Welcome back stranger

In times gone by, that is before the big barbie of 2009, the Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria griseogularis) was a steadfast companion during my outdoor activities. Whether I was digging in the garden or sawing firewood for the winter, this bird was never far away. In fact often it sat within easy grasp, probably waiting for a juicy meal to be uncovered. We have spent many hours together in companionable silence. After the fires, however, they disappeared from our property, to be replaced in great numbers by its longer wavelength cousin, the Scarlet Robin (Petroica multicolor). These were rare on the hill before the fires. But this year we have seen the Eastern Yellow Robin again in the bushland around our home. Welcome back.