FoCC has over 1300+ friends following us on Facebook and growing. Welcome to all new friends. Feel free to pass on to other friends and press the Like button. 
   7. 15. 2025 Proposed Calendar

Spikey News is published monthly for the Friends of Canadian Corridor Incorporated. Registered No A0097535B. The FoCC is a Landcare group registered with Landcare Victoria Inc and a member of the Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group. The purpose of “Spikey News” is to link the community to Woowookarung Regional Park and the Canadian Corridor. Circulation this issue is to 1278 1306 subscribers. Welcome to all new friends.
Any opinions expressed in Spikey News are made by the editors in good faith and do not officially represent Parks Victoria or the FoCC. Previous issues of Spikey news can be found at our web site, here. We are proud to walk this land with the Wadawurrung people and all other First Nations people. Friends wishing to add articles to the FoCC update may do so by emailing foccinfo@gmail.com

 

 

Soapy’s Dam Brochure (click to download)

1. 6300 trees, shrubs and grasses planted by 716 enthusiastic volunteers over 22 days. 

FoCC volunteers, including students, planted 6300 trees, shrubs and grasses, using 6 tons or 18900 stakes and 6300 guards. 2200 leaflets were letterboxed in neighbourhoods adjacent to sites by enthusiastic walkers. And 50 kgs of rubbish was collected whilst preparing sites. Hundreds of sausages cooked by the wonderful Rotary Clubs of Ballarat. Numerous friends shared their emails and Facebook posts and encouraged others to join in.  Those individual actions helped make the plantings successful. The 200 remaining plants will be planted on October 4^th by the “Natures Stewards” volunteers bringing the total plantings to 6500.
A big thanks to these organisations in making the plantings happen.

• Ballarat Courier
• Ballarat Garden Supplies
• Ballarat Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation
• Ballarat Times
• City of Ballarat
• Damascus College
• Hands on Learning teachers
• Mount Clear College
• Mount Rowan College
• Woodmans Hill College
• Ross St Building supplies
• Smart Pix signs
• Rotary clubs of
  • Alfredton
  • Ballarat
  • Ballarat East (planting day was cancelled)
  • Ballarat South
  • Ballarat West
  • Wendouree Breakfast
• Voice FM
• Wadawurrung Indigenous Nursery Bostok

Soapy’s Dam 31st August

Sailors Gully 17^th August

Canadian Creek 10^th August
57 Volunteers planted 700 trees shrubs and grasses in a 2-hour session.

Lal Lal Drain (Site 2) August 3^rd FoCC images

2. Rotary support and sausage sizzle.
   The Rotary Club of Ballarat South catered for the Canadian Creek planting, the Rotary Club of Alfredton catered for the Dozed Tk planting and the Rotary Club of Wendouree catered for the Soapy’s Dam planting. Rotarians ran the on-site volunteer registration and provided support for the plantings. Many thanks to the wonderful Rotary volunteers who helped make the planting go exceptionally well.
   

3. School plantings – 2065 trees, shrubs and grasses planted by 295 students 

The FOCC hosted 13 school planting days involving 295 students from four schools between June 17^th and August 27^th. The largest group was 80 students and the smallest group was 4. Participating schools were Damascus College, Mount Clear College, Mount Rowan College and Woodmans Hill College. A total of 2065 trees, shrubs and grasses were planted by the students on Soapy’s Dam and on the east side of the Bunny Trail in Woowookarung Regional Park. The FoCC volunteers assisting, praised the students and teachers for their wonderful work and interest in landscape restoration activities. Special thanks to Jo for unstinting dedication to providing sausage sizzles to the students. Ably assisted by Judith, Tracie, Chris, Ric, Mark, Tarn and Peter working in wet and windy conditions on some days. Some students were also involved in the FoCC’s community tree plantings as well.

4. The Urban Ripple restoration project
   The restoration project is funded from the Victoria Government’s, Green Link fund. A total grant of $701000 has been awarded to the Bunanyung Landscape Alliance, and in partnership with the Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group to revegetate waterways in Ballarat. As part of the project the FoCC agreed to plant 6500 trees, shrubs and grasses on four sites in the Corridor.

5. Official launch of the Urban Ripple Project
   Michaela Settle MP officially launched the Urban Ripple project on the FoCC Canadian Creek site near Hocking Avenue Mt Clear on Friday 8^th August 2025.
   

   

Ms Settle said, “It was wonderful to be at the launch of the Urban Ripple Project today — a community-led effort to restore Ballarat’s waterways.  Backed by the Victorian Government’s Green Links Program, this project will see 39,500 indigenous plants established across 13 sites, rejuvenating 80.5 hectares and nearly 10 kilometres of the Yarrowee River and its tributaries. A huge thank you to the Bunanyung Landscape Alliance, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group, local Landcare groups, and the passionate volunteers making this happen. Together, we’re restoring our precious waterways, supporting local biodiversity, and caring for Country. ” Source: M Settle Facebook page.

6. Bird of the Month XLIV (August 2025)
   Brown Falcon (Falco berigora)
   Any time, especially after 120 bird-walks along a favourite trail, one encounters a species for a site’s first time – that is a worthy cause for excitement!  Take into consideration also the fact this encounter represents the site’s (in this case, Union Jack Reserve, Buninyong) first record of the species in 145 eBird surveys (inclusive of my fellow eBirders’ checklist), and it is all the more a notable sighting, which is rewarding to increase the site’s species tally!  To top it all off, Bird of the Month is yet to feature a falcon species.  All this considered, it would be remiss of me to not take inspiration and write about this species.  So without further ado, behold the Brown Falcon…!

