the rainforest. Alas few animal observations were made. A flock of five green rosellas Platycercus 
caledonicus settled on the manfems, masked lapwings Vanellus miles and native hens Gallinula mortierii 
were observed in the adjacent paddocks. Kevin, who captured the interest of Jake, found the following snail 
species: Pernagera tctsmaniae, P. kingstonensis, Paralaoma halli, P. caputspinulae and Arion intermedins 
(introduced slug). The find of P. tosmaniae, which was common, extended its known range boundary in the 
area westward by about 4km, but further extensions to this boundary are likely. 
Eventually the rain fell and we drove to Ian, Doris and Jake Picken’s house where we had lunch on their 
verandah, which had spectacular views of Collins Bonnet and Mt Faulkner. A juvenile crescent honeyeater 
Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera and a flock of New Holland honeyeaters Phylidonyris novaehollandiae (referred to 
as native starlings by Anna when describing their behaviour to Bob) were observed in the garden. Jake and 
Qug collected a giant springtail (Collembola: Uchidanurinae) from the surfaces of Jake’s frog pond. 
After lunch Ian lead us on walk along swamp road through dry forest, although parts were on the wetter side 
of dry. The children, led by Jake, were obsessed with collecting grasshoppers in the early part of the walk. 
Six species were recorded: wingless grasshopper Phcndacridium vittatum, disappearing grasshopper 
Schizobothrus Jlavovittatus, southeastern Austroicetes Austroicestes vulgaris, swamp cricket Bobilla 
probably tasmani, pygmy grasshoppers Tetrix collina and Parvotettix argillaceous. Bob spotted a scarlet 
robin Petroica multicolor. Qug found climbing blueberries Billardieria longijlora with black coloured fruit 
instead of die usual blue. Kevin found Caryodes dufresnii, Paralaoma halli , Helicarion cuvieri. 
Despite the cold damp weather and enjoyable trip was had by all. We thank the Pickens and the Grahams for 
allowing us to visit their properties and particularly Ian and Jake for showing us around the area and 
providing us with somewhere dry for lunch. 
Lachlan Plants List [Anna McEldowney]: 
Rainforest garden of Colleen and John Graham- 
Thev have been planting since about 1981 in a south facing area that includes a spring. Water is directed into 
a series of small ponds and it enables them to constantly water their rainforest, which is sheltered by a thick 
planting of Dicksonia antarctica. All the usual rainforest species are there and are looking very healthy. The 
small people found the maze of paths and the bird watching shelter fascinating. Thank you Colleen and John 
for allowing us to see your garden in your absence. 
Braeside Nursery - with Ian and Jake Picken- 
The nursery is high above Lachlan in a ram shadow area of mudstone with very little soil. The main eucalypt 
species is E. tenuiramis blending to E obliqua with Pultenaea juniperina and Acacia terminalis dominated 
understorey but the Pickens have managed to cultivate a native bird-friendly garden dominated by grevilleas 
and banksias. 
Moss Beds Rd & Swamp Rd- 
A walk higher up Moss Beds Road led us to a gully where we had much discussion about whether it was the 
dry end of wet schlerophyll or the wet end of dry! At the top end was a mix of E. obliqna, E. tenuiramis, E. 
viminalis and E. cordata with Leptomeria drupacea, Pultenaea juniperina, Pultenaea gunnii. Acacia 
terminalis and Billardieria longijlora (some specimens with very large dark fruit). As the track moved into 
a more shaded and sheltered area with a southerly aspect Acacia vemiciflua, Olearia argophylla, Dianella 
tasmanica and Coprosma quadrifida, Bedfordia salicina and Olearia viscosa appeared in the understorey. 
Pterostylis (from the longijlora group) was starting to appear on shady banks with Eucalyptus globulus. 
Back on Swamp Rd the road banks were lined with mosses and Notelaea ligustrina, Senecio linearifolius. 
Bedfordia salicina and Olearia phlogopappa, and Dianella tasmanica were the understorey to E. obliqua. An 
interesting area much affected by the recent dry conditions that had caused the death of mature E. obliqua. 
Excursion Petrol Money — reminder 
We usually car-pool traveling to and from excursions. Passengers, please remember to reimburse some petrol 
money to your driver. Each passenger usually gives $5 for a short trip of less than 100km return, and $10 for 
a longer trip. 
Tasmanian Field Naturalists Club BULLETIN 327 July 2007 p2 
