Finding the nest of the Eastern Yellow Robin is always a delightful experience. Earlier in the week a rare burst of sunshine drew me to the Rise and Shine in search of this beautiful robin.
This species makes an exquisite nest – stands of grass, moss and fine bark are delicately woven to form the bowl which is then decorated with strips of bark that hang from the outer rim. The Rise and Shine is a great place to observe Eastern Yellow Robins – a series of drainage lines through the reserve are especially favoured.
Eastern Yellow Robin, Rise and Shine, 20th September 2016
The partially constructed nest
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Did you notice the leg-band on the first image?
Other birds seen and heard: Sacred Kingfisher (an early arrival), Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Collared Sparrowhawk, Dusky Woodswallow, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Laughing Kookaburra and suite of the usual honeyeaters.
Natural Newstead 
Yes,leg band was first thing I noticed. Any ideas why.
They certainly are master builders. I also find the nest of the Sittella a masterpiece. Beautiful images Geoff
Hi Marlene – the banded birds are part of a study looking at the genetics of Eastern Yellow Robins … stay tuned for a more detailed explanation.
Cheers, geoff
Great shots and such a lovely nest structure. Also why the leg band?
Geoff, There seems to be a new bird on the block. I can’t spot it but the call is distinctive, particularly in the morning and evening. It sounds a bit like the Peaceful Dove call (but isn’t) has the timbre of a magpie call, sounds at first guess like “oleo oleo” but it’s not an oriole. The ooluu-ooluu call is usually repeated once with a very short pause between calls and is very clear (bell-like). We have had this bird around for a week or two and I can’t place it. Cheers, Bernhard
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Hi Bernhard – that does sound suspiciously like an Olive-backed Oriole … have you been able to get a look at the caller?
Cheers, geoff
Hi Geoff, am throughly enjoying receiving the posts – such fantastic photos of the beautiful birdlife in your area and the ever changing landscapes. I have been enjoying watching a large community of brown honeyeaters each morning in our callistemon tree since our return – a very cathartic experience.
Robyn
Thanks Robyn, great to hear about the Brown Honeyeaters … we don’t get them in these parts.
Cheers, geoff
Hi Geoff. Absolutely beautiful photos of the Eastern Yellow Robin and her nest. Also great to see your local swamplands so full of water. I have a pair of ravens nesting very high in the gum tree in my urban backyard. The youngsters are close to fledging. I can see 2 of them standing on the edge of the nest stretching and flapping their wings.
Hi Sal – great to hear from you. Ravens are a tricky species to photograph over here – very wary and cautious, but terrific birds.
Cheers, geoff
Hi Geoff, so glad to hear about the ravens,we hand raised one about 13years ago in our shelter and Russell is still hanging around. Two babies now regularly wake us in the morning, in our yard and are very vocal and know they are safe here. they are seen by many as bad but to us they are just as important and enjoyable as the singing honey eaters that are foraging around our vege patch this morning.
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