Eastern Yellow Robin

It’s been a hectic couple of weeks but on Christmas Eve I was pondering the European Robin, aka the robin redbreast, that is virtually synonymous with Christmas, and wishing that we had an Australian equivalent. As I pondered there was a flutter at the birdbaths…

The timing of this juvenile Eastern Yellow Robin was impeccable! Just as I’d been wishing for an Aussie equivalent this exquisite little ray of sunshine turned up to drink and bathe.

It was late, about 7:30pm. The lighting was poor so I had to set the ISO higher than my preferred maximum of 1600, and open the aperture as wide as possible.

I was super happy to realise that it was a youngster and to capture it as it fluffed its feathers to shake away the water droplets. I always let birds drink and bathe before I photograph them (which sometimes means I miss out on a shot completely). I photographed this bird through the window of my study so it wasn’t at all bothered by me but from the look in its eye it was aware of me. These robins breed at my place and I’m always happy to see the signs of a successful nest. Not only is this little one still developing the yellow feathers of its underparts but, if you look closely, you’ll see several brown feathers still lingering from its nestling days.

And yes, it is the birdbath that is at a strange angle rather than the photograph. It is fixed now but something large and thirsty has been managing to tilt it, often. It still holds plenty of water even when tilted, and so do the other birdbaths around the property. During summer it’s super important to provide fresh water for the birds, and other critters. Regardless of whether you live on an acreage or whether all you have is a balcony, the wildlife will be grateful for a drink. I make sure my birdbaths are always freshly filled so that the birds know they can rely on them. On very hot days I refresh them during the day as the water can get surprisingly hot, or maybe unsurprisingly hot! Dozens of bird species use my birdbaths, along with mammals and insects. For the few minutes it takes each day my birdbaths provide wildlife with much needed water and me with much needed pleasure.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025 filled with love, laughter and birdsong, happy birding, Kim

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