Purple Gallinule... the bird with the corn candy bill

[jprzybyla]

This bird has been on my list to capture quality images of for a long time. I have photographed it but always deep in the vegetation. That changed last Saturday. As I walked slowly along the trail in the marsh I could hear one, but once again it was deep in the marsh grasses. It spooked and took flight, landing about 20 feet in front of me. The early morning light was wonderful. The following are some of the images I captured. C&C welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for viewing.

#1



#2



#3

[Plumcrak]

And quality images you have. Well done. I think #2 is my fav of these three. That bird has some really long and skinny feet

[kaneohebud]

Beautiful captures Joe! We have Gallinules out here but they are mostly black. Great light and feather detail in your images.

[terrib]

What beautiful colors you have in these photos! Glad you got this one checked off the list.

[John 2]

Another nice series Joe. You do well with only 300mm max to hand. I struggle.

[Stagecoach]

Joe,

Isn't it great when nature not only provides the birds but a well set up lighting system as well !

[jprzybyla]

And quality images you have. Well done. I think #2 is my fav of these three. That bird has some really long and skinny feet

Hello Jon, thank you for viewing and commenting. The long toes are used to walk on top of the marsh vegetation... think water lily pads.

[jprzybyla]

Beautiful captures Joe! We have Gallinules out here but they are mostly black. Great light and feather detail in your images.

Thanks Bud, very much appreciated.

[jprzybyla]

What beautiful colors you have in these photos! Glad you got this one checked off the list.

Thank you Terri, I appreciate you taking time to view and comment. Yup... one gone from the list but still many more to go. That is what keeps this interesting.

[jprzybyla]

Another nice series Joe. You do well with only 300mm max to hand. I struggle.

Hello John, thank you for your comment. The key I think with the 300mm ( 450 full frame equivalent) is to get close. I go to areas where there are a lot of birds. I walk along the trails very slowly ( being 70 years old helps). I stand still a lot, let the birds come to me in their normal activities. This Gallinule flew up from the vegetation and landed 20 feet away from me. In most instances I do not rely of VR, I use a shutterspeed that know will take my hand movements and bird movement out of a shot. I guess I am from the old school when that is all there was. Go to areas with many birds and hopefully get closer. I think that will help.

[jprzybyla]

Joe,

Isn't it great when nature not only provides the birds but a well set up lighting system as well !

Hello Grahame, in answer... yes it is. It is also memorable when reliving the images by viewing them in the future. Thank you for viewing and commenting.

[Dave Humphries]

#2 for me as well Joe, but of course, a great series

[jprzybyla]

#2 for me as well Joe, but of course, a great series

Hi Dave, thank you for viewing and commenting. I lean towards the second image also.

[Brownbear]

Beautiful photos as always.. The light is gorgeous.. #3 is my favourite for the light and the background.