Nature's Rewards

Yesterday while discussing the day's tasks with my gardeners, I spotted a bird on the lawn. It was foraging just a few meters from where we were chatting and not at all concerned with the human proximity. I dashed to fetch my camera and as I focussed on the bird, I realised it was a juvenile Cape Robin-Chat. I managed to take quite a number of photos, and although the young bird was aware of my presence, it was not at all afraid of me.

We have many Cape Robin-Chats in our garden. In fact the very first call in the morning is that of the Cape Robin-Chat. Also, if I'm in the garden when darkness falls, the Cape Robin-Chat can be heard from the trees in my garden, providing the last sound of the day: wurr-de-dur. This is actually its alarm call. The real song of a Cape Robin-Chat is melodious. This bird is also a capable mimic.

I know this youngster has been bred in our garden; I need to find the nest it came from. When I do, I will photograph it and post about it (what else? LOL!)

I couldn't help snapping away at this cheerful young bird. It gave me ample opportunity to do so!

Above the Robin-Chat scrummages in the thick compost which has been laid in my garden. He kept looking up at me and hopping a little ahead to scratch for food again.

It was great for me to be able to capture these images. Adult birds are a lot more suspicious and you don't get good photos.

Long may you live in my garden, little lad. Next year you may breed your own young here. I look forward to seeing them!

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