This set of images provides a window to the past and the largely forgotten woodland landscapes of central Victoria.
The Silver Banksia Banksia marginata, also known as the Honeysuckle, was once common throughout the district – the Moolort Plains and floodplains of the Loddon River and its tributaries were a stronghold for this wonderful plant.
Now on the brink of regional extinction, it has encouragingly been included in restoration plantings over recent decades – only time will tell if these efforts inspire a natural comeback.
A Spotted Pardalote in a Honeysuckle would have once been a common sight, searching for insects along with other daytime visitors – various honeyeaters and lorikeets chasing nectar. Feathertail gliders, sugar gliders and pygmy-possums would have feasted on the rich flow of nectar during the hours of darkness.
Spotted Pardalote (male) in a planted Silver Banksia, Providence Gully Sandon, 18th July 2020
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To learn more about the magnificent Silver Banksia …
- Friends of the Forgotten Woodlands – a volunteer group working to rebuild woodland communities that were once a keystone in the ecology of the Victorian Volcanic Plains.
- Forgotten Woodland, Future Landscapes – Ian Lunt’s wonderful historical perspective on Silver Banksia and its woodland companions, including notes from Gerry Gill on a surviving veteran on Mount Alexander.
- The Mysterious Honeysuckle – from the Strathbogie Ranges – Nature View blog.
Magnificent birds Geoff – beautifully photographed
The Pardalote looks a little like an Easter egg on legs Jen.
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Such a beautiful little bird. Once a visitor to our garden but rarely now. Great pics . Thanks Geoff.
Thanks for the link to Ian Lunt’s wonderful article on what woodlands were once like. Bring the honeysuckle back!
Definitely the most beautiful Spotted Pardalotes I’ve ever seen, Geoff. Several years since they’ve been in our Clarke Lane garden, but still have Striateds last season, but less each year for last several years. Carlo