On our April trip to Florida I got a few good looks at a Limpkin walking, first in a grassy area.
Then in the more expected pond, among the vegetation.
Orlando Wetlands, FL
April 10, 2022
Limpkin, Wet Feet, Dry Feet
Tag Archives: Gruiforme
Limpkin Feeding on Mollusks
Limpkin are known for eating the freshwater apple snail, Ampullariidae. But it turns out they eat other mollusks using their specialized beak.
This water outflow is near the maintenance facility at Orlando Wetlands, and provided a buffet of choices for this diligent Limpkin.
The green kerchief on his head is a leaf that stuck when he plunged his head into the water.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Sandhill Crane Having a Flap
Or…
a one
and a two
and a three
All done.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Common Gallinule Pair Having a Spat
Two Common Gallinules were making a splash.
A little dispute ensued…
A point was made…
Face off!
Ok, it’s all over, nothing more to see…
Or not!
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Sandhill Crane Family On Walk
The Sandhill Crane family was on a walk when I passed by their marsh area.
The youngster, known as a colt because of their long legs, was curious about his surroundings but didn’t stray far from his parents. I didn’t see any sign that junior had started to fly, which happens around two months of age.
Sandhill Cranes are omnivores, poking around in the swamp and grasses for food.
The parents seemed to be more attentive than when I saw them two days before this.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Limpkin, Early Morning Flight
This Limpkin was the first bird of the morning at Orlando Wetlands.
He had places to go.
April 12, 2022
Purple Galinule Eating Lily Blossom
Holding onto the lily blossom with his left foot, this Purple Gallinule demonstrated how to eat while floating on vegetation.
These iridescent beauties are occasionally seen in South Carolina but I have only seen them in Florida’s freshwater wetlands.
Purple Gallinules tend to be shy, and this giant water vegetation provides them with great cover as well as food.
April 10, 2022
Juvenile Sandhill Crane
A young Sandhill Crane was busy looking around in the grass as his parents were feeding in the marsh.
They weren’t far off, 20 or 30 feet (6 to 9 meters), and maybe paying more attention to him than it appeared.
As they went around the water’s edge he trailed along behind them, but I didn’t see him eat anything.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 10, 2022
A Small Raft of Coots
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 23, 2022
Coots on the Run
American Coots run and flap to get airborne in an splashy display.
Sometimes they are just relocating, as they did in this case, to get away from the edge where I was walking.
They quickly settled down into another small group further out in the pond.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 23, 2022