Natal robin came in to enjoy a bath right at the end of day a lovely surprise for me. Seeing this fleetingly during the mornings between the thicket of low hanging bushes bordering the garden.
Red-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis are secretive, enjoy foraging on the ground, known for imitations of 40 other species in their call ability, also able to learn to whistle like a human or attempt a barking dog.
This remarkable medium sized bird around 16cm in length is monogamous. I have never found their nesting site perhaps one day clambering around the bushes I may get lucky I doubt it, they often use holes in trees!
The orange/brown or pumpkin orange underparts and face, with striking steel-blue wings and back, some flashes in tail feathers that contrast, hidden beautifully inside forest patches.
These photographs really were are a once off with luck on my side, sitting outdoors with sun going down I noticed slight movement then saw it fly down to the water feature used specifically for the birds to drink or swim in. Water pump was off at the time, this Natal robin landed in the water, not waiting a quick drink then short bathing session simply stood it's ground with me a couple of foot away capturing delightful relatively shots.
Without second thought I stepped back and it flew straight back into the thick undergrowth I have encouraged for the birds to enjoy, patience or good luck is always the name of the game with birds coming and going.
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All photography and stories are my own, photography taken out and about, thanks for reading and visiting here.
Thought for Today: "Having beauty doesn't mean understanding the perseverance of marriage." - African Proverb
