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Thursday, 06 July
10:39
The icing on the crakes Natural Newstead
Ive been searching for this bird since last spring, expecting it to appear at some stage but never confident.
The Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis is one of Australias rarest and most endangered birds.
Described as a stocky wading bird around 220250 mm in length with a long pinkish bill. The adult female, more colourful than the male, has a chestnut-coloured head, with white around the eye and a white crown stripe, and metallic green back and wings, barred with black and chestnut. There is a pale stripe extending from the shoulder into a V down its upper back. The adult male is similar to the female, but is smaller and duller with buff spots on the wings and without any chestnut colouring on the head, nape or throat.
While it can be found in suitable wetland habitat across the continent it is more common in eastern Australia, with a population of probably no more than 5,000 individuals. The species is believed to have declined since the 1950s with the ongoing loss of wetlands, especially across its stronghold in the Murray Darling Basin. The big wet across the Basin in 2022, which has now extended into 2023 has potentially triggered a successful breeding event and it is likely birds will now be dispersing.
This bird, an immature female (note the delicate barring on the flanks), was observed briefly yesterday at Bells Swamp Nature Conservation Reserve. I spotted it at the wetland edge, amongst the fallen branches of the fringing River Red Gums. It spotted me first (of course!) and flew a short distance before landing, its white belly, dangling legs and distinctive flight pattern on display. The Australian Painted Snipe has a preference for temporary wetlands, feeding on exposed mud and in shallow water and never far from cover. In my (limited) experience with the bird it is often associated with Lignum.
My last observations of this species were back in August 2011, when a small number of birds arrived on the Moolort Plains and remained until almost Xmas. Earlier this year a single bird was observed at Merin Merin Swamp near Clunes.
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Wednesday, 05 July
14:44
Spilt Milk unveils its massive 2023 lineup "IndyWatch Feed Vic"
<p>Spilt Milk, Australias fastest-selling music, food, and arts festival, is set to ignite the festival scene once again with its highly anticipated 2023 lineup. Featuring Post Malone and Dom Dolla in the top slots, this one-day festival is set to head to Ballarat on December 2.</p> <h3>Spilt Milk lineup 2023</h3> <ul> <li>Post Malone</li> <li>Dom Dolla</li> <li>Aitch</li> <li>Budjerah</li> <li>Chris Lake</li> <li>Cub Sport</li> <li>David Kushner</li> <li>Dermot Kennedy</li> <li>Djanaba</li> <li>Grentperez</li> <li>Jessie Murph</li> <li>Lastlings</li> <li>Latto</li> <li>Levins & Friends (Guilty Pleasures)
- Lime Cordiale
- May-A
- Mincy
- Ocean Alley
- Pacific Avenue
- Partiboi69
- Peach PRC
- Poolclvb
- Redhook
- Royel Otis
- The Buoys
- The Dreggs
- Tia Gostelow
- Tkay Maidza
The festival will kick off in Canberra on Saturday, November 25, followed by the Gold Coast on Sunday, November 26. The next stop will be Ballarat on Saturday, December 2, before making its grand debut on the sunny shores of Perth on Sunday, December 3.
With a reputation for selling out within days, if not hours, Spilt Milk is expected to continue its streak in 2023 after selling out all three shows in under a week last year.
</p> <p>Among the headliners is the international superstar, Post Malone, who will be making his first Australian festival appearance since 2018. Post Malone, known for his chart-topping tracks like Sunflower, Wow, and Rockstar, will bring his electrifying energy to the Spilt Milk stage.</p> <p>Joining the lineup is Australias own Dom Dolla, who has risen to chart-topping fame with hits like Rhyme Dust, Eat Your Man, and Take It. Dom Dollas high-voltage performances have captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as a superstar in his home country.</p> <p>Another exciting addition to the festival is Latto, Atlantas rising hip-hop star. Known for her hits Big Energy and Put It On Da Floor Again, Latto has become the first female MC from the capital to achieve gold and platinum certifications. She will be bringing her explosive live set to the Spilt Milk stage for the first time.</p> <p>Australian fans can also look forward to seeing Tkay Maidza, fresh off her supporting role on Lizzos national tour. Tkay Maidzas ARIA award-winning and BET-nominated catalog will undoubtedly mesmerize festival-goers as she takes the stage.</p> <p>The internat...</p>
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Tuesday, 04 July
15:08
King Parrots in Newstead Natural Newstead
Many readers will be familiar with this bird, the Australian King Parrot.
Australian King Parrots feeding in mistletoe, Newstead, 30th June 2023
While a common sight in forested areas along the east coast of the continent it is rarely seen west of Melbourne the Dandenong Ranges are a stronghold.
In recent times there have been some records from Castlemaine and Daylesford areas, but none to my knowledge around Newstead. Ive not recorded the species in my time in the district.
This pair (possibly a female and juvenile) were sighted by Catherine Noone, a local resident and experienced birder, feeding in mistletoe near Rotunda Park on 30th June. They were observed later feeding in a conifer.
Id be keen to learn of any other local observations.
Postscript: Thanks to all who have commented, including a number of local observations. It appears that King Parrots are not as unusual locally as I had thought. Although it is possible that so...
