Creepy Crawlies and Chirping Calls: Wildlife Club in Action

In Wildlife Club this term, we have taken a more hands-on approach to our learning. We are currently raising iridescent green flower beetle larvae to maturity. In our discussions we have found that many people call these ‘Christmas Beetles.’ Regardless of their name, we have enjoyed unboxing our parcel with ‘LIVE HARMLESS INSECTS’ stamped on the side and settling the two small larvae into their new home. Within the next 12 months, with the right care and conditions, we are hoping to see two vibrant green beetles.

Additionally we have participated in a bird survey to identify and count numbers of birds on our school grounds. With binoculars in hand, we sighted a number of masked lapwings, magpie-larks, galahs and sulphur-crested cockatoos. This activity helped us to learn the proper names of many common species of birds and the physical differences between similar species. The data captured from our survey will be uploaded to the Birdlife Australia website and help towards keeping track of bird populations and movements in our local area.

In the coming weeks we hope to learn more about and explore the Girls Grammar School grounds and find the creatures that are most at home in the night!

Jade Ladewig

Wildlife Club