A small family of swamp hens had a mild panic attack when the horrible-human-onna-bike stopped to have a perve at them.
kestrelsays
First thing I thought was, that looks kinda like a purple Gallinule! But it’s not the same bird of course. Great photos showing their consternation. :-)
blfsays
A small family of swamp hens had a mild panic attack…
That wasn’t a “panic attack”, they were just trying to decide if you were worth the bother of eating.
Ice Swimmersays
They’ve got sturdy legs.
David Brindleysays
Each morning I have 5 of these, plus assorted ducks, on my driveway awaiting their early morning feed of left over grainy bread, vegetables and / or mixed birdseed. Usually around 20 ducks. Occasionally I also have an Ibis or two. One of the nice things about living next to a storm water retention pond. I am in Adelaide’s northern suburbs (Playford Waters for those who know it.)
The birds are quite tame and will come within 2 -- 3 feet of me. But while a duck will gobble and swallow and wait for more, a Swamphen will grab a chunk of food and run off to eat it. Only once that morsel is gone will it return for another.
I don’t know what a gallinule is, but I do know that bird in Lofty’s photos is known as a Pukeko in New Zealand.
These swamp hens were snapped at the Salisbury Wetlands near the highway. Clearly I wasn’t supposed to invade their bedroom but wait for them to wander up to the boat deck for lunch.
voyagersays
What an oddly beautiful bird. It certainly looks sturdy. Great photos.
Can’t figure out if it’s a fitness routine or a dance pose. :D
A small family of swamp hens had a mild panic attack when the horrible-human-onna-bike stopped to have a perve at them.
First thing I thought was, that looks kinda like a purple Gallinule! But it’s not the same bird of course. Great photos showing their consternation. :-)
That wasn’t a “panic attack”, they were just trying to decide if you were worth the bother of eating.
They’ve got sturdy legs.
Each morning I have 5 of these, plus assorted ducks, on my driveway awaiting their early morning feed of left over grainy bread, vegetables and / or mixed birdseed. Usually around 20 ducks. Occasionally I also have an Ibis or two. One of the nice things about living next to a storm water retention pond. I am in Adelaide’s northern suburbs (Playford Waters for those who know it.)
The birds are quite tame and will come within 2 -- 3 feet of me. But while a duck will gobble and swallow and wait for more, a Swamphen will grab a chunk of food and run off to eat it. Only once that morsel is gone will it return for another.
I don’t know what a gallinule is, but I do know that bird in Lofty’s photos is known as a Pukeko in New Zealand.
These swamp hens were snapped at the Salisbury Wetlands near the highway. Clearly I wasn’t supposed to invade their bedroom but wait for them to wander up to the boat deck for lunch.
What an oddly beautiful bird. It certainly looks sturdy. Great photos.
I certainly looks like it’s got an attitude.