   

At 40-50cm, the Brown Falcon is a medium-sized falcon, and one of the most common and widespread raptors in Australia.  Another attribute which ranks it most distinguished among Australia’s raptors – or any Aussie bird for matter – is the species’ widely variable plumage colourations.  Despite its rather misleading name, the Brown Falcon comes in a light morph (whitish underparts; upperparts varying shades of darker brown), dark morph (uniformly sooty brown, almost black), and rufous morph (orangey brown upperparts) – each of which pose identification challenges with other raptors (refer to the below infographic for an ID guide).  The light morph is most common in southeast Australia, dark morph most prevalent in the tropical north, while Rufous morph predominates in arid climes.  Interestingly, they are all the same species (not even separated into subspecies/races), meaning theoretically all different colour morphs could appear in the same clutch of siblings.  Convoluting matters is the fact that colouration alters in transition from juvenile to adult plumages, while the oldest adult also become paler.  Common denominators present in all colour morphs – and therefore useful in ruling out other species – include the following: (1) the ‘double tear drop’, i.e. a dark-brown vertical stripe either side of the eye, enclosing pale cheek patch; (2) short trousers, always dark-brown or red-brown (never pale!); (3) pale underwing; and (4) conspicuous barring of wings and tail.

Brown Falcons are strongly associated with open farmland.  I have visited many a farm during my time as an ornithologist, and Brown Falcons have been observed (at least once) on every one of them.  Farms aside, Brown Falcons also inhabit plains, open woodlands, forest clearings, tree-lined watercourses, roadsides, alpine meadows, coastal dunes, and gibber/mulga deserts.
By falcons’ standards, Brown Falcons are oddballs with a few points of difference.  Where most falcons are highly aerodynamic, often with considerably specialised diets (i.e. many falcons are formidable predators of birds, while Nankeen Kestrels concentrate largely on mice and locusts) – the Brown Falcon is described as “sluggish” and “clumsy” by field guides, and its diet is very generalist.  Brown Falcons possess the pointed wingtips (i.e. primaries or ‘finger’ feathers clasped together) typical of all falcons, and even join Nankeen Kestrel as a surprising exponent of hovering (i.e. flight where the bird maintains a fixed height with no movement in the three-dimensional space, a rare aerialist skill done only by a select few Aussie birds) – albeit in doing so its wingbeats are “slow and laboured”.  However, its broad, bluntly pointed wings with convex trailing edge, contrast markedly with other falcons’ sharply points, crescent-shaped wings, designed for swift flight.  Brown Falcons have a widely varying diet of snakes (including Eastern Brown), lizards (i.e. skinks, dragons), small mammals (i.e. House Mouse, young rabbits), birds (e.g. starlings, parrots), insects (e.g. locusts, beetles, dragonflies), and carrion (often scavenging roadkill or kills pirated from other raptors).  Brown Falcons are versatile in their foraging methods, which encompasses gliding, soaring, hovering, diving, ambush from perch start, aerial attacks and tail-chases, flushing prey out of cover, and even stalking prey on-foot.  Pairs engage in cooperative hunting.

Breeding season here in the south is August through October.  As with all Australian falcons, Brown Falcons do not build their own nests.  Pre-existing nests of corvids (in our case, Little Raven) or that of other raptors are adopted or usurped.  Exceedingly rare alternatives include the nest of Australian Magpie, tree hollows, or termite mounds.  Both sexes incubate the clutch of 2-3 eggs (sometimes up to 5), but feeding duties of hatchlings are carried out predominately by the female alone.  Young fledge at ~30 days of age.
Brown Falcons are a considerably vociferous species, and indeed ‘The most vocal of Australian raptors’.  Vocalisations are characterised by screeches, shrieks, and hoarse chuckles.  Interestingly, two field guides liken its high-pitched cackling to a ‘laying hen’, only ‘louder and harsher’, as follows: ‘“karairk-kuk-kukkuk”, the first part raucous, rising, the following “kuk-kuk” as a low clucking’.  Also, ‘“karark”, “kar-r-rak”, “kairrrrk”, as single calls a few seconds
apart’.

Brown Falcon at Union Jack Reserve: Sighting Significance
This sighting was significant, not least because it was the first record in 145 eBird checklists arising from the sight, but also for the following reasons:

1. Canadian Corridor Raptor Infrequency: Aside from a handful of sightings of various raptors in (or above) residential neighbourhoods (Tandara Estate), and two Brown Falcon sightings in open farmland (adjacent to Geelong Rd), and perched on a powerline (Midland Hwy), it is, in my experience, difficult to come across raptors east of Ballarat where forests abound (much easier in the agricultural west of Ballarat!). Most raptor species (including Brown Falcons) are advantaged by land clearance, and open country raptors often patrol the skies, and perch on a powerline or an exposed branch – conspicuous behaviours, offering unobstructed views for the human observer.  Raptors of the forests, however, tend to be much more secretive and elusive, preferring a concealed perch on well-foliaged limbs.  Granted, my Union Jack Reserve sighting was not a forest raptor, it was nonetheless a reminder there is raptor presence in the Corridor.  Raptors don’t read the field guides, meaning the theoretically frequented habitat types may have blurred lines – as shown by this sighting of the open country-preferring Brown Falcon in a forest reserve.
   2. Behavioural Context – Possible Breeding activity: My observation, earlier in August, was intriguing for the unmistakable vocalisations that were noted.  The unsighted Brown Falcon was flying at a scarcely visible, great height, and engaging in a territorial or courtship display.  The species is renowned for its noisy aerial courtship displays.  This behaviour may be suggestive of the new arrival of a breeding pair, and quite possibly a nearby nest.  Bear in mind, August marks the first month of breeding season.  Watch this space!

Brown Falcons are geographically distributed continent-wide, including Tasmania, and also occur abroad in Papua New Guinea.  The species is common throughout, and generally considered sedentary (i.e. non-migratory), but it can be irruptive in response to plagues of House Mouse and locusts, while some populations may demonstrate north-south, and altitudinal, migration.  Despite its commonness, a decreasing population trend is in effect, according to IUCN.
Next time you wander through Woowookarung RP, particularly around its clearings (e.g. former plantations), or the exterior where forest meets open farmland – be sure to scan the sky and leafless branches of dead trees, to try for a chance encounter with the variable-plumaged, versatile predator, and hen-sounding, oddball that is the Brown Falcon!
Author note: FoCC Committee member and co-admin of FoCC’s Facebook and webpage, Joel Ellis is the resident bird nerd, amateur Powerful Owl researcher, and editor of FoCC’s (co-funded) ‘Indigenous [Species] of Southern Ballarat’ brochure series. 

