purple gallinule juvenile too far North...

[annmpacheco]

This fellow has been quite the celebrity here in NE CT. He appears to have a droopy left wing although this week he has shown improvement. He has the small swamp to himself and an abundance of food. Here's hoping he heals and flies South before the snow flies... It was a golden opportunity yesterday afternoon when the sun reflected the colorful vegetation on the water. 1Dx iso 800, f8.0, 1/1600, 700mm (500 and 1.4IIItc). Plenty of spotted lady beetles; as seen both on the lily pad and hitching a ride on the gallinule. any suggestions are welcomed, thanks, Ann

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Ann, Ive never seen a juvie purple Gallinule ( they have changed the name here to Purple Swamphen ). I like the leaning pose with the raised foot emerging from the water, and the lady bugs all over add interest. I would maybe blend away the specular highlights below the juvie, and also behind the tail.

Its not your fault that these juvies have greens and yellows, not like the deep blues and purples of adults, as unfortunately, the plumage is clashing with the surroundings. Well, he's certainly camouflaged. :w3