I know this bird as the African Swamphen… but it has so many other names; African purple swamphen, purple moorhen, purple gallinule or purple coot and even others like; Pūkeko a common name, derived from the Māori language, for the purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) of New Zealand… also known as the sultana bird.
So call it what you will I had a great photo conversation with this bird…
Have a great weekend… get out there and enjoy the outdoors… take your camera and capture anything, it’s good for the soul….
The Photographic Journey of bulldog. 
An unusual looking bird and at the same time really interesting. I think she deserves a better name. Swamphen is kind of low on the list for appealing names. 🙂
It is one of those that fascinates me in that it is a busy bird, one that is always on the move… this one was particularly co-operative for the photo shoot…. gave me a chance to capture some good shots of it…
Haha…love it! Always great to see your photos of these, to me, such unusual birds. Love the narrative too, especially ‘what to share?’ I can just imagine him saying that 🙂 Hope you had a good weekend, I’m catching up as always this morning and you’re right, getting out and about and snapping a few pics in the process, it really is good for the soul, thanks Bulldog 🙂
Love these shots, Bulldog. You make me want to get back out there and start taking photos again. Thanks for that!!
Oh Skye you need to do that as soon as you can…. it is not only therapeutic, but allows us to see Gods creations in a total different light… time to switch off and just enjoy nature…
When one falls off the horse you have to get straight back up and at it again….
Yes! As soon as my hands (and arms) cooperate again, I will be out there!! Know I will be thinking of my dear friend encouraging me on as I snap away! I am improving, though…for this I am thankful.
I pray for your speedy recovery……
Thanks, Dear Friend!! Hugs!!
What an amazing creature…Love the bold color.
Thanks Charlie
Now there’s a bird who looks as if he’s banged his head on one too many brick walls… 😉 🙂
It sure looks that way…
I know this little beauty as a purple gallinule. Great images and commentary Bulldog. 🙂
Thanks LuAnn.. before this post I was unaware on how wide spread this specie is…
Sultana bird sounds so much better than Swamphen … especially for one so good looking 🙂
I kind of like that one too
The colours on this bird are absolutely fantastic, Rob (and I love the commentary!) 😀
Thanks Dianne…
Stunning captures and fun captions Rob! 🙂
Thank you so much
Perhaps you should change your name to Rob Bulldog Dolittle…lol
I’ve thought of that…. but then people might start bringing their animals to me to find out what they’re saying,, lol
Granny doesn’t want to know what he is eating…but I like to know…but only if it is kind of tuna 😉 Pawkisses for a Happy Weekend 🙂
It is eating reed shoots … must be part Chinese and thinks that it is bamboo shoots
Lovely photos, and the captions are delightful! 🙂
Thank you Linda….
Quanto è buffo questo pollo sultano, però le foto sono bellissime caro Rob.
E grazie per il consiglio di uscire con la macchina fotografica e fare qualche cattura, perché fa bene all’anima. Sono d’accordo con te 🙂
Un abbraccio, Pat
Thanks Pat… yes we need to get out there and enjoy life…
The talking birds are back! That look on it’s face with “want to share” is so spot on!
Thanks Teri… they are getting more vocal now it’s summer
Wow … looks like a big bird! What was the food?
Reed shoot Frank… but only the size of a small chicken
Yum.
hahaha love the commentary with the photos bulldog! Why didn’t you take him up on his offer to share food? 😉
Diana xo
He ate it without washing off the mud… and for that matter cleaning his own hands… lol
oh filthy beast LOL!
What gorgeous hen. I am surprised she carried on a a conversation with you. 😉 I see so many lovely avian creatures here.
Thank you Imelda, they all talk to me, I just don’t broadcast it too much in case the institutionalize me… lol
Great series.
(we have the purple swamp hen here).
Thought you might recognise it…
as soon as I saw the first photo I thought “wow looks just like our Pukeko” – then I read…… oh so is our Pukeko! LOL They have a great advert in NZ that features the Pukeko – think for insurance or something but is Mum, Dad and couple of “kids” – really funny – you’d almost think the birds were trained.
“I’ll walk away quickly and see what happens” — thanks for the laugh. I really enjoyed your story.
Thank you so much for the visit and comment… not sure I’ve registered seeing your name around here before, so welcome and hope you hang around for more….
Thanks so much! I’m fairly new around here…so far so good 🙂
Been playing around on you blog… anyone who loves AC/DC has to be followed…
Very much appreciated! Thanks, Rob. I wouldn’t have guessed that an AC/DC post would win me a seal of approval, but I like it!
Yes something we have in common in the southern hemisphere…
you must go and read my last post before this one… https://visitstothepark.wordpress.com/2014/10/10/what-has-cape-town-got-that-the-rest-of-us-dont/