During our trip to Florida, we visited Venetian Gardens Park in Leesburg to photograph the beautiful Purple Gallinule. I had seen them at this park last year, but wanted to upgrade my photos because the lighting was harsh during that visit. The birds did not disappoint this time by.
We were able to get plenty of photo ops with them. Lighting was still tough, but the birds were very cooperative so there were plenty of chances to get decent shots.
Unfortunately, some required a bit of post-work to brighten the shadows.
The birds would pass right by as I waited low to the ground.
Me photographing one of the foraging birds
And the resulting image (in bad light)
The birds really showed off this time by. Disappointingly, some of them were following around people who were feeding the ducks. The birds also seemed to think that we had food to give them but scurried away when we refused to feed them.
Thankfully, one of my best photos, a head shot of the bird, was taken while it was foraging naturally within the reeds.
I enjoyed watching these birds move along the edge of the water with their very large feet.
I even had the chance to photograph one walking over lily pads – a photo op that I really wanted but missed last year!
I would certainly say that I got better photos of them this year. Of course, I am always looking something for even better.
