I was going to title this “Return of the Mountain Kings”.
As April approaches, we start to get ready to look for the return of the Flame Robins and other winter flock birds.
From experience, we normally expect to see the first of the females turn up around the second week or so of April, and the males to arrive about a week to 10 days later.
They summer over and breed in the high mountain country and as the weather changes and the snows cover the ground, they move to lower country over the winter for food.
We were out following up on some sightings of Black-shouldered Kites and had been talking about how soon before the Flames would be around. As we crossed a fence-line and came toward the next gate, EE exclaimed, “A Flame Robin on the gate.”
And, lo and behold, there was a brilliant red flash in the sunshine out in the open on the top of the gate.
We followed him down the fence line as he hunted and eventually he disappeared. I guess when he’d flown about 200km or more to get here, 500m down the fence-line is nothing.
And as we headed back to iAmGrey there on the fence was a lone female.
The strange weather and the changes that seem to have affected both birds and trees and other wildlife has also made some adjustments to the Robins and their travel plans.
But we were quite pleased to enjoy their company and look forward to seeing the larger flocks arrive.
Came across an interesting article this morning on the bird that is the emblem of the official flag of South Australia.
The official name of the bird is “Piping Shrike”. It has been oft discussed as two birds seem to fit that discussion. The Australian Magpie, or The Magpie-lark
Here is a link to the discussion
And finally I came across this interesting partial quote by an scholar, Alcuin, he was, among many things, an instructor to royalty, including Charlemagne.
A Prayer from Alcuin (around 800AD)
Give us…..
Firm faith
Unwavering hope
A passion for justice.
In this present world, it is still has a lot of meaning.
Enjoy
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER doesn't mean I'm LOST 
Lovely to see the Flames back in town, David! It does seem a little early, especially for the male.
I must take a walk along the D 1 to see if there are any.
I was very surprised to have the female Rose Robin in the garden during the week!
Wonderful images, as always.
Dave N
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Hello Dave, I am about as confused as the birds by our weather and seasonal changes. Must get over to Newport Lakes as that is usually a good location for Rose and Pinks.
Saw a Black-shouldered Kite at Snyedes Rd t’other day but sadly no re-appearance.
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Beautiful photos of the Flame Robins David; I look forward to seeing more of these lovely birds through your Lens in the near future…!!!
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Hello Lance, we’ve been out there again and still only the two birds on show. However I’d not normally expect them for a couple of more weeks. See how it goes as the weather cools.
And thankfully daylight saving is over. Yah!!!!
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Two beautiful portraits David. How lovely to see them back with us again. And I like the quote from Alcuin (of whom I had not heard I must confess). Human nature doesn’t change it seems – the weapons just become more deadly.
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Hello Eleanor, yes my exposure to such writings as Alcuin is not only limited, but bordering on the non-existent. What I’ve been able to discern is that he led an interesting life is somewhat complicated by being close the the royal throne 🙂
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How wonderful David to see the Flames again, these are birds we look for down your way but seldom see, as they are so far south. Loved reading the article about the ‘piping shrike’, most informative. Thanks for sharing this info. Loved the photos also.
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Hi Ashley, some years back we’d get quite significant flocks of them, and they would form larger winter flocks with a range of other birds. Sadly now, we hardly see more than a handful I ponder that the family dynamic has changed and lots of the younger birds no longer go to the spots their parents frequented.
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Beautiful little friends! Wonderful captures!!
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Thanks for dropping by. Glad you enjoyed them.
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