Tewe’s Day Beauty! (And a 3rd picture added)
Nothing much exciting happening here on Tuesdays when I don’t have a review ready, so I figured it’s a good day to share some beauty with you guys. Here’s one of my favorite Florida birds, the purple gallinule. Just look at those colors! And the size of those feet! (The better for walking across lily pads without sinking…kind of like snowshoes for water birds.)
When I first started birdwatching, many years ago, purple gallinules were not very common in central Florida. You had to drive a good bit farther south to find them. Now, I see them pretty often on the St. John’s River, and other waterways, ponds, and lakes. I wouldn’t call them common, but I don’t think of them as scarce, either. But no matter how often I see them, I’m always thrilled by their peacock coloration, and the way they cluck along on top of the vegetation, picking around for things to nibble on.
One more picture, just for Caitlin! Just look at these feet, now! You’d think it couldn’t possibly hold on to that skinny stem!
Bookin' It 
What a beauty–stunning…
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They really are, Celeste. And as a gallinaceous bird, they are very hen-like in the way they peck and croon and cluck. They are quite endearing along with the breathtaking color display. And when the sunlight strikes them, they take your breath away!
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Beautiful! I know you say those feet are for water-lily walking, but they look a little dangerous wrapped around that branch!
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Ha, that one’s nothing. I have another picture that would really astonish you. I wish I could put it in this comment, but no go. I’ll have to email it to you, I reckon. Or maybe I’ll post it separately, just because it’s kind of amazing. OH, I know. I can add it in this same post. DUH! Check back in a few. 🙂
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That’s pretty graceful, like it’s holding chopsticks!
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Ha, good description. It just looks too loose to anchor him to the reed. I think his weight is resting on the one toe that points backward when the foot is flat. The others look like they’re looped through nothing but air.
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Hey, Marcia! Got your email, am in the middle of a deadline push for an edit, but will be responding soon. You should be SOOOO PROUD of yourself!
Hugs,
Leiah
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Looking forward to chatting with you then, Leiah. And thanks. Sometimes I can’t believe everything that’s going on in my life right now. The only down side is less time for reading. 😦 But I’m trying to manage my hours better, so maybe I’ll get a handle on that, too. Edit like the WIND!! 😀 We’ll chat when you’ve more time.
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