Mangrove Robin (2/6)

PASSERIFORMES: Petroicidae

Peneonanthe pulverulenta  

I was standing on the mangrove boardwalk near the Cairns airport. I had stopped at an area where some trees had come down creating a clearing where some sunlight could filter in to the dingy surroundings. This seemed to be a hot spot and I saw a number of different birds in a matter of minutes.

I had been hearing the mournful sound of a mangrove robin calling - that sad two note falling call - and I hoped that it would come along and show itself. I caught some movement and went to investigate a pair of small birds hopping on the mangrove roots and I saw that they were mangrove robins. It was so dim my camera struggled to focus and they flew out of view.

I looked around and they were not far off and I snapped this ordinary picture and then they were gone!