It’s that time of the year when the purple gallinules at Circle B Bar Reserve hang around the alligator flag plants close to trail. They feed with their young that were born earlier that spring. As I walked out on the trail in late October, there were several feeding right in front. The pale purple one is the juvenile that hasn’t gotten his full adult feathers in yet. It’s funny to watch them balance on the branches as they try to hold on.
It’s rare for me to see baby purple gallinules. I found 2 babies near the dock at Circle B Bar Reserve in early May. You can usually find adults around the dock but they become scarce when they have babies often hiding in the reeds. The babies are so cute with that black and white beak. It’s funny how much their colors change as they grow up.
The parents were close by.
I rarely see baby purple gallinules. They are very skittish. I caught this little one running in between the reeds. Look at those big yellow feet!
The parents were close by.
Two juvenile common gallinules (or moorhens) hanging out.
The only birds I saw along the drive were common ones.
Turkey vultures are also common along the drive but it’s not often you get to see one up close and with a snack.
Young tree swallows perching on the utility wire. It’s rare to see these guys resting.
Another common site along the drive, an anhinga with a fish.
A beautiful morning to be out.
