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  The Little Grassbird eats insects and other small arthropods, usually remaining in the dense cover of grasses and swamp vegetation and builds a deep cup nest of reeds and coarse grasses, lined with feathers, hidden in thick reedy vegetation.

  The revegetation program at Stranraer has created a grassed and tussock environment around Rush Lagoon to protect the breeding for the Little Grassbird.

  Masked Lapwing- Vanellus miles

  Masked Lapwings are large, ground-dwelling birds that are closely related to the waders. The Masked Lapwing is common throughout northern, central and eastern Australia. The Masked Lapwing inhabits marshes, mudflats, beaches and grasslands. It is often seen in urban areas. Where this bird is used to human presence, it may tolerate close proximity; otherwise it is very wary of people, and seldom allows close approach. The clearing for pasture and irrigation has increased their habitat in many regions and has resulted in large numbers congregating, even in city locations such as parklands.

  Masked Lapwings feed on insects and their larvae as well as earthworms. Most food is obtained from just below the surface of the ground, but some may also be taken above the surface. Birds are normally seen feeding alone, in pairs or in small groups.

  Wedge-Tailed Eagle-Aquila audax

  The Wedge-tailed Eagle has long wings (wingspan 2.3m), a characteristic long, wedge-shaped tail, and legs that are feathered all the way to the base of the toes. Wedge-tailed Eagles are Australia’s largest birds of prey.

  The Wedge-tailed Eagle is found throughout mainland Australia, Tasmania and southern New Guinea and can be seen soaring high over the countryside covering large areas. Bounties have been paid for their destruction, primarily due to lamb losses in the mid 1900s, however, this species is now protected.

  The timing of breeding may vary from location to location and from year to year according to the local availability of food. Both parents share in the duties of nest building, incubation and feeding of the young.

  The Wedge-tailed Eagle is the most common of the world’s large eagles. It is nonetheless affected by several human activities. It has benefited by the opening of forests in eastern Australia and the increased availability of rabbits. Wedge-tailed Eagles however, are sensitive to forestry operations. In the more arid zones, extensive clearing has reduced the nesting resources. Nests can be seen on the northern edge of White Lagoon in the red gum tree populations and often they can be seen soaring above paddocks.

  Black-tailed Native Hen-Gallinula ventralis

  The Black-tailed Native hen is widespread throughout mainland Australia and in Tasmania and New Zealand.

  The Black-tailed Native-hen is found near permanent or ephemeral terrestrial wetlands in low rainfall areas, in both fresh and brackish water.

  The Black-tailed Native-hen is dispersive, with regular seasonal movements. Numbers may occasionally irrupt, determined by seasonal conditions and they may then use many habitats. Large numbers of Black-tailed Native-hens may arrive in an area then just as suddenly disappear again.

  The Black-tailed Native-hen eats seeds, plant materials and insects. It feeds on open ground near wetlands or at the edge of water and often feeds by running, then stopping to stir up insects.

  The Black-tailed Native-hen usually breeds near water in swamps, rank grasses or lignum. It is adapted to breeding rapidly when conditions are favourable. It makes a cup-shaped nest of stalks, twigs and leaves, lined with grasses and feathers. The Black-tailed Native hen follows the uncertain rains and floods of inland Australia, appearing on newly filled swamps in large numbers.

  Australian Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus)

  The Australian Reed-Warbler is found throughout Australia where there is suitable habitat and is also found from New Guinea to south-eastern Africa. During the winter period some will remain on wetlands in the southern states, however, most will travel north to Queensland and the Kimberleys. In September-October they return south and this is when they will appear on Rush Lagoon.

  The Australian Reed-Warbler prefers dense vegetation alongside water, especially thick reed beds, as well as tall crops, bamboo thickets and lantana. The bull rush and reeds of Rush Lagoon is the type of habitat it prefers.

  Australian White Ibis -Threskiornis molucca

  The Australian White Ibis is identified by its almost entirely white body plumage and black head and neck. The head is featherless and its black bill is long and down-curved.

