Being able to walk on water implies a very special set of talents for any individual. Given the Biblical reference, it infers to the recipient a level of perfection far exceeding those of mere mortals.
This appellation is commonly applied to sports figures who are having an exceptional year. It also has been assigned to people in business who are very astute at making deals and decisions which enhance their reputations for correctly assessing the market environment.
In the local wetlands and river swamps, there are many creatures which swim in the water and fly above the water, but only one which appears to walk on the water. Common Gallinules seen in the wild seem to be standing on the water, barely getting their feet wet.
Spending its days hunting among the panhandle’s watery weeds, the common gallinule tiptoes over the surface. Soon the bright red face shield will turn a dull brown for the winter.
This native species is very common to north Florida’s freshwater sites and is found statewide. Gallinula chloropus, as it is scientifically known, has also been known as the common moorhen, the pond chicken, the mud hen and as a Florida Gallinule.
The poultry reference in the common names is understandable. The size and behavior of this bird mimics the fowl commercially raised for eggs and meat. Additionally, gallinules have also been hunted for their meat.
Despite the potential for hunting, this bird adapts well to human encroachment as long as there is an amply stocked water body readily available. Storm water ponds and drainage ditches can be occupied by this affable avian.
Unlike other hunted water birds, the species is not attracted to decoys floating casually on the water’s surface. They usually spend their lives among the cattails and other aquatic vegetation, gregariously behaving much like their barnyard namesake.
The appearance of common gallinules varies by season. The distinctive bright red face shield so obvious during the warmer season fades to a dull brown during late autumn and winter.
The coal-colored head fades to an olive-brown as the neck recedes to the body. This bird has the trailing edge of its wings trimmed in white.
The beak’s tip, and the spindly legs and toes, are a banana-yellow which completes the highly contrasting plumage. The bright legs call attention to this bird’s seeming ability to defy hydraulic physics.
In reality, the common gallinule is deft enough to skillfully tread on vegetation floating just below the water’s surface. Its light weight, about ¾ pound, and rapid stepping pace make lily pads a convenient walking path in calm waters.
Their nests are often found floating on material in aquatic environments. Spring and summer are the nesting periods, with six to 14 eggs usually present in each clutch.
The chicks are hatched a very dark brown to black. Following the family example, they walk and swim directly after hatching.
In addition to a visually miraculous trekking territory, the aquatic resources provide much of this gallinule’s diet. Insects, little frogs and tadpoles, small snakes, and vegetation and seed which flourish in damp areas make up the meals for this bird.
Another memorable trait of this species is its perceptible calls, especially during night. For anyone who lives near a gallinule population, the nocturnal utterances can easily be confused for, with a little imagination, resident hobgoblins.
Visually distinctive, audibly intimidating after dark and able to flout water’s liquidity, the common gallinule is a rare bird.
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