American Coot moving slowly on ice – Nikon D200, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/750, ISO 250, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
