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We are completely
overwhelmed by the response to our quiz in the last newsletter. Many answers
were wrong and one entry actually came in from Germany. The answer was
given in a previous newsletter, and in 1854 John Morrice brought 7-surviving
Skylarks from his native Scotland and released them over the Barrabool
Hills. The Skylark is one introduced species that has not had any effect
on the environment.
The
Beast of Wallenjoe
Late in 1944, an American Air Force Corp that was camped near Hamilton
in Western Victoria was ordered to transfer into New Guinea. They left
behind the mascots, 2-puma cubs in a safe care of the locals. One day
the 2-cats did not return for their nightly meal, a subsequence search
failed to find any trace. Years later strange reports of sheep and calves
being slaughtered across the Great Divide. Perhaps it is the pumas of
Western Victoria. There have also been plenty of alleged sightings over
the years. However, the stock slaughter continues even to now.
In
1953 the Spirit of Progress and a circus truck collided at a crossing
near Euroa. Most of terrified animals were rounded up but there is a rumour
that not all the wildcats of Africa were found. They may have bounded
off into the bush, never to be locked away again. There have been several
reports of stock losses in that region, and definitely not by dingo or
dogs. The deal is, we want to know what you make of all this. Are there
big cats roaming around our bushland, and have you ever seen one? Or is
it just a crazy hoax? Email to adventours@hdc.com.au
Winery
Tours
Victoria has many world class wineries, most within easy proximity to
Melbourne. There are good quality tours arranged to visit some of the
leading vineyards, or you can drive yourself. Just remember not to indulge
too much if you are driving.
Early Spring
The wattles are out in full bloom all over the State. This surely has
to be one of the best times of the year. Birds busy nesting, and the magpies
are starting to enforce their area. Last week at the river I heard a rowdy
commotion in the sky. It was something I had never seen before. About
50-very angry Cockatoos taking on a majestic Eagle. The Cockies gave the
poor Eagle such a terrible time he finally flew off towards the Murray.
The Cockatoos are beginning to nest in the hollow trees, and the Eagle
was just checking his menu for a few weeks time. This Eagle may be reluctant
to return however.
A Bit of History
The first Europeans to see the Goulburn River was the explorers Hume &
Hovell during their epic expedition to Corio Bay in 1824 when they crossed
it near Seymour. For thousands of years the aborigines lived well along
the river that they called "Kaiella". River Country Adventours have canoeing
safaris in that area and it is still very beautiful, full of fish and
platypuses.
Catch
you next time
Cheers
Rob
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