  The Australian White Ibis is common and widespread in northern and eastern Australia, and both its range and abundance in Western Australia is expanding, despite its absence from Western Australia prior to the 1950s. The species is absent from Tasmania.

  The Australian White Ibis can be observed in all but the driest habitats. Preferred habitats include swamps, lagoons, floodplains and grasslands, but it has also become a successful inhabitant of urban parks and gardens. This species of bird can be seen all year round at Stranraer grazing on paddocks and finding insects, with a higher concentration occurring during the spring period.

  Swamp Harrier-Circus approximans

  The Swamp Harrier is a large slim-bodied raptor (bird of prey), with long slender legs and a long tail, rounded at the tip. It is mainly dark brown above and the white rump is prominent. It is also known as the Marsh Harrier.

  The Swamp Harrier is widespread in Australasia and the South Pacific. It is the most common raptor in New Zealand

  The Swamp Harrier is found in terrestrial wetlands and open country of tropical and temperate Australia and New Zealand. It is mainly seen in fresh or salt wetlands, often in deep swamps with emergent reeds and over open water. In New Zealand it is more widely found, not just in wetlands. In Australia, the Swamp Harrier is partly nomadic and migratory, southern birds shifting north in winter and back to breed in the summer period.

  Many of the Swamp Harriers in Australia move north in late summer and autumn and a few birds over-winter in Tasmania. They may migrate in groups and often roost communally (in groups) on the ground. These harriers may also disperse inland after heavy rain, whilst they rest, feed and roost on the ground.

  Maned Duck or Australian Wood Duck-Chenonetta jubata

  The Australian Wood Duck is widespread in Australia, including Tasmania.

  The Australian Wood Duck is found in grasslands, open woodlands, wetlands, flooded pastures and along the coast in inlets and bays. It is also common on farmland with dams, as well as around rice fields, sewage ponds and in urban parks. It will often be found around deeper lakes that may be unsuitable for other waterbirds foraging, as it prefers to forage on land. The Australian Wood Duck eats grasses, clover and other herbs, and occasionally, insects. It is rarely seen on open water, preferring to forage by dabbling in shallow water, or in grasslands and crops. Flocks of up to 100 or even 1000 can be seen in southern parts of Australia through autumn and winter. During the breeding season these flocks disperse and pairs form on each of water ways to nes

  Hardheads-Aythya australis

  Hardheads are found in freshwater swamps and wetlands and occasionally in sheltered estuaries. They are rarely seen on land and tend to roost on low branches and stumps near the water. They prefer deep, fresh open water and densely vegetated wetlands for breeding.

  Hardheads are dispersive and numbers may irrupt after good rain, with sudden increases in numbers.

  Hardheads dive for their food, leaping forward and diving smoothly under the water. They eat aquatic plants and animals, particularly mussels and freshwater shellfish.

  Hardheads have declined in some areas after draining of freshwater wetlands or diversion of water for irrigation.

  Eurasian Coot-Fulica atra

  The Eurasian Coot is recognised by its snowy white bill and forehead shield. The Eurasian Coot ranges from Eurasia to Indonesia, New Guinea and Australia. Birds have also recently transported themselves to New Zealand, and the species is quickly becoming established.

  In Australia the Eurasian Coot is common in suitably vegeta
ted lagoons and swamps. Birds are less common in the north and in the drier regions.

  Curlew Sandpiper-Calidris ferruginea

  The Curlew Sandpiper is found on intertidal mudflats of estuaries, lagoons, mangroves, as well as beaches, rocky shores and around lakes, dams and floodwaters. Its breeding habitat is the lowland tundra of Siberia.

  The Curlew Sandpiper is a migratory species from the Northern Hemisphere, moving south to Australia, Africa, the Persian Gulf, India and South-east Asia. It arrives in September and returns in April. The Curlew Sandpiper feeds on insects and their larvae when breeding. Otherwise, it feeds on small marine invertebrates, especially polychaete worms.

