White-browed Babblers

Imagine for a moment that you are stretched out on the sandy bank of a river, with your feet perilously close to the water, as a family of White-Browed Babblers forage towards you.

They are the smallest babblers and their antics are such fun to watch as they literally appear to bounce from one spot to the next.

Their colouring blended perfectly with the banks of the Wimmera River in the Little Desert. If I’d used my phone instead of my long lens, the birds would have been incredibly difficult to spot. The texture of their feathers is very pretty, especially with the buff edges.

Sand goes flying as they rapidly probe for invertebrates. They move super quickly when they spot a bug or a likely looking spot, and then start digging so rapidly that nothing would have the chance to escape.

Despite flicking sand everywhere rather a lot stays stuck to their sturdy, decurved bills.

As I was lying on the bank, and gradually slipping closer to the water, I kept hoping that one of these speedy little characters would go close enough to the river for me to capture a reflection shot. I was super happy when one did, though am still a bit surprised that I managed to get this shot without getting wet. Despite my wishes, and my effort, I don’t think it turned out very well!

Happy birding, Kim

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