Tag Archives: Gruiforme

Purple Gallinule Runway

I thought I would be leaving Orlando Wetlands without seeing a Purple Gallinule, but finally spotted one out in the open, poking through the floating vegetation.

Purple Gallinule
Purple Gallinule Walking On Pond Vegetation

A half hour later another one, a bit closer, presented me with a reflection opportunity.

Purple Gallinule
Purple Gallinule

And then, wow–he was on the run showing off those massive feet and toes…

Purple Gallinule
Purple Gallinule

…and their ability to spring into the air.

Purple Gallinule
Purple Gallinule

Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
January 18, 2023

Coots and a Dragonfly

There were a fair number of dragonflies about when we went to Orlando Wetlands in April, but no closeups as they were over the water or in alligator occupied grasses.

Dragonfly
Dragonfly

A good supply of gnats over the Coots’ heads kept a few dragonflies busy.

Pair of American Coots and Dragonfly
Pair of American Coots and Dragonfly

A wider view of the Coots, with palm tree reflections in the pond.

Pair of American Coots
Pair of American Coots

Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022

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.

Limpkin Feeding on Mollusks
Limpkin Feeding on Mollusks

This water outflow is near the maintenance facility at Orlando Wetlands, and provided a buffet of choices for this diligent Limpkin.

Limpkin Feeding on Mollusks
Limpkin Feeding on Mollusks

The green kerchief on his head is a leaf that stuck when he plunged his head into the water.

Limpkin Feeding on Mollusks
Limpkin Feeding Smashing his Mollusk catch

Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022

Common Gallinule Pair Having a Spat

Two Common Gallinules were making a splash.

Common Gallinule Pair Having a Spat
Common Gallinule Pair Having a Spat

A little dispute ensued…

Common Gallinule Pair Having a Spat
Common Gallinule Pair Having a Spat

A point was made…

Common Gallinule Pair Having a Spat
Common Gallinule Pair Having a Spat

Face off!

Common Gallinule Pair Having a Spat
Common Gallinule Pair Having a Spat

Ok, it’s all over, nothing more to see…

Common Gallinule Pair Having a Spat
Common Gallinule Pair Having a Spat

Or not!

Common Gallinule Pair Having a Spat
Common Gallinule Pair Having a Spat

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.

Sandhill Crane Family On A Walk
Sandhill Crane Family On A Walk

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 Crane Juvenile
Sandhill Crane Colt

Sandhill Cranes are omnivores, poking around in the swamp and grasses for food.

Sandhill Crane Adult
Sandhill Crane Adult

The parents seemed to be more attentive than when I saw them two days before this.

Sandhill Crane Family On A Walk
Sandhill Crane Family On A Walk

Orlando Wetlands, Florida
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.

Purple Gallinule Eating Water Lily
Purple Gallinule Eating Water Lily

These iridescent beauties are occasionally seen in South Carolina but I have only seen them in Florida’s freshwater wetlands.

Purple Gallinule Eating Water Lily
Purple Gallinule Eating Water Lily

Purple Gallinules tend to be shy, and this giant water vegetation provides them with great cover as well as food.

Water Lily and Dragonfly
Water Lily and Dragonfly

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.

Juvenile Sandhill Crane
Juvenile Sandhill Crane

They weren’t far off, 20 or 30 feet (6 to 9 meters), and maybe paying more attention to him than it appeared.

Juvenile Sandhill Crane
Juvenile Sandhill Crane

As they went around the water’s edge he trailed along behind them, but I didn’t see him eat anything.

Juvenile Sandhill Crane
Juvenile Sandhill Crane

Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 10, 2022