I hear Common Gallinules more often than see them. Per All About Birds they “make all sorts of chicken-like clucks, whinnies, cackles, squawks, and yelps.” Needless to say, many a birder has jumped when that racket starts, often accompanied by one or more Gallinules running across the water to safety. I often refer to them as the early warning system for other ducks and wildlife I might have been hoping to see.
These images were taken on different days, but in the same area. The stump in the image above is newly sticking out of the water as the rice field pond has been drained for repairs.
The red bill in the image below looks almost like fake plastic, but that is how they look. Bald Eagles will stalk Gallinules in this pond and I wonder how that beacon of red appears to them.
That second shot is stunning
Thanks! Peeking through the reeds is sometimes rewarded!
Attractive looking birds. Fine detail in the photos!
One of those birds that we tend to take for granted as they go about their business. Thanks, Belinda!
Nice reflections! We’ve had a sighting of a single Common Gallinule here at Blackwater NWR/Maryland going on for the last couple weeks. He must be lost!
Thanks, Donna! Cool, maybe he’ll stay for the winter!