Saturday 23 June 2012

Pukeko

I first noticed these birds in New Zealand, even though they are endemic to Australia too. So, I think of them by their New Zealand name- pukeko. Anyway, pukeko is a much cooler name than Purple Swamphen which is their Australian name.

I've been thrilled to see some move in to my neighbourhood. They like living near open water, and have taken up residence in the new storm water collection areas near my house.

At first it was a surprise to see one


But then when you know where to look 

they're quite easy to spot



They build quite intriguing nests and platforms in the reed beds. One of the uses for their big gangly feet.






Saturday Snapshot, is a wonderful weekly meme from at home with books
at

19 comments:

  1. Unknown23 June 2012 at 18:56

    What an interesting looking bird, nice photos!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Melissa O.23 June 2012 at 20:09

    GREAT pictures! That first one is kind of like a "Where's Waldo?" picture -- I had to look for the pukeko! What an interesting bird!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Trish23 June 2012 at 20:48

    That red beak is a dead giveaway! He certainly looks at home there in the rushes, though, doesn't he?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Christine Harding23 June 2012 at 20:52

    It looks a bit like a moorhen, and they also build very untidy nests at the edge of the water. My Snaphot is historic (again!). I'ms stuck in the past, obviously http://goo.gl/ou72V

    ReplyDelete
  5. Laurel-Rain Snow23 June 2012 at 23:03

    Gorgeous coloring! And I love the reeds, too. Thanks for sharing...and enjoy your weekend.

    Here's MY SATURDAY SNAPSHOT POST

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sheila (Bookjourney)23 June 2012 at 23:34

    Thats cool - I never seen a bird like that before :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Leslie (Under My Apple Tree)23 June 2012 at 23:37

    It's not often I see a purple bird. I'd notice him straight away. Wow, those feet are huge. I'm always amazed at the many different ways birds have adapted to their environment.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kaye23 June 2012 at 23:53

    Such a beautifu color! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  9. (Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea24 June 2012 at 00:17

    How very cool. We use to live in an area with these tall grasses surrounding the bay. a fun place to walk and see different birds.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Eugenia O'Neal24 June 2012 at 00:19

    What a beautiful colour! Never heard of this bird but love the purple.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous24 June 2012 at 00:30

    Just wonderful, esp. the purplish blue. This is a bird I won't know about if not for your posting. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  12. bermudaonion24 June 2012 at 00:40

    He's quite a pretty bird!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Alyce24 June 2012 at 01:23

    I like how you told a story with the photos. I did have to go back to first photo to see where the hen was. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous24 June 2012 at 01:26

    I also like your progression of photos and words to make a story.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sim Carter24 June 2012 at 02:58

    Purple swamphen is quite descriptive though. What stunning colors!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Harvee24 June 2012 at 23:22

    I'm a bird watcher myself and would watch it if we had one nearby! Interesting wildfowl, pretty beak.

    ReplyDelete
  17. abrianna25 June 2012 at 06:00

    Like the color of the bird. I too had to go back to the first photo to see the bird..at first I thought there were small flowers in the reeds I was supposed to see :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Mrs. Fry26 June 2012 at 23:45

    cool! I love birds. Definitely easy to spot purple!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Brona27 June 2012 at 17:44

    I love learning something new each day - thanks Louise :-)
    The photo of the pukeko playing peekaboo with you in 'they're quite easy to spot' is delightful.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for commenting.