Kings Park

20/06/2024

So, it feels like I was travelling this road only a few days ago. Actually, I was driving in the other direction back on the 17/6.
Back to Perth for a medical appointment this time. Heading up a day early so will attempt some orchid hunts on the drive up.

First and only orchid hunt is made at our usually reliable Jelcobine⁸ location.

The Red-veined shell orchid (Pterostylis hamiltonii) is found in good numbers.

Flowers: May to August

Distribution: Toodyay and the Stirling Range

Co-located with the shell orchids were the Hairy-stemmed snail orchid (Pterostylis setulosa).

Flowering: July to September

Distribution: Nerren Nerren Station to Balladonia

Some greenhood orchids are also found. Possibly 2 species but open to correction.

Dark banded greenhood (Pterostylis sanguinea) and Banded greenhood (Pterostylis vittata)

Flowering: June/April to September

Distribution: Perth and Israelite Bay / Eneabba to Esperance

21/06/2024

So today rather than hang around the hospital I decide to go for a stroll around Kings Park. I was shocked to see how much of the bushland was dead and dying. I did not come across many orchids either, but I certainly racked up my steps. 🙂

More greenhoods found with both green and darker flowers, so possibly another 2 species.

I am unsure of the darker one because I am not familiar with Perth orchids. However, I believe the green one is the Banded greenhood.

Slipped into the Botanical Cafe for lunch. Enjoyed a bagel with a beer. Then I walked back to the car down Lovekin Drive. I found a WARREN who died in WWII honoured under one of the massive gumtrees.

Next, I moved onto Bold Park where I decided to walk the Tuart Loop Trail. Unsure if I stuck to it as I feel I ended up on the Zamia Trail. Along the trail there was views of the City of Perth. A highlight off the walk was watching Carnaby Black Cockatoos feeding in the trees before they flew off. Video below.

Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo feeding in the Banksia bushes

Time to head back to the hospital for patient pick-up. Arrived early so killed time by exploring the grounds. Here I found the amazing old Harvey House. This building is from the original hospital that was opened in 1916.
In front of one of the other buildings is a display of the Nyoongar Calendar.