8. CoB Tool Trailer Grant
   The FoCC has received a City of Ballarat “Ballarat Community impact Grant Program” for the “Purchase of Community Tree planting Resource Trailer”. The grant of $5200 is to purchase a closed tradie style trailer including signage and registration. The trailer will be used to transport and store the FoCC’s tree planting tools and equipment. A private lock up home has been found for the trailer. Expected delivery is late October.

   

9. Friends of Union Jack Creek Desoza Park – Tree planting

The Friends of Union Jack Creek is a small group in Buninyong working to restore Creekside habitat along Union Jack Creek in Desoza Park.

The Union Jack group is a subgroup of the Upper Williamsons Creek Landcare group. The FoCC is committed to providing support.

9. Forest Fire Management Planned Burn
   A planned burn is to be held in the York St Boundary Rd Wilson St Long St block in the near future. The first burning is to burn the skirts of the grass trees so as to reduce the intensity of the final burn.
   More information at: www.ffm.vic.gov.au

10. Koala Sightings
    

    

October to March is Koala breeding season and peak sightings time. If you see, hear or find scat from a Koala, please send the information containing the when, where, and how to: foccinfo@gmail.com.  Images are gold (even if a little blurry). All Koala sightings are entered into the iNaturalist online data base. The complete list of sightings can be viewed at https://www.focc.asn.au/koalas/

12. Proposed Koala habitat removal at 76 Springs Rd. Objection lodged
    An application to clear 0.75 hectares of Koala Habitat has been lodged with the City of Ballarat Statutory Planning department.

    

    Map of the Site courtesy of the Courier August 1 2025. Annotation by the FoCC. The FoCC has lodged an objection to the planned destruction of Koala Habitat. The application is at odds with the City’s Koala Plan, native vegetation removal regulations and the City’s recently adopted “Biodiversity Strategy”. An article of the application was published in the Ballarat Courier on August 1^st 2025. The article can be found at the Courier website. https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/9029323/brown-hill-subdivision-plans-threaten-koala-habitat-in-ballarat/  The FoCC believes the land can be subdivided into a lesser number of lots safely leaving the Koala Habitat shown in Yellow in a single lot. Nearby residents concerned about this development should lodge their own objections to the proposed destruction of Koala Habitat. The council does take notice of objectors. Feel free to contact the FoCC foccinfo@gmail.com for information about the proposal and objection processes. 

13. Rubbish dumpers, thieves and vandals The FoCC urges Park friends to report vandals as well as rubbish dumpers, wood thieves and other suspicious activity to Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or email: woowookarung@parks.vic.gov.au
    In emergency situations please call 000. If an offender is spotted, please note vehicle registration details as vehicle identification is most helpful, plus location and details. All information is treated by Parks Victoria Rangers professionally and confidentially.

13. Useful information
    Parks Victoria Woowookarung email address: woowookarung@parks.vic.gov.au
    City of Ballarat wildlife information: https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/me/pets-and-animals/wildlife Wildlife Victoria (03) 8400 7300 

DEECA wildlife issues reporting information Report wildlife crime to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000. Report any wildlife at immediate risk of deliberate harm or neglect to 136 186. Other matters relating to wildlife and wildlife management should use the 136 186 too. The Help for Injured Wildlife tool will help you locate and contact the closest relevant wildlife carers and rescue and rehabilitation organisations to help the injured wildlife.

14. Membership Membership runs from 1^st January to 31^st December each year, Membership fee is $20 per year. New members and renewals after July 1 are credited to the next year.  Membership is available online or email foccinfo@gmail.com

15. FoCC Facebook and webpage www.facebook.com/friendsofcanadiancorridor/ Rob is overseeing the webpage  webmaster@focc.asn.au  The FoCC has over 1300+ friends following us on Facebook and growing. Welcome to all new friends. Feel free to pass on to other friends and press the Like button. 

16. 2025 Proposed Calendar The calendar is prepared by the FoCC committee.

Spikey News is published monthly for the Friends of Canadian Corridor Incorporated. Registered No A0097535B. The FoCC is a Landcare group registered with Landcare Victoria Inc and a member of the Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group. The purpose of “Spikey News” is to link the community to Woowookarung Regional Park and the Canadian Corridor.
Circulation this issue is to 1278 1301 subscribers. Welcome to all new friends.
Any opinions expressed in Spikey News are made by the editors in good faith and do not officially represent Parks Victoria or the FoCC.
Previous issues of Spikey news can be found at our web site, here.
We are proud to walk this land with the Wadawurrung people and all other First Nations people.

1. 1400 trees, shrubs and grasses planted over 2 days

FoCC volunteers planted 1400 trees on two sites over the past two weeks as part of the “Urban Ripple” Creekside restoration project.
The Urban Ripple revegetation project is funded from the Victoria Government’s, Green Link fund. A total grant of $701000 has been awarded to the Bunanyung Landscape Alliance, and in partnership with the Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group to revegetate waterways in Ballarat. As part of the project the FoCC will plant 6500 trees, shrubs and grasses on four sites in the Corridor.
Canadian Creek (Site1) July 13^th FoCC images.

Dozed Track (Site2), Woowookarung RP July 27^th. FoCC images.
Rotary support and sausage sizzle.
The Rotary Club of Ballarat South catered for the Canadian Creek planting and the Rotary Club of Alfredton catered for the Dozed Tk planting. The image above says it all. Many thanks to the wonderful Rotary volunteers who helped make the planting go exceptionally well.
A big thanks to the volunteers.
86 fantastic volunteers were at Canadian Creek and 66 more at Dozed Track. That is an amazing turnout. Thank you so much!