  All waders are affected by coastal development, including drainage and land-clearing in their preferred habitats.

  CHAPTER 9 - Kangaroo Island Community

  Historically, MacGillivray and Stranaer have a strong community focus and involvement. At Wattle Grove, which is an area on the property, the house was used by the Department of Education for a school and an area of the house became the church where families of the district shared alternate Methodist and Church of England services. The current lounge room at Stranraer was used by Dr. Joy Seager to treat patients in the local region.

  The property has hosted numerous fund raising events for RFDS, local Kingscote Hospital and MCG Cricket Club 75th Anniversary. Bird watching groups and enthusiasts as well as local landcare groups have visited Rush Lagoon to view migratory birds.

  The MacGillivray Cricket Club was founded in 1932, while the pitch and oval commenced in 1934. Howard was the early captain of the side. The MacGillivray oval was made after a lot of hard work as a couple of old dams had to be filled in and clumps of old trees removed before levelling and sowing. The team consisted mainly of locals however, workers from the Salt Lake helped make up the team. MacGillivray won the first premiership in 1939. When Robert and Mary commenced living at Stranraer in 1911, Robert decided to set up the cricket club as a request from his three sons. The oval prior to this was used for sheep grazing, which still continues today.

  The oval has a line of almond trees along the western edge which formed the early gardens in the late 1800s. The two mulberry trees that line the western edge of the oval were dragged there from the building site where Stranraer is located today. These trees are over 100 years old and still bearing fruit. In the early 1900s a tennis club was set up at Stranraer and this club continued for a few years but with three boys keen on cricket, the inevitable occurred. The MacGillivray Cricket Club was born.

  The oval was levelled prior to the club opening in 1932 using a wooden roller and Clydesdale horses. The hard setting clay soil provided problems in terms of fielding and large cracks would appear making fielding a challenge. The MacGillivray Cricket Ground became renowned for the uneven bounce and the challenges in the field.

  In 1970 the clubhouse was built on the western side of the oval. Prior to this construction, afternoon tea for the cricketers was served under Howard’s pine tree on the eastern edge of the oval and then served on the verandah of Stranraer.

  The club has had no electricity in its seventy five year life however, the new generation is about to change all that. The oval is not used for winter sports and quite often returns to a grazing paddock during these months.

  The photograph above, taken in 2012, shows a Lone Pine planted by Howard prior to his departure to WW2 and the accompanying plaque to honour his sacrifice. This pine tree served as shade for afternoon tea during the early days.

  Currently, the MacGillivray Cricket Club is under new construction with the next wave of young farmers in the district showing their enthusiasm for the MCG.

  During the winter periods the MCG turns into a grazing paddock, sheep been the cheapest mowers we could find.

  The cricket carnivals were held in Adelaide every March and involved teams from all over South Australia and parts of Victoria. Players from Rainbow Victoria joined players from Kangaroo Island to make up the first team in 1934. The Kangaroo Island team was runner up in 1951 and 1955 and won the carnival in 1958. The MacGillivray Cricket Club has operated with a senior A grade side since 1932 and juniors was started in 1970, with both teams still playing today.

  Members of the local community played at the club over many years, culminating in the club celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2007.

  Below is a speech given by Keith Wiadrowski at the MacGillivray Cricket Club 75th Anniversary in 2007, Keith was an inaugural member of the first premiership team for MacGillivray. Dated 20.10.2007

  This is a little story of the day that I met and shook the hand of one of Australia’s test match cricketers.

  The first thing that I must hasten to say is that if this meeting was the result of my prowess on the cricket field, it couldn’t and wouldn’t have ever happened.

  The year was 1942 and cricket had been laid aside due to the seriousness of the Second World War.

  Darwin had recently been bombed for the first time and the threat of an enemy invasion in the north of Australia was very real.

