Melanodryas vittata (Dusky Robin)

IUCN Status: Least Concern

This species is endemic to Tasmania and King and Flinders Island. It’s apparently quite common but I’d tried finding them a few times when out looking for other species and not seen them. I took a trip up into the eucalypt highlands at Maggs Mountain Forest Reserve, and there I found a small group of four that responded well to call playback.

I drove down a foresty track and found a spot that had a clearing, and searched for fifteen minutes for a good spot to shoot. I found a fallen tree with lots of moss on it where I could stand with the sun to my back. I set up and the birds came in, searching for the unseen caller. Over the span of about five hours they became more accustom to my presence and with that more willing to come both closer and to lower perches.

There really is nothing that can substitute for time out in the field.