2. ore to come – August Plantings
   Lal Lal Drain (Site 3) Sunday August 3^rd 2025
   500 trees shrubs and grasses to be planted at Lal Lal Drain, Canadian on Sunday August 3^rd 10am to 12noon. The wonderful Rotary Club of Ballarat are providing support and the sausage sizzle. Signs from Lal Lal St and Elsworth St.  Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DDVMC

   

Canadian Creek (Site 4) – Sunday August 10^th 2025
750 trees shrubs and grasses to be planted at Canadian Creek, Mt Clear, 10am to 12noon, Sunday August 10^th 2025. The wonderful Rotary Club of Ballarat West are providing support and the sausage sizzle. Signs from Geelong Rd.
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DEFGQ

Lavery Avenue (Site 5) – Sunday August 17^th 2025
300 trees shrubs and grasses to be planted in Sailors Gully Reserve, Lavery Avenue Mount Clear on Sunday August 17^th 10am to 12noon. 

Lal Lal Drain  (Site 6) – Sunday August 24^th 2025
500 more trees shrubs and grasses to be planted at Lal Lal Drain, Canadian on Sunday August 24^th 10am to 12noon. The wonderful Rotary Club of Ballarat East are providing support and the sausage sizzle. 

Soapys Dam (Site 7) – Sunday August 31^st 2025
400 plants to be planted on the north side of the Soapys dam Beside Elsworth St Mt Clear. The wonderful Rotary Club of Wendouree are providing support and the sausage sizzle. 

3. School plantings
   The FOCC is hosting 13 school plantings planting on the 4,
   5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20 and 27th August, mostly on Soapys
   Dam. Participating schools are Damascus College, Mt Clear College, Mount Rowan College and Woodmans Hill College. The students are briefed and supported in the tree planting by school staff and FoCC volunteers.

Wanted: FoCC members and friends who are interested in assisting with the schools, are requested to contact the FoCC at foccinfo@gmail.com or Jeff 0408509591 for more details (dates, duties and Working with Children Check requirements.)

4. Dozed Track Site – What could have been!

Many of the planters at Dozed Track (site2) July 27^th asked about the story of the land being planted. In 2012 the failing blue gum plantation in the Canadian Forest was removed by the lessee, the ground cleared and handed back to the Government absolutely bare as shown below.

At the same time, a City of Ballarat Panel identified a new suburb for the cleared land each side of Dozed Track as illustrated below.

The plans propelled the Friends of Canadian Corridor “imagine” a “Multi-Use Forest Park” which became the “Woowookarung Regional Park” in 2017.
The Victorian Government honoured their 2014 election commitment to establish a park, by holding a series of information sessions in 2015, consultations and meetings with Canadian Forest stakeholders such as the Council, Government agencies, community organisations and adjacent land holders to determine the boundaries of the Park and to identify the myriad of interests in and around the future Park which needed to be addressed.
The journey is now history and the 2025 plantings form part of the ongoing landscape restoration post plantation era.

5. Landscape Restoration principles
   Two publications underpin the plantings on FoCC sites. The publications were created by the Bunanyung Landscape Alliance specifically for the Ballarat Region to address a paucity of local landscape restoration knowledge.

Goldfields Little Creeks Climate Adaptation Strategy and Restoration Guide:
The Little Creeks strategy focuses on climate adapting little creeks by planting riparian zone vegetation to shade and shelter water course thus keeping the creek cooler and promoting biodiversity along a creek. https://bunanyunglandscapealliance.org/goldfields-little-creeks-1

Bunanyung Native Habitat Restoration Guide
Provides assistance to:

• Understand why it is so important for us to protect and create more native habitat.
• Discover what plants and weeds you have on your land.
• Choose a method to improve your native habitat
  https://bunanyunglandscapealliance.org/habitat-restoration-guide

7. Kangaroo sightings
   Kangaroo sightings are quite common along the Canadian Creek, Corridor and in the Woowookarung RP.

   

8. Bird of the Month XLIII (July 2025)
   Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans)
   Please let us never take for granted the beauty of the common species.  Forget “A dime a dozen”!  No matter how abundant, widespread, and regularly encountered they may be, the Crimson Rosella is of plumage so splendid and disposition so sweet, that we just ought to afford ourselves a moment to admire its beauty.  Besides, given we’re in the depths of winter, sometimes we’ve just got to enjoy the birds that come to us, and can be enjoyed from the toasty vantage point of indoors or in transit.

   

   

   

   At 32-37cm, the Crimson Rosella is a relatively large rosella, only outsized by the Green Rosella (Platycercus caledonicus), which occurs exclusively in Tasmania, where it replaces the absent Crimson Rosella as the resident blue-cheeked rosella species.  The Crimson Rosella is a diverse species complex, comprising six races/subspecies, namely the red variants (nominate race Platycercus elegans elegans of southeast Australia, P. e. nigrescens of northeast QLD, and P. e. melanopterus of Kangaroo Island); Yellow Rosella (P. e. flaveolus) of the Murray Riverina region; and the orange races (Adelaide Rosella P. e. fleurieuensis, and P. e. subadelaidea of the Flinders Ranges) – all races of which are characterised by blue cheeks, and the two-toned blues of tail and wings.  Beyond the blue-cheek rosellas, we have the local congener Eastern Rosella a.k.a White-cheeked Rosella (Playcercus eximius) of southeast Australia (and the only other rosella species present in Ballarat and Victoria); the Western Rosella (P. icterotis), the smallest and standalone rosella of southwest WA; Northern Rosella (P. venustus); and Pale-headed Rosella (P. adscitus).

   Focusing on our local subspecies, we have the familiar, red (i.e. nominal race) Crimson Rosella.  Individuals of both sexes are indistinguishable (apart from the females’ suffused green central uppertail), and all ages are characterised by the blue cheek, scalloped upperparts, pale blue shoulder, peacock blue tail, black primaries (‘finger’ feathers), and ivory bill.  Adults are rich crimson red on the underparts, head, and rump, while scalloped upperparts are black with red edges.  In juveniles, olive-green replaces the red, but red is present on the forehead and vent (bottom).  As juveniles become immature, patchy smatterings of red progressively replace the green.  In flight, Crimson Rosellas are strong, swift fliers, with shallow or deep exaggerated wingbeats, interspersed with undulating glides.  They may also be vociferous in flight, and if/when the tail is fanned the graduation of tail feathers (central feathers longer than the outer feathers) is noticeable.

