Scarlet Robin in the Mt Lofty Ranges
10 Comments »4th October, 2008; Category: Birds in the News, Birds on Television, Flycatchers, Robins
Male Scarlet Robin
Last night a local television channel (ABCTV1) showed a special item on the endangered Scarlet Robin in the Mt Lofty Ranges here in South Australia. I can recall only ever seeing this Robin once in the Adelaide Hills. The photo above does not do the species justice; it is a beautiful bird. It is not at all common here in in our state.
The main thrust if the short documentary was to highlight the plight of this lovely bird, and many other species of small bush birds. With the massive clearances made over the last 150 years for agriculture there is little room left for this little bird, and many others like it. One of the speakers claimed that only 7% of original bushland was still available for such birds as the Scarlet Robin. It is facing extinction in this part of Australia.
Related articles:
- Great Birding Moments: Scarlet Robin
- My first visit to Round Hill Nature Reserve
- Top 5 Great Birding Moments
- Birds in Backyards: Scarlet Robin – read this article for more information about this species
Great Birding Moments # 22 Scarlet Robin
1 Comment »22nd November, 2006; Category: Bird Behaviour, Flycatchers, Great Birding Moments, Robins
Australian Robins are beautiful birds. I especially like to see the male Red Capped Robin sitting patiently on an exposed branch or a fence post waiting for an insect to fly past. Another spectacular species is the Scarlet Robin.
Male Scarlet Robin
On a recent visit to Cromer Conservation Park my whole morning of birding was highlighted by the sighting of both a male and a female. The male was rather shy, and although he posed nicely for me, he wouldn’t allow me to get too close. The above photo is the best I could manage. One day, when I have more patience, I will return for another photo shoot. I know where he lives now.
Female Scarlet Robin
The female was far more obliging and came quite close. She posed beautifully for me at reasonably close quarters, but turned her head at the crucial moment. Then she flew off not to be seen again that morning.
Oh the delights – and frustrations – of bird photography!
Photo Gallery
Red Capped Robin
At last I have a photo gallery for your enjoyment. From time to time I will add photos to this blog of birds I photograph and places I visit. The above photo of the male Red Capped Robin was taken at the Pangarinda Arboretum at Wellington, South Australia a few weeks ago.
Related article:
To view my photo gallery click here and come back often to view new photos as they are added over the coming weeks.
Red Capped Robin
8 Comments »5th June, 2006; Category: Robins
Red Capped Robin
One of the delights of birding is to have close up views of some of the brilliant birds we have here in Australia. Today it was a male Red Capped Robin that caught my attention. I was quick to whip out the digital camera and begin stalking this brilliant bird. To be able to photograph this species showing its stunning red, white and black feathers in full sunlight is a sheer delight.
After ten minutes of trying to get close enough for a reasonable shot, the bird in question gave in and had pity on me. Either that or it was curious about this odd fellow with the funny thing in his hand. It came and sat on a branch about 2 metres from me! Wonderful.
The location of this close encounter was at the Pangarinda Arboretum at Wellington East, about 30km south of where I live in Murray Bridge. (The arboretum is about 90km SE of Adelaide.) Volunteers at the arboretum have never recorded this species there over the last 10 years of observations. The neighbours over the fence had never seen the species there either.
Red Capped Robin
