I don’t often think of brash, gangly, duckling-munching swamphens as serene but I think this one fits the bill.
Australasian Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus) – previously known as Purple Swamphen
1/1000, f/6.3, ISO 1600
I took the image on a small lake in country Victoria. The early morning light made the water look like some kind of delicate silk. I like the little pressure wave in front of the swamphen and the trailing wake behind it, and was surprised by the clarity of the reflection considering the water wasn’t perfectly calm.
Australasian Swamphens generally forage at the edges of lakes and wetlands, usually eating reeds and rushes but also small critters such as frogs and the occasional duckling. They have long legs and huge orange-red feet that make them look quite clumsy on land and which dangle hilariously when they take off. While foraging, swamphens flick their tails up and down, which shows flashes of their white undertail feathers and makes them easy to see as the sun is rising.
It’s been a busy week so I thought a touch of serenity might be appropriate, I hope you agree.
Happy birding
Kim
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Thank you for making my day each time you email your new posting. I have been receiving the emails from you since Trevor Collins stopped sending his photos, but have never left you a reply, which is very naughty of me as you deserve many accolades for your wonderful photography. I have a close up shot of the swamphen given to me many years ago by our American friend. I have always found the bird quite colourful and stunning in it’s own way. Your shot of one on the lake is beautiful. I know a number of Queensland artists who would just love to paint it. Please keep sending me my little slice enjoyment.
Oh Linda, I have only just seen your comment and you left it so long ago! I hope you receive this reply. I’m so pleased that you’ve been enjoying my images. Not everyone likes this swamphen photograph, but I do and I’m glad you do too.
That is a beautiful shot! Would look lovely on a big canvas I think. I didn’t know they had changed the name!! They’ll always be Pukeko to me 😊
Now you have me wondering what it would look like printed on different papers/canvasses, hmmm. Pukeko suits them perfectly 🙂
Love the clarity of the reflection and the harmonious colors of the water.
Thank you David. Nature provides us with some beautiful sights if we’re lucky enough to be there at the right moment.
Just glorious. I love the silken water, and the reflection is one of the best I have seen.
I think that birds often look serene on the water, and remind myself that out of sight their little legs are going hell for leather. Which I also extrapolate for humans whose lives look calm and effortless…
That is so true EC. It’s important to take a break now and then and give the furious paddling a bit of a rest.
Top shot, the reflections in the water provide a perfect background to a great shot
Thank you Pauli, I think it might be my favourite reflection shot
Aesthetically so pleasing with the bold strong colours of the Australasian Swamphen against the delicate ‘fabric’ of the water.
I was thinking of you when I posted this image, for the colours and the species – I’m glad you like it
Lovely, Kim. The texture in the water is amazing.
Thanks Jenny. I’m fascinated by the texture too, I keep looking at the little folds and ripples
Beautiful shot, love the movement!
Thank you Stephen. It was clipping along pretty quickly for a shot that looks so calm