Petroica rodinogaster (Pink Robin)

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Finally!!!

I have been chasing photos of this species for years. It inhabits rainforests around creeks. Taking quality photos in good light in dense forest can be difficult. Low or dappled light leads to challenging “noise” and reduced dynamics caused by having to use a high ISO. Auto-focus systems perform slower and are less accurate in low light also.
My first sighting of pink robin about four years ago on a family walk to Hogarth falls (near Strahn). Mixing family activities with photography often leads to frustration. I didn’t have a camera at hand. The vivid hot pink little bird that seeming so out of place in the dark, haggard forest. He mesmerised us. Since then I’ve made many attempts to photograph this species. Every time the results were disappointing: until they weren't.

Tenacity is a wildlife photographer’s most valuable attribute. This year on the fifth serious attempt I found an individual on the edge of a forest. He was bold enough to come to a perch in the open, early morning light.

How satisfying is it when something you’ve been hoping and working towards comes off? 8-))