We all in our own ways have that “Holy Grael” that Sir Perceval was seeking. However there are other lesser dreams we have that don’t involve messy stuff, like cleaning up after the “Fisher King” in his land of desolation. In fact, trying to read Joseph Campbell’s book: “Romance of the Grail” might in itself be one of those Great Quests.
Climbing Mount Everest is such a pursuit. Landing man on the moon. Playing a hole-in-one on the golf course and ever so many other Great Quests are challenges that people stand up to meet. So many great acts of, “Decent People, doing Decent Things” as I alluded recently regarding Arnold Dix
But there are also little wins we each make. Some birders are on the look out for the next big bird thing. A nomad, or wanderer that turns up unexpectedly. Enough to have them drive across the state or on some cases the continent and further.
We have been watching and waiting of late for the return of the Flame Robins from the high country. Just occasionally we might see a Rose or Scarlet, but rarely a Pink Robin. Not unheard of, but they tend to be birds of the forest I think, and our wide open plains are more to be flown over on their migration south on their quest for some suitable forest to winter over.
So, it was, as they say, a “Sir Perceval” or Mt Everest moment the other day, when as we searched through the underbrush, a small brown shape flashed from one wattle bush to another, and then intrigued by our presence, (well, I like to think that), she popped out on a branch, cocked her head to one side, paused long enough for a few frames, and then in the twinkle of her eye.
Disappeared back into the wattle branches.
Gone.
“Pink Robin, Female”.
Might not be Mt Everest, or a hole-in-one on the golf course, but a highlight of the day.
Enjoy (We did)
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER - --doesn't mean I'm LOST 
Oh how lovely. And such a beautiful image of her too. Thank you for the reliably enjoyable read and sharing of a special moment with us.
I haven’t read that particular book of Joseph Campbell’s, but I find his work fascinating. I must look out for it.
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hi Eleanor, They are such rich brown, and it must have been a good season as all the Robins so far look great with rich glossy feathers.
The Joseph Campbell book is a kind of editor’s version of his lectures. Moslty based around the Arthurian legends, so nothing like the movies and tv show of the same ‘story’
Always thought provoking
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A wonderful sighting indeed, David! And wonderful that we can all see her too!
Definitely the highlight for you that day! I am still trying to get my head around having had a Rose Robin in the garden recently, albeit briefly!
I smiled when I read your comment about people travelling great distances to see a particular bird. Seems a lot have been heading for the farm recently to see the American Golden Plover.
Dave N
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The WTP has clamped down a bit on people wandering at will. Lots of new fences and gates blocking access to some of the more interesting side lanes. a 30m from the car regulation and a bunch of other stuff, they say they are going to enforce.
Not suprising as the vehicle traffic sometimes makes the freeway seem quiet. :-) Like all things overfamiliarity is going to be its downfall for serious birders
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Certainly a beautiful capture David. I do love the curiosity of Robins, how like the female Whistler they come and look at you with that big searching eye and then disappear. Arnold Dix is certainly one of those legendary heroes of life, and inspiration and encouragement to us all. Enjoy your weekend.
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Hello Ashley, We might get to see a Pink once or twice in a few years, hardly ever see Rose these days, and are not travelling to Red-capped territory at present. So we get really excited on single sighting
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