Thanks y'all!!! We had a great day and that Purple Swamphen sure made it even better. The blackbellies were fun b/c it started out as some pass shooting, but after doing a little watching, picking up our decoys and moving we had them coming into us, feet down, 20 yd shots and lordy were there HUNDREDS!!! Lots of fun. They are such a cool bird.
Fred-
You're welcome out here all the time......and it's quite a bit warmer here
Tim-
We definitely need to get together again...and I'll be getting a hold of you soon...you been out to the spot on the river yet???
Kris-
I did get some more! They were everywhere and instead of sitting around waiting for ducks that weren't flying I decided to leave the Stumpdancer at the decoys and go see if I could get a few birds. I did get three. Lots of people around so I didn't set up and wait out the swamphens and get them as they would come back. They are a lot of fun...they actually fly fairly well too. So, I did get three and will post some more pictures soon.
Carl-
We're not allowed to keep the birds for personal use, so sadly no mount...i'm not even supposed to eat them. A shame really b/c I bet they'd be as good as moorhen or coot.
Hope everyone had a GREAT NEW YEAR! Mine was good for sure.
Dani