  Here on the island, Major Seager, a renowned returned soldier from the First World War, and a resident of MacGillivray, had established a Coast Watch Observation Post at Vivonne Bay. It was manned by volunteers and he had also arranged for the middle section of the Vivonne Bay Jetty to be demolished so that it would be of no use to the enemy….or the locals.

  Major Seager was involved in removing the end of the Vivonne Bay jetty to prevent the invasion of Japanese in World War 2. Major Seager’s wife Dr Joy Seager was a resident doctor at Stranraer for many years.

  It was Thursday morning and I rode my horse to the MacGillivray Post Office to collect the weekly mail delivery from Kingscote.

  Amongst the few letters was an open note which had been left there for me. At first glance it appeared as though a wounded grasshopper had been through the ink and had left its dying struggles imprinted on the page.

  A more careful look proved it to be from Major Seager, informing me that I needed to be at Wheatons’ turnoff on the south coast road at 9 o’clock next Thursday morning, bringing with me a long handled shovel.

  At the appointed time, after securing my horse in the scrub besides the road, I didn’t have long to wait for the Major to come along in the ‘Willy’s,’ a single seat motor vehicle with a fabric hood.

  Major’s driving, although in the low 20mph range was always - well, fairly interesting.

  After a mile or so he told me that our destination was the Kingscote aerodrome and he would have more information when we reached there.

  In those times the Kingscote aerodrome was a lonely sort of spot; it had only been in use a year or two and there was a small building or two rooms with an open verandah on one side.

  There were only a few planes from Adelaide each week; biplanes they were then.

  Among the war time posters displayed about the place was one which read:

  IS YOUR JOURNEY REALLY NECESSARY?

  When we arrived there was only one other person there, Herb Cook, another returned soldier from World War 1 who at the time was farming at Cygnet River on the land now occupied by the sheep dairy.

  Herb was a crack shot with the 303, but this day his hands held not a rifle but … a long handled shovel.

  The Major commenced by addressing Herb and I as ‘the working party’ and in a very serious tone of voice he told us that he had selected us as men who could be entrusted with a military secret.

  After waiting a few moments for this to ‘sink in,’ in a more guarded tone he told us that it was under consideration to mine the runway of the aerodrome so that in the event of enemy landing they could be blown up.

  He said he wanted us to do some ‘preliminary work,’ for his report, but before he informed us what that was to be, an RAAF Arvo Anson landed nearby and taxied over to where we were.

  When the crew alighted there was a Pilot Officer, a Sergeant Observer, A Sergeant Wireless Operator, Air Gunner and … a Fl
ying Officer.

  There were handshakes and greetings all round. The Flying Officer happened to be Viv Richardson, one of South Australia’s top cricketers of the 1920s and 1930s; a one-time captain of the Australian Eleven, and an opening batsman in Woodful’s Team which faced Larwood in the 1932/33 test series versus England.

  In later years he was known as the grandfather of the Chappell brothers.

  Viv had joined the RAAF in an administrative capacity and was on the island this day to open an air spotters post in Kingscote.

  These posts were being set up here and there about the country and they were manned by volunteers, who from charts and posters perfected their skills in aircraft identification so that they would be able to recognise any of the several types of Japanese planes that might possibly be seen in our skies.

  If this happened, the ‘Spotter’ would get a telephone (not many about then) and when the telephonist in Kingscote answered the code word was “Air Flash” and the caller would be put straight through to Military HQ at Keswick in Adelaide.

  This was certainly upmarket communicating compared to the carrier pigeons we had at Vivonne Bay.

  Apparently no arrangements had been made for getting the RAAF party to Kingscote so it was fortunate that the Major was there and it was quickly decided that he would do this, while the ‘working party’ with our long handled shovels were detailed to guard the aircraft.

  With the Major, the Pilot Officer and the Flying Officer Vic. in the single seat and two sergeants sitting behind where the back was opened up the “Willy’s” was heavily loaded and Herb and I helped to ease it forward, but when the Major wheeled around to head towards Kingscote, one of the rear tyres could be heard scrapping on the mudguard.