The Purple Gallinule is a spectacularly colored bird found in the summer throughout the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and year round through much of Mexico, Latin and South America.
Here is one photographed in the Smith Oaks Sanctuary, High Island, Texas, in April of last year.
The Smith Oaks Sanctuary in High Island, Texas has a large pond which is home to a number of islands which serve as rookeries (breeding grounds) for many species, such as Roseate Spoonbills, Great and Snowy Egrets, and other birds.
Here are various Roseate Spoonbills, photographed in April, 2019.
The two spoonbills on the left engaged in a prolonged and energetic fencing match with their bills, lasting about two minutes. I presume they were fighting for dominance and courtship privileges for a female, (on the right?), or for territory, but this is only speculation. Two egret chicks to the right had ringside seats, observing from their nest.
Here are two Scarlet Tanagers I photographed on the same day at the Smith Oaks Sanctuary in High Island, Texas.
Sibley describes the second bird as an "orange variant." They are both beautiful!
Photographed in April, 2019.
High Island, Texas, is a favorite among birders, as its position on the Gulf Coast is such that many birds migrating north during the Spring will stop to rest. There are many wildlife preserves in the area.The coastline, as well, has plenty of birds, such as this Sanderling:
and this Laughing Gull.
A White Ibis, photographed at Brazos Bend State Park, Texas in April, 2019.
A Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, photographed in Anza-Borrego State Park in March of last year.
Photographed at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in March, 2019.
The same hummingbird as in yesterday's post.
A turn of the head reveals a spectacular gorget, a true rainbow of colors.
An Anna's Hummingbird returns to its perch.
Photographed at San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in March, 2019.
Another Painted Lady, photographed in Irvine, California, at the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary, in March of last year.
The blue background is water in one of the ponds at the sanctuary.
