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Purple Gallinule

Discussion

10 replies
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on April 24, 2006 at 8:52 PM
I was thrilled after seeing my first Purple Gallinule this weekend! He was even nice enough to pose for a few shots. The colors on this bird are hard to believe.

The size of the feet are shocking:
http://www.pelzmann.smugmug.com/photos/65981439-O.jpg

http://www.pelzmann.smugmug.com/photos/65980622-O.jpg

http://www.pelzmann.smugmug.com/photos/65980624-O.jpg

Posted by Scott Bacon on April 24, 2006 at 10:07 PM
The posted image makes it look like a sweet cuddley song bird - almost like a christmas tree ornament. But, geez, that first linked image makes it look like a monster. :eek: Be glad that these things are not 6' tall!

Awesome color on the plumage...
Posted by Dan Walters on April 24, 2006 at 10:36 PM
Great shots! I love that first image. I can't believe how big the feet are! :toast:
Posted by Mel Ladewig on April 24, 2006 at 11:12 PM
Jeesh, and all I saw this week was a wild Turkey. The colors on it were, well... brown.

Very nice Bill. Very interesting bird you've gotten there.
Posted by Jon Leibowitz on April 24, 2006 at 11:45 PM
ok...I am going to have nightmares about those feet! :eek:
Posted by Ken Wyatt on April 25, 2006 at 12:24 AM
I see God has a sense of humor! Great shots! :biggrin:
Ken
Posted by Scott Buckel on April 25, 2006 at 11:18 AM
Bill - these birds are fun to watch! I like the colors and the behavior of these birds. I hope to see a few in a couple of weeks. Did you go to Anahauc to see them or some where else?

Thn
Posted by Michael Renner on April 25, 2006 at 9:45 PM
Is this the bird that the roadrunner was loosely based upon??? holy cow! :jump:

cool shot!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on April 25, 2006 at 11:36 PM
I see you guys are as impressed with those feet as I was. :biggrin: They are under water 99% of the time, so if you don't stop and watch for a while, it's just a cute, colorful bird.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on April 25, 2006 at 11:38 PM
Scott,
This was at Brazos Bend. Lots of Common Gallinules (Moorhens), but this was the only purple one that I found.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on April 25, 2006 at 11:46 PM
Michael,
There is an actual bird called the roadrunner. It's the state bird of New Mexico.