The first image is one of the most comical photographs I’ve ever had the pleasure to take.
Australasian Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus) – chick
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 800
Canon EOS 5DsR, Canon EF 100-400 IS II USM
This tiny swamphen chick was running along behind its parent at the lakeside, occasionally bobbing down to pick up some tiny invertebrate from the ground before scurrying off even more quickly to catch up with the adult.
Its incredibly detailed legs and feet look too big for its pom-pom body while its emerging wings looks ridiculously tiny.
Australasian Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus) – chick
1/1o00, f/6.3, ISO 1600, focal length 560mm
Canon EOS 5DsR, Canon EF 200-400 IS II USM
It’s hard to believe that such an ungainly little chick could ever look as graceful as the adult swamphen, above, as it paddles across a small lake. The early morning lighting gave an almost magical look to the water along with an exquisitely detailed reflection.
Swamphens are strong swimmers but I rarely see them paddling across water, they are much more likely to be foraging at the water’s edge.
Australasian Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus) – chick
1/800, f/5.6, ISO 500
Canon EOS 5DIII, Canon EF 100-400 IS II USM
Until recently these magnificent birds were officially known as Purple Swamphens. Their colouring changes dramatically as they grow. The chick’s light brown eyes will become bright red, as will its bill, frontal shield, legs and feet, while its underparts and collar will become a beautiful purple-blue. Chicks also lack the bright white undertail feathers that will become very distinctive markers, adult swamphens continually flick their tails as they walk.
Looking at these three, very different photographs of the same species, reminds me of many of the reasons I love nature photography.
Happy birding
Kim
Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year – promised update
Link to the gallery: AGNPOTY 2019 – finalists
Link to Australian Geographic article about my image: The sad story behind this devastating photograph of a Little Penguin
NB I have finally created a Kim Wormald – lirralirra facebook page, my regular lirralirra posts will continue here as usual.
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More stunning photos from you. You are so talented.
That’s very kind Linda, thank you. I was so lucky to see the little one and to have such beautiful light for the others
Excellent photographs and write up as usual Miss Kimmy 😊
Thank you Bill 🙂
Yet another wonderful series.
I adore these birds, and have yet to see such an ungainly youngster. Classic duckling into swan images.
I have rarely seen a better or more detailed reflection image either.
Moorhen chicks are pretty interesting too. Your comment about the reflection image has made me think I’ll get a print of it, I’m not sure why I haven’t already done that, thank you!
Wonderful!
Thank you Thomas!
Hehe it is so cute! I have always loved pukekos! Wonderful images as always:)
Thank you Alyssa. It’s crazily cute, such a funny little thing