I watched this striking Purple Gallinule preening in a low, marshy shrub one recent sunny morning. He stayed there for the longest time among the shadowy leaves, as I patiently waited for him to come out into the light.
Finally, he began to clamber slowly, deliberately down the long leafy reeds. And then he did something I had never seen a Purple Gallinule do before. . . . 
He simply slipped into the water and began to swim away! Now, I’ve often watched Purple Gallinules climb high on narrow reeds, wade in shallow marshes, and stride confidently from one water lily leaf to another, expertly skimming across the floating vegetation. Our dense wetlands provide lots of opportunities for this kind of foraging and easy locomotion.
But, with their long skinny, chicken-legs, I couldn’t even imagine how this bird without webbed feet could actually get any traction, let alone swim! So I watched in delight as he swam all the way across the open water.
I was fascinated to learn later that this behavior is not at all unusual in Purple Gallinules, and I was happy to get a few shots of those shimmering feathers gliding out across the pond in the bright, late morning sun. 
Birder's Journey 
A beautiful sequence. This birds beauty is never out of season !
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I especially love how they shimmer in the sunlight. Thanks, Berny!
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A beautiful bird BJ, and your patience paid off with great shots! This one is similar to our Purple Swamphen, but yours has much more colour:-)
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We also have Purple Swamphens here, they’re non-natives, but the Purple Gallinules are so much more elegant 😉
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Fun to witness an animal doing something you’ve never seen before. Wonderful photos!
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Thanks, Belinda – yes, the whole experience made me smile!
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Gorgeous bird! Nice shots Carol! 🙂
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I think this truly is one of the most beautiful of our wetland birds -one of my favorites! Thanks, HJ!
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Beautiful captures, well worth your patience! 🙂
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And I was only waiting to see him step out into the sun – little did I realize I’d watch him actually swim off across the pond! 🙂
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Wonder photos; an avian gem BJ. It makes me want to get my paints and brushes out, and give this strikingly colorful hen a try. Would you mine if I use your second image as a reference photo?
Connie
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Wow, thank you so much, Connie! I wouldn’t mind at all – in fact I would be honored. Please be sure to send me a photo of it when you complete the painting.
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I will definitely send you a photograph of my painting.
Connie
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Thank you, Connie – I love your unique and beautiful work!
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Great colors and action sequence. i don’t see this bird so learned a little something too!
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Thanks, Nick. FYI – we see this bird a lot here, as you can see by the numerous posts I’ve written about Purple Gallinules: https://birdersjourney.com/tag/purple-gallinule/
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Beautiful photographs! You have captured this bird so well.
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Your comments are very much appreciated, Barbara! The Purple Gallinule is a great model 😉
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Wow!!! Gorgeous Purple Gallinul! Remarkable captures, Bj. 🙂
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So kind of you, Amy! I really appreciate your visit.
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Fantastic pictures! These birds are always so shy – love how you show his big feet.
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Thanks, Pam. Yes, they’re often hard to see, though we’re lucky to have a lot of them here at about this time of year.
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We only see them occasionally, and usually at a great distance. You are very lucky!
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And how lucky we all are for your patience in photographing this stunning gallinule. One bird with all those colors, amazing. I’ve seen them swimming before and never really thought about it, so I am grateful to you for pointing out how extraordinary it is for a bird with those skinny legs to be able to swim. Thanks so much BJ~~
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Their luminescent colors really are striking, aren’t they? Thank you for stopping by, Jet!
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What a gorgeous bird! I love the bluish-green hue on its wings. Thank you for sharing this lovely sequence of pictures! 🙂
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I agree with you completely Lavanya – this is a simply beautiful creature, who looks even more wonderful when the sunlight shines directly on him!
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