I was delighted when this little bird jumped out and cheeped at me. I was having a picnic lunch at Pierces Pass, on my way home from a long trip into western New South Wales. The bird hopped busily around the rock ledges that surrounded my picnic table, then hopped onto the table for a closer look at me.

When I identified the bird as a Rockwarbler, I was even more delighted. They’re found only in a small area of Australia. A nice find!

Common name: Rockwarbler
Scientific name: Origma solitaria
Approximate length: 13-14 cm
Date spotted: 23 July 2026 (winter)
Location: Pierces Pass Picnic Area, Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia: 33°34’13.2″S 150°20’17.0″E