It was a cloudy but pleasant afternoon on Sunday in Porter Scrub, with six volunteers in attendance, supported by NPWSA ranger Shirley.

The group searched and treated about 10 small gorse plants along the northern boundary of the park and found a spectacular inch ant nest. A lovely carpet of Drosera whittakeri (sundews) and Yellow Star were discovered, and plenty of puffball fungi.

We then headed to the planting exclosure with anticipation. Great news! We were met with 180 mm in the rain gauge. The 6 Maroon hood orchids which we planted in June, were thriving! Many of our other plant species are doing well overall, considering the below-average rainfall we have had over the past 12 months.

The Clover glycine, a tiny threatened species, planted outside the exclosure but protected by mesh, is also doing well.

But the best was yet to come, with a bird survey picking up 14 species in 20 minutes, ending with a sighting of eight Yellow-tailed black cockatoos. Walking back, we spotted two Wedge-tailed eagles soaring high and a lone Purple-crowned lorikeet. The distribution of this species is overall quite widespread in the southern part of SA, but the only observation recorded in Porter Scrub was in 2008.

Next month, we will be participating in the Frog Seasonal Census through FrogWatchSA. You can too, by checking out their website. If you want to get involved with the Porter Scrub Volunteer Action Group, get in touch with us.