10:53
GDP up = GHG up! 4/7/23 Ben's Blog
The right accuse the left of being melo-dramatic on climate. They call us doomers. The left highlight the dire risks we face in order to overcome inertia, complacency and apathy. Alas, those dire warnings of disaster can have the effect of making folks feel hopeless, so they give up.
For over 30 years now, everything weve tried has failed to even slow the juggernaut of runaway economic growth thats driving climate collapse.
Since the Earth Summit in Rio de Janiero in 1992, where the leaders of the world pledged, hand-on-heart, to drastically reduce the use of Fossil Fuels, we have burnt more than all the rest of history put together!
In 1990 fossil fuels were 87% of global energy use. By 2022 that had dropped to 83%.
A mere 4% in 30 years, despite an enormous increase in renewables. Thats because world GDP has increased a massive 4 fold since 1990.
Up from $25trillion to $100trillion.
By 2030 our GDP is expected to double again!
Every dollar we make also makes around 700gms of
CO2 emissions, on average.
Thats a staggering 70 tons per person per year for every soul that calls this planet home.
(not including Elon Musk. He is moving to Mars)
So all the gains we make in renewables are wiped out by the gains in GDP. We are chasing our tails!
Paradoxically, if we double our efforts to make renewables, ever dollar we spend doing that would produce 600gms of CO2 emissions. All that CO2 pumped into the skywould take us over the tipping points that we are already on the verge of reaching.
So, we could find ourselves achieving Zero Net Emissions, but living in a world or run-away global heating. Ironic isnt it?
Ben Boyang 2023
10:48
Link "IndyWatch Feed Melbourne.arts"
The Brian Jonestown Massacre are returning to Australia and New Zealand.
The psych-rock legends will tour the two countries throughout November, taking in stops in Hobart, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Castlemaine, Wollongong, and Auckland (see full details below).
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Thursday, July 6th here.
Anton Newcombes band has released 20 albums over three decades, including this years The Future Is Your Past, which earned positive reviews from critics. Newcombe is clearly energised and that comes through loud and clear, Brooklyn Vegan wrote about their latest album.
The Future Is Your Past is the most consistent album Newcombe has released since Methodrone, hailed Clash. Every song is absolutely fantastic and could have been a single.
The Future Is Your Past was the swift follow-up to 2022s Fire Doesnt Grow on Trees, with both albums proving Newcombes startling consistency this deep into his career. Expect Newcombe and co. to bring new songs and old favourites to their upcoming shows.
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...Monday, 03 July
16:00
Words in Winter is celebrating 20 years with a thought-provoking lineup "IndyWatch Feed Melbourne"
Words in Winter warms the heart and nourishes the soul of Hepburn, Daylesford and their beautiful surroundings each winter. The wonderful festival celebrates 20 years in 2023 with one of its best programs, featuring some of Australias finest minds.
Explore Melbournes latest arts and stage news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
August 25
08:24
For the racists who oppose the voice I have this to say,
You are a bunch of numbskulls!
For the well meaning but misguided folks who oppose the voice l say this,
Please do not listen to hot-heads like Lydia, who have no constituency.
It is written in the blackfella constitution that everyone must listen to our wise elders,
good people like Megan Davis, Marcia Langton, Pat Dodson, Noel Pearson, Rachel Perkins.
People with a great track record on fighting for black justice.
To vote yes you do not have to believe it will improve Indigenous lives,
You just have to believe it wont harm them.
If you believe that having a voice in parliament would actually hinder your ability to achieve your lofty ambitions, such as a fair treaty, then by-all-means go to the wise elders and do your utmost to convince them of their folly. But if they reject your advice, what ever you do, do not go making public statements that undermine the cause of your wise elders and the vast majority of your people.
Cop it sweet. Take it on the chin. Take one for the team.
At no time in history has anything ever been achieved via disunity.
Sure, argue the toss amongst yourselves till you are blue in the face, then shut the fuck up.
The idea of rejecting the voice in favor of more concrete measures would be laughable
if it was not so tragically nave. We have all seen what an enormous effort it has taken to
get people to even consider the concept of a voice, what on earth makes you think they
will be more willing to accept more concrete measures instead, like a treaty.
Dont forget that you have no leverage what so ever.
The only people with any leverage in this system are those who can threaten withdrawal
of their money, their labour or their vote.
tribes. It panders to the biggest tribe, the bogans. They are easy to placate. Tiny little tribes of angry blackfellas dont get a look in, as you are no doubt aware. Lacking leverage you must apeal to the better nature of the bogans. Good luck!To reject the voice in favor of a treaty looks nave in the extreme.
Very much like a child who is offered a vegemite sandwich, throwing it in the dirt and demanding,
No! I dont want a sandwich, I want an ice cream.
Well, after the sandwich offer is withdrawn, how are going to get your ice-cream?
What can you threaten if you dont get it, other than a tantrum..Lydia?
You wont be getting much help from all those people who signed The statement from the heart
after you have rejected their advice. You wont be getting any help from the racists who will feel emboldened by the crushing blow they have dealt to your movement when the referendum is reje...