   Vocalisations have been described as ‘clear, ringing “k-tee-tip, k-tee-tip”, the central “tee” loud, high and clear; variations include “k-tee-it-tip”, “kteeeit-tip”, and “tip-tee”.’  Also, ‘ringing “trip-klee”; slow, bell-like “klee-kleeklee”; in flight, raucous clanging “klee klee klee”.’  Alternatively, flight contact call may be loud “cussik cussik”.  When perched, emits ‘loud, piping call “kwik kweek-kwik”.’  Alarm call is a harsh screech.  If contending with possible confusion with Eastern Rosella, note that the Crimson Rosella’s ‘pitch is noticeably deeper than the equivalent calls of Eastern Rosella.’
   

   

   Crimson Rosellas inhabit eucalypt forests, rainforests, alpine and other woodlands, fern gullies, timbered watercourses, farmlands, roadsides, parks, gardens, and coastal scrubs.  The species forages both in trees and on ground, favouring a natural diet of grains and seeds (e.g. eucalypt seeds), blossoms and nectar of eucalypts and bottlebrushes, fruits and berries, insects (e.g. lerp), and wasp galls.  Crimson Rosellas naturally nest in tree hollows, but have adapted to nesting in building cavities.
   Breeding season is September through January, with the female incubating a clutch of 4-8 eggs.  Nest hollows may be in live or dead trees, situated at widely varying heights.  The nest may be lined by wood shavings and dust.  After 20 days of incubation, the eggs hatch, and the young are cared for by both parents.  The young emerge from the nest at 5 weeks of age, and remain dependent of the parents for a further 3-5 weeks.
   Crimson Rosellas occur in pairs and small flocks, with juveniles often out-numbering the adults.  Our local race is seasonally dispersive, undergoing wide autumn-winter dispersal to lowlands, including urban areas.  Individuals may be tame in parks, gardens, and resorts.  All races are common.  The nominate race has been introduced to Norfolk Island and New Zealand.
   Next time you wander through Woowookarung RP, other forests in the Corridor, or even just looking out your back window or driving about town, may any sighting of Crimson Rosella be a reminder to not lapse in gratitude for the common beauties – absolutely splendid!
   Author note: FoCC Committee member and co-admin of FoCC’s Facebook and webpage, Joel Ellis is the resident bird nerd, amateur Powerful Owl researcher, and editor of FoCC’s (co-funded) ‘Indigenous [Species] of Southern Ballarat’ brochure series.  Joel has studied birds up to Honours degree level, is a professional ecological consultant (ornithologist), and member of BirdLife Australia (Ballarat branch).

8. Soapys Dam access fixed
   Trail access to Soapys Dam Reserve off Davies Rd has been made possible again by quick and efficient action from the City of Ballarat Parks and Gardens Crew. Up until mid-July access was via a track across an adjacent private property. In an attempt to stop rubbish dumping on the property the owner quite properly, fenced off the track. A Council gate was adjacent to the old track, however it was blocked by a large cypress tree and fallen timber. The FoCC made a request to the Council for a clean-up of the access gate on Monday 7^th July 2025 and by Wednesday the fallen timber was removed, the trees trimmed and a new gate with pedestrian and cyclist access installed.
   

   

   

9. Forest Fire Management Planned Burn

A planned burn is to be held in the York St Boundary Rd Wilson St Long St block, possibly as early as July 29th. More information at: www.ffm.vic.gov.au

10. Koala Sightings
    

    

    

     

October to March is Koala breeding season and peak sightings time. If you see, hear or find scat from a Koala, please send the information containing the when, where, and how to: foccinfo@gmail.com.  Images are gold (even if a little blurry). All Koala sightings are entered into the iNaturalist online data base.
The complete list of sightings can be viewed at https://www.focc.asn.au/koalas/

11. Rubbish dumpers, thieves and vandals
    The FoCC urges Park friends to report vandals as well as rubbish dumpers, wood thieves and other suspicious activity to Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or email: woowookarung@parks.vic.gov.au

In emergency situations please call 000. If an offender is spotted, please note vehicle registration details as vehicle identification is most helpful, plus location and details. All information is treated by Parks Victoria Rangers professionally and confidentially.

12. Useful information

• Parks Victoria Woowookarung email address: woowookarung@parks.vic.gov.au

• City of Ballarat wildlife information: https://www.ballarat.vic.gov.au/me/pets-and-animals/wildlife
  Wildlife Victoria (03) 8400 7300  

DEECA wildlife issues reporting information
Report wildlife crime to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000. Report any wildlife at immediate risk of deliberate harm or neglect to 136 186. Other matters relating to wildlife and wildlife management should use the 136 186 too. The Help for Injured Wildlife tool will help you locate and contact the closest relevant wildlife carers and rescue and rehabilitation organisations to help the injured wildlife.

13. Membership

Membership runs from 1^st January to 31^st December each year, Membership fee is $20 per year. New members and renewals after July 1 are credited to the next year. Membership is available online or email foccinfo@gmail.com

 

14. FoCC Facebook and webpage
    www.facebook.com/friendsofcanadiancorridor/

Rob is overseeing the webpage and Facebook  webmaster@focc.asn.au The FoCC has over 1300+ friends following us on Facebook and growing. Welcome to all new friends. Feel free to pass on to other friends and press the Like button.

15. 2025 Proposed Calendar

The calendar is prepared by the FoCC committee.

Spikey News is published monthly for the Friends of Canadian Corridor Incorporated. Registered No A0097535B. The FoCC is a Landcare group registered with Landcare Victoria Inc and a member of the Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group.

The purpose of “Spikey News” is to link the community to Woowookarung Regional Park and the Canadian Corridor

Circulation this issue is to 1243 1278 subscribers. Welcome to all new friends.
Any opinions expressed in Spikey News are made by the editors in good faith and do not officially represent Parks Victoria or the FoCC.

