I love watching the Purple Gallinules at this time of year. The alligator flags are tall and full of purple blooms and purple birds! The colorful adults are gorgeous and the juveniles are starting to show their beautiful colors.

They walk carefully out to the edge of a reed to nibble at the flowers. Sometimes the weight of the bird is too much and the reed falls over. It always makes me think of pole vaulting. :)

This adult reached very carefully to grab a purple flower. The birds chatter to each other and the whole marsh comes alive with their calls. “No, I haven’t fall in the water yet!”

This bird paused his breakfast for a few minutes to stare at me. I love the pale colors of the juveniles, a promise of the bright colors that they will be sporting next year.

This juvenile was fearless. He wandered very close to me and let me take some head shots. I love the light and the look of curiosity on his face.

If you have a pond with alligator flags growing near your house, check it out. You may get a chance to chuckle at these fun birds!