Cabbage Tree Creek Flora Reserve

Cabbage Tree Flora Reserve

 

Cabbage Tree Flora Reserve is a 1,700 hectare reserve that protects Victoria's only population of Cabbage Palms, (Livistona australis  ). The naturalist, Baron von Muller discovered this isolated pocket of palms here in  1854. It is thought that the local Indigenous people may have planted them from seed obtained from a more northern tribe.

Cabbage Tree Palm

Cabbage Tree Flora Reserve is located approximately 25 minutes from Orbost. Take the A1 towards Cann River. After 20km, there is a track to your right called  Palm Track. Continue down this track until you come to the parking area. If you are coming from Cann River, take the Cabbage Tree Conran road before Cabbage Tree. Continue 5 .4 km and turn right onto Marlo Cabbage Tree Road. Drive for 5.7 km and turn right onto Palm Track. Palm Track takes you to the Cabbage Tree walk. There are picnic tables and an information board. 

The sign for Cabbage Tree Creek

The Reserve is one of the best spots for birding in the area. Over 120 bird species have been seen in the area. Black Faced Monarch (summer migrant), Rufous Fantail, Rose Robin, Brown Gerygone, Topknot Pigeon and Scarlet Honeyeater are usually quite common here.

Wonga Pigeon, quite a common bird at the reserve

The area around Cabbage Tree Flora Reserve is also quite well known for owls. Masked and Sooty Owl are often seen while spotlighting. 

Cape Conran Coastal Park  is very close to Cabbage Tree reserve, so it is definitely worth paying a visit while exploring Cape Conran Coastal Park. 

 

Ethical Birding

Ethical Birding

I haven't been to any birding locations of interest lately, though I do have a few good spots coming up in the next few weeks. Since I didn't have much to write, I have been thinking about ethical birding. After my first outing with Birdlife East Gippsland on Monday, I was impressed how everyone spoke and walked quietly. So, I have done a bit of research on "ethical birding".

Here are some points:

• When birding, be aware of your surroundings. Don't bump into other people, or cause an accident.
• Keep quiet, for both the birds and other birders sake.
• Be very careful if you are going to photograph nests. Ravens and other predators could notice your scent, or disturbance, and wreck havoc on the nest.
• Always seek permission before entering other peoples properties, even if its just a "back paddock" .
• Keep your vehicle on established roads and tracks.
• When walking, pay attention to the ground before you. Doing this will not only reduce the chance of getting bitten by a snake, but also avoid destroying ground and under-story bird's nests.  
• Always respect the privacy of others. People tend to think that you are spying on them if you have a spotting scope or a big prime lens. Be discreet.

East-Gippsland is an excellent place to go birding. We can make it even more enjoyable and safe by abiding by the code of ethics above.

Be aware of nesting Hooded Plovers and tern in this sort of environment

A Golden Headed Cisticola. Think twice before charging into its habitat.