Previous issues of Spikey news can be found at our web site, here.
We are proud to walk this land with the Wadawurrung people and all other First Nations people.

1. Urban Ripple tree planting program
   

The Urban Ripple revegetation project is funded from the Victoria Government’s, Green Link fund. A total grant of $701000 has been awarded to the Bunanyung Landscape Alliance, and in partnership with the Yarrowee Leigh Catchment Group, the project aims to revegetate waterways in Ballarat. As part of the project the FoCC will plant trees, shrubs and grasses on 10 hectares along 2.2 kilometres of waterway. Planting sites are shown below. 

The Urban Ripple Tree 2025 planting program is about to occur over five sites as follows. Calendar of public planting events:

All events begin at 10 am and conclude with a sausage sizzle at Noon. (Some keen volunteers may work into the afternoon) 

2. How to be involved – Individuals and families
   This is a great opportunity to join with hundreds of other friends to plant trees, shrubs and grasses to restore the native vegetation on each site.
   To book into the two July plantings via Try Booking.
   Site 1 – July 13: Trybooking  https://www.trybooking.com/DDEZC

Site 2 – July 27: Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/DDEZH

August bookings will open soon. Or use the contact details here for more information foccinfo@gmail.com Or Ph 0408509591 

Site maps

An opportunity for groups to participate:
Three schools are already participating in the “Urban Ripple” plantings on Soapy’s Dam. (See article below). Several more groups have registered their interest in joining the planting program. Groups may have an allocated planting area on the selected site depending on expected numbers and wishes.

All tools, plants, tree guards and stakes, training, gloves etc and a sausage sizzle are provided.

3. Damascus College student tree planting
   Damascus College Year 8 students planted 330 trees shrubs and grasses at Soapy’s Dam on Tuesday 24^th June.
   

   

The students are participants in Environment and Lifestyle studies at the College’s St Brendons Dunnstown Campus. A wonderful effort by the students in very cold and wet conditions. And a big thanks to the accompanying teachers. Also, thanks to Jo and Judith for the sausage sizzle, Mark, Peter, Chris, Ric, Greg and Tarn for assisting the students.

4. Urban Ripple planting site tour May 3^rd 2025
   A small group of friends toured the FoCC Urban Ripple sites on the morning of Saturday 3^rd May 2025.  The purpose of the tour was to acquaint friends with the planting sites.
   

   

5. Mining Water Race walk
   Two small guided walks around the Sparrow Ground, Pax Hill and Sawpit Gully mining water races were successfully held on Sunday May 18^th.

6. Parks Victoria trial vegetation study
   Parks Victoria Rangers have initiated a study into the amount of vegetation in Woowookarung Regional Park. The study is being run by the Glenelg Trust for Nature. The purpose of the study is to provide baseline data of the type and density of vegetation within the Park. The first part of the study was to create a workable methodology for use across the Park. A trial workshop was held on May 6^th in the Park block north of Greenhills Rd Mt Helen.
   

   

   

   The trial had three parts

1. A 25 m long line along which all vegetation is recorded. This determines density over a distance
2. A 1-meter square used to determine how much vegetation is within the square.
3. A sky view to determine how large or dense the leaf canopy is.

Regular visitors to the Park will know that this year the undergrowth and tree canopy has diminished mainly due to the dry conditions. The trial is to set up regular studies at interval of about 5 years so as to determine whether the vegetation and canopy are expanding, holding the same or declining.

7. Tree guards and stakes arrive
   The FoCC purchased 19000 wooden tree guard stakes, 4000 plastic tree guards, 1000 corn starch tree guards, 3 rolls of jute matting for the forthcoming Urban Ripple tree planting in May. The purchase was funded from the Urban Ripple planting budget. Many thanks to Dean at Ross St Building in Ballarat East Supplies for the generous unloading of the stakes with their forklift and storing the stakes until they are used.
   

   

8. FoCC purchases tree planting equipment
   The FoCC has purchased extra tree planting equipment for our forthcoming Urban Ripple tree plantings. The 27 extra mattocks, shovels, hammers and trowels tools are funded by the Urban Ripple project. A review of the 2024 planting working bees identified a shortage of tools.

   

9. Wiyn Murrup Traditional Burn at Sparrow Ground
   A first in Ballarat.
   The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners in conjunction with the City of Ballarat, CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria completed the first traditional burn in Ballarat on Friday 20^th June 2025. The best way to describe a traditional burn is in the “Wiyn Murrup Rangers, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners” words: Wadawurrung Traditional Owners are bringing Wiyn Murrup (Fire Spirit) practices back to Dja (country) to renew our Dja, reaffirm our cultural connections, our identity and heal country and people. Wiyn Murrup practices build both resilient ecosystems and culturally connected landscape.
   Wadawurrung ancestors managed Dja with Wiyn (fire) for tens of thousands of years.
   The Wiyn Murrup burn is a practice that is tens of thousands of years old. Ongoing traditional fire burning management is a practice that can reduce the destruction caused by hot and rapid bushfires and enhance biodiversity of flora and fauna.
   Traditional burns are usually done in the cooler winter months and use a low intensity fire or “cool burn” to remove surplus growth and stimulate new growth.
   

   

10. Bird of the Month XXLII (June 2025)
    Yellow-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa)

Cute. Colourful. Busy. Social. If these attributes resonate with you, then the Yellow-rumped Thornbill may be your ‘spirit’ bird! If my recent observations in Buninyong can be considered a proxy of others’ experiences, the Yellow-rumped Thornbills are not just seasonally abundant, but a visitor of more noticeable presence this year than years past.

