A stroll along the Chip track

In exploring possible sites for future group walks we went to the Chip track on 14 September 2023.  The last time I walked here the track was flooded, but as will be shown below the River has opened! 

I begin the core of the post with the flowers seen, as that was the main purpose of the outing.

The most obvious blossom was of Leptospermum laevigatum.  Surprisingly, that is not shown in "Wildflowers of the Wilderness Coast" but it is the only game in town (or in fact, out of town in the dunes).  Confirmed on iNaturalist.

One of the larger shrubs - possibly advanced to 'tree' status!  

Zooming in to show the density of blossom.  It was interesting that there were no fruits on the plants.

Kennedia rubicunda is still evident but less obvious now than in the 2 Summers after the fore.

Goodenia ovata

Lomandra longifolia

Leucopogon parviflora

This is a lignum Muehlenbeckia adpressa after ID on iNaturalist.

Senecio linearifolius: the specific name means "linear leaves" so is obviously a better ID than a species with a name meaning "pinnate leaves".  That is despite but the Plant app and Joy's book suggesting S. pinnatifolius as the only groundsel in dune country.

After assistance from observers on iNaturalist and referral to "Bush Beauties" this is Caladenia latifolia 'Pink Fairies'.

Banksia integrifolia

Carpobrotus rossii (Pigface).  Another species has leaves that are round in cross section rather than triangular as in this case.

A second orchid!  Pterostylis curta (note twisted labellum).

Melaleuca armillaris.

The banks of the Betka estuary.  Note the huge amount of dead eel-grass left behind as the water has gone.  No wonder there have been lots of swans in the area!

Still a few swans (out of frame) but at least 200 Eurasian Coots.

Wader tracks on the beach.

And here is a wader - Hooded Plover.   It did a mild threat-display which may mean they are starting to nest nearby, so I retreated.

A second Hoodie.  Neither of them were flagged.

A ladybird Harmonia conformis, the Large Spotted Ladybird.

The beach: one more person in 2.5km!