Rufous Whistler

I was helping in my wife’s nursery (Mallee Native Plants Nursery) this afternoon. I have the habit of watching out for any bird movements that catch my eye, sometimes stopping what I am doing and checking out what has caught my attention. I also keep listening for any bird calls, often making a mental list of those I can identify by call alone. In this way I become familiar with the usual residents around here. My ears also become tuned in quickly to anything different.

Today it was an immature Rufous Whistler that caught my eye. We regularly have both Golden and Rufous Whistlers visiting in our garden, though I hadn’t seen either species for some weeks. Their rich, melodious calls are a delight. The bright colours of the males can be stunning, especially the male Golden Whistler in full sunlight.