Hall's Babbler (1/18)

PASSERIFORMES: Pomatostomidae

Pomatostomus halli  

The Toompine Hotel on the road from Thargomindah to Quilpie has become well known in birding circles as a place to see Hall's Babblers and Crimson Chats.

"Just ask at the pub and they will direct you" I was told.

I drove the 100 kilometres of partially sealed road and arrived at the pub. I went in and ordered some refreshing ale and a pie and casually asked about the Hall's Babblers.

"Never heard of them. What are they?" came the reply.

"They are a bird." I replied with some hesitation.

"Don't know nothing about birds." came the reply.

I ate my lunch in silence and left the pub. There were some trees fifty metres away and I went over and had a look. Within thirty seconds I had found two Hall's Babblers and an active nest. I had a good laugh and took some photos and headed off to Cunnamulla.