Common Gallinules are usually very skittish, calling out with their wild cackle and running away over the water well before you get close.

This one had a different approach, just standing on a tree branch that had fallen at the edge of a pond…

… seemingly with out a care in the world as he preened a bit…

…had a look around…

…then stepped into the water…

…silently moving on to his next adventure.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 25, 2023