In the Shade of the Trees

South Island Robins are supposed to be gregarious and friendly, but they stayed in the trees along the trail in Mt. Aspiring National Park. Until this young one. This South Island Robin came to investigate as I tied my shoes, flying onto my hiking boot and then hopping onto the ground next to me. It turned its head this way and that, during our silent conversation (mostly done while I held my breath, too afraid to breathe), then posed for a bit. It was a true communion with nature.