May 20, 2014

Moorhen Surprise

SDP  5-20-14
How many times have you been out and about, sans camera, and unexpectedly spotted a photo worthy subject?  This time I was lucky because, although I did not have my camera in hand, I was preparing to go to the park and had my camera packed in my car nearby when I spotted a moorhen in a neighborhood retention pond (my trusty Birds of Florida refers to the species as a 'common' moorhen…but, really, what's common about a little duck with an orange face and bright yellow beak?).  So, I dashed back to my car and put on my long lens to get some shots of the aforementioned moorhen having a bath.  And, that's when I realized she wasn't alone.  She had a brood of three tucked in close to her while she splashed around.  She must have sensed me nearby because she swam to the other side of the pond, and dispatched her little ones into the tall grass. Can you see them? Look directly above the mama moorhen's head…then to the right. 1…2…3!  I love the orange splotches on their heads.  

7 comments:

Brian King said...

Nice! I've only seen and photographed one of these once - while on vacation in North Carolina.

Lowell said...

You did good! I've found these things can move so quickly, they're hard to capture in focus. Cute little birds and the last time I saw some was in Eustis in the reeds along the lake.

Jack said...

Got 'em! Your staff and you have sharp eyes. I would not have seen them if you didn't mention the little ones. It is an unusual but colorful bird. I'm not sure I have seen one before.

Nancy J said...

Wow, I read the words, "dash back to the car" and immediately thought it might be for the gumboots!! Hidden so well too. Cheers, Jean

Lois said...

I've never seen one before! What a cute little family.

Lorraine said...

How pretty! I've never see that kind of duck before. Great shot!

Kay said...

I don't think I've seen one of these before, and the babies (ducklings?) are a real bonus. Very nice.
I missed a nearly nose-to-nose shot of a bald eagle the other day, standing on a bluff as one flew past at eye level. No camera as I thought it was about to rain. Dang!