I'm currently writing my blog from my cottage in the Drakensberg, Champagne Valley, Kwa-Zulu Natal; South Africa
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
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 tofetch 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!
oh wow! a brave kid! and those captures are lovely too!
ReplyDeleteI love birds! It's the one thing I miss the most during winter in Sweden, the sounds of birds. They make nature come alive!
ReplyDeleteGosh - it's looking right at you!
ReplyDeleteOh Jo---he is looking at you begging for your love and help. Isn't he a cutie???? Hope he found his Mama and family... GREAT pictures.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
He's a beautiful little bird and appears quite friendly, too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delight to get so many great captures of this young robin.
ReplyDeleteLove the new hearder, where I can see a face in the rock bluff.
a good day to you.
ReplyDeletelovely captures of the little fellow...quite nice looking he/she is.
He looks very much like our mockingbird here - even the mimicing! Nice photos of the little bird.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos, it looks like it was even posing for you. Thanks for sharing your pretty bird.
ReplyDelete