Purple swamphen

With their comical young & readily accessible habitat these birds are good photographic value. I enjoyed views of a relaxed parent keeping an eye on a skittish youngster at Lilydale Lake recently. February seems to be the month in southern Victoria to see young birds.

Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus
Lilydale Lake, 3 Feb 2012

Immature bird happily grazing in presence of Mum / Dad (above)
but then felt suddenly spooked.

This goose-stepper was snapped at
Werribee Zoo April 2008

The fellow above and following shots of
swamphen with young are taken at
Karkarook Park, February 2009

Above & below - Jells Park, February 2011