A species associated with open spaces with sparse cover of shrubs and trees, the Yellow-rumped Thornbill may be a feathered visitor to your residence as well, particularly if a golf course, farmland, or open woodland is nearby. It may be a surprise coming from someone who has almost 10 years of birdwatching experience, but Yellow-rumped Thornbills are a rarity for the following personal observations: (1) recently observed in our backyard for the first time in 13 years of residence at my current address; (2) until recently, it’s the only species I have encountered mid-breeding attempt (apologies Mr and Mrs Yellowrump!); and (3) one of the few species I have vividly viewed attending the nest (not such a bad thing, as it is very important to keep a respectful distance from active nests!). Okay, so maybe I need to pack more birding into my days, but the fact is, the Yellow-rumped Thornbill is an all-action, ever-busy species whose jerky hop-and-peck foraging is emblematic of ‘never a dull moment’.

At 11-13cm, the Yellow-rumped Thornbill is Australia’s largest thornbill, though still considerably small. ‘Yellow-rumps’ are one of five thornbill species resident to Ballarat, with the others being Brown Thornbill (Bird of the Month XXIX Mar 2024), Striated Thornbill, Buff-rumped Thornbill, and Yellow Thornbill. Yellow-rumps belong to Family Acanthizidae, which also includes fellow local White-browed Scrubwren, and what sets the Yellow-rumps apart from its aforementioned relatives, is its inextricable link to more open vegetation communities, and tendency to be uncommon or absent in forests. Flocks of 3-30 individuals busily forage for insects on lawns and low-hanging branches, invariably present on farmland, and often golf courses. The edges of forests may be occupied, as I have observed to be the case at Union Jack Reserve (Buninyong) where it is bordered by open farmland. Yellow-rumps may also join other birds in mixed-species flocks. In addition to its titular yellow rump, the birds’ aesthetic is characterised by black forehead spotted white; white eyebrow; olive-brown mantle; off-white or buff underparts; black tail, finely edged white; mid-brown wings; and a pale fawn iris. Males and females are identical, while juveniles have darker eyes and a yellow gape (lip skin). The species flies “bouncingly”, with its yellow rump sometimes visible during its undulating flight.

Breeding season is July through December. This is when Yellow-rumps characterful idiosyncrasies come to the fore! The species is a cooperative breeder (granted, somewhat common of Australian birds), who deploy auxiliaries or ‘helpers’ (one or a small group) to support the mated pair’s breeding efforts. Pair and helpers make the nest, while the female incubates the clutch of 3-4 eggs alone, but assisted by all when it comes to feeding duties. The nest is situated at heights of low to 8m (but occasionally up to 15m) in the outer foliage of eucalypts, acacias, non-native conifers, mistletoe, or vines, and sometimes incorporated into the stick nests of raptor (birds of prey) or babblers.
The untidy, domed nest is composed of dry grass, bark fibre, and spiderwebs, and is quirky for its unique architecture, which is characterised by one or more ‘false’ cup-shaped chambers at the top, and lower egg chamber with hooded entrance. The purpose of the false chambers is unknown, but theories include functioning as a decoy to deter predators and parasitic cuckoos, a roost site for father or fledglings, a ‘practice’ nest to give helpers a trial run in nest construction, or a ‘displacement’ activity for males. Yellow-rumps wouldn’t segregate their males to keep them out of the way, would they?!
The vocalisations of the Yellow-rumped Thornbill are described as ‘pretty tinkling, cyclic song’ or ‘cheery, undulating, tinkling’, and song ‘lasts 3-4 seconds, usually ending with two clear whistled notes, the second descending: “chip-chip-chippity-cheepity-chippity-cheepity-wheit-wheeoo”.’   The flight call is “check-check”.

Yellow-rumped Thornbills occur in all states and territories of Australia, but are sparse or absent from the tropics and driest deserts.  The species is common, abundant, and sedentary. (i.e. present year-round at breeding residence).
Next time you wander through Woowookarung RP clearings or the outer edges of this or other forests in the Corridor, make sure you’re on the look-out for the social flocks of these chipper, ground-foraging birds that are the indefatigable Yellow-rumped Thornbill!
Author note: FoCC Committee member and co-admin of FoCC’s Facebook and webpage, Joel Ellis is the resident bird nerd, amateur Powerful Owl researcher, and editor of FoCC’s (co-funded) ‘Indigenous [Species] of Southern Ballarat’ brochure series.  Joel has studied birds up to Honours degree level, is a professional ecological consultant (ornithologist), and member of BirdLife Australia (Ballarat branch)

11. Park Works Gorse removal.
    Parks Victoria contractors have removed a large area of gorse from the block bounded by Dozed Rd and the Bunny Trail along the western boundary of the Park. This area was heavily infested with gorse, a legacy from the pine and blue gum plantations on that site.

    

    

Baileys Track trail signs installed
Five new direction signs have been installed at the Katy Ryans Rd and the Dozed Rd ends of Baileys Track. The trail extends the Grasstree Nature Trail from Katy Ryans RD through to Dozed Track. This adds another 1.2 km of fully constructed shared cycle/walk track to the Parks steadily expanding formal trails.

Bollards: Recreation Road Fire Zone.
In March this year a fire broke out south of Recreation Rd. A perimeter track was bull dozed around the fire zone. Parks Rangers have now installed bollards to stop vehicle access. Later this year logs and fallen vegetation will be placed back over the bulldozed track to promote regrowth.

Remarkable regrowth in fire zone.

Track Control
Parks Victoria rangers have installed bollards at several sites in the Park. Some are extensions beside existing bollards which allow access for cyclists and walkers access whilst keeping vehicles out. Drivers have been observed “bush bashing” to get around existing bollards.

12. Koala Sightings
    October to March is Koala breeding season and peak sightings time. If you see, hear or find scat from a Koala, please send the information containing the when, where, and how to: foccinfo@gmail.com.  Images are gold (even if a little blurry). All Koala sightings are entered into the iNaturalist online data base. The complete list of sightings can be viewed at https://www.focc.asn.au/koalas/
    

 

13. Stake and guard recycling working bee

Over a dozen Friends collected 1100 stakes and 350 tree guards from the 2024 planting area beside the Bunny Trail.

14. Trail usage numbers are up
    The Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail has continued to be a popular walking spot in the Park. Usage for the year was 15200 up from 14000 for the same period last year. The Bunny Trail in the southern part of the Park had a count of 220 walkers, 80 dogs (85% on lead) and 42 cyclists during one week in February.  

15. Recreation Road upgrade planning.
    Recreation Rd, Mt Clear will be upgraded over the next 2 years. Council surveyors have mapped the road and adjacent road verges including all trees and features. Gas, Telstra and water authorities have been locating and mapping all the services that are along the road in preparation for any works. Discussions have been held about the provision of animal crossings. The FoCC has provided Koala and Kangaroo records and anecdotal evidence to assist. To see what a large animal crossing looks like try this BBC report on the world’s biggest wildlife crossing.  https://apple.news/AepVaXpokQd6wGovthZCZZQ
16. 2025 Calendar
    

Greetings FoCCers! In the absence of Spikey News which is having a well-earned one-month hiatus, we just wanted to bring a quick update.
Please enjoy these images of 2 Koalas observed by Jeremy at Union Jack Reserve.

And the birds? Bird of the Month will be reinstated next month as per usual. But for now, we’ll leave you with this.:

The onset of winter doesn’t have to bring an end to your enjoyment of birds. Should you brave the weather or venture out in an opportunistic explore if/when the weather fines up, the following are a few things to keep your eyes and ears alert to:
• Breeding season is underway for Superb Fairywren. The resplendent blue breeding plumage of breeding males is now emerging and available for your viewing enjoyment!

• Wedge-tailed Eagles are now embarking on their breeding season. If you’re super-lucky, in the right spot at the right time, the courtship ritual of tandem loop-de-loops and other aerobatics could be a winter gift to cherish!

• Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos are currently choc-full of an exclusively mature populace, which means flight lessons and babysitters are not needed. Listen out for their vociferous flocks (I have recently observed in the corridor flocks totalling roughly 100 individuals!), leisurely, effortlessly going about their flyovers.

• White-winged Chough are a few months out from breeding season, meaning they too adults-only and ‘all systems to go’. A flock recently observed at Union Jack Reserve was an aggregate totalling almost 50 individuals. Never a dull moment watching choughs go about their activities!

• Yellow-rumped Thornbill are the next featured species in store for the Bird of the Month. Stay tuned for more!

Lots of Scarlet Robins around Woowookarung at them moment. (Photo 2 Jun 2025)

Bird photo credits: Rob Loveband
Koalas: Jeremy

The Friends of Canadian Corridor (FoCC) as an organisation has grown significantly since its early days with us now having 135 financial members, over 1200 friends on our mailing list and 1300 followers on Facebook.
As many will recall, our initial purpose was the establishment of Woowookarung Regional Park, which continues to increase its visitor numbers and with the Dementia Friendly Walk is becoming an important attraction for both tourist and locals alike.  The FoCCs positive working relationship with Parks Victoria (PV) staff has continued to grow with our regular meetings and input into PVs infrastructure planning and their new biodiversity projects for Woowookarung that will commence in 2025.
One of the significant successes for the FoCC has been our ability to build positive working relationships with a broad range of organisations including the City of Ballarat and its councillors, Parks Victoria, Midwest tourism, Dementia Alliance, and Ballarat Field Naturalists as well as a number of commercial companies.
In 2022 the FoCC committee adopted the Advocate, Educate and Activate mantra as its statement of purpose.
In our advocacy work within the Canadian Corridor, the completion of the Recreation Road  Bushland reserve project has been a highlight. The reserve is now a regularly used link that connects the people of Mt Clear with Woowookarung. This reserve is also an important link in the Bunny Rail trail project.
The official adoption by the City of its Biodiversity plan, which FoCC had considerable input, has highlighted the positive relationship that we have developed with the City.
This year also saw a significant successful VCAT challenge to an inappropriate development in the area, alongside proposals and meetings with the City of Ballarat in regard to the upgrading of Recreation Rd.
The FoCC was represented on a working party facilitated by PV. This group discussed future research and Citizen Science projects within Woowookarung. These projects, to be initiated in 2025, will provide a better understanding of the complex biodiversity within the parks ecosystem. These projects align with our Educate role.
The completion of our fourth Wildlife brochure “40 Species Checklist” has proven to be a hit with families and school groups. I would like to take this opportunity to thank two of our committee members for their work in producing this amazing resource, Joel Ellis and Hayley Inglis.
The pop up Mining Heritage walk and the pop up Wild flower walks, held in May and October, continue to draw considerable numbers and have become very popular annual events. A big thankyou goes to all those involved with the setting up and promotion of these events.
Our bi monthly meetings also showcased a number of guest speakers who provided valuable insights into our local area. Norman Houghton’s talk on the Buninyong Railway Line ensured an informative connection between the old railway and the Bunny rail trail project.
Spikey News continues to provide a wealth of information regarding the Canadian Corridor including the regular Bird of the month article. A special thank you to Jeff Rootes and Joel Ellis for producing this very important community newsletter every month.
The Activation of volunteers for tree planting this year saw FoCC plant its 5000^th tree in Woowookarung as part of our annual tree planting project. The task of this mile stone planting was entrusted to a group of young enthusiast tree planting FoCCers.
With a grant from the CCMA, FoCC able to was able to clear a significant pine infestation adjacent to the Mt Clear Bushland reserve as well as plant out areas along Mr Toms creek, which passes through the reserve. Trees were also in a council reserve in Haymes Rd by the a group of local residents.
Considerable work has also commenced on the Urban ripple tree planting project which will commence in 2025. Under this project, FoCC plans to plant 6000 trees, shrubs and grasses across 4 sites.
All the above would not have occurred without the dedicated volunteers who continually turn up and support our efforts. I want to take this opportunity to thank you and acknowledge your role in improving our local environment.
I especially want to acknowledge and thank the members of the FoCC committee for their work, support and enthusiasm. Through your drive and passion FoCC has provided community leadership and helped protect and enhance our local environment.
As president of FoCC, I am looking forward to 2025 with enthusiasm and hope for further growth and success for this unique organisation.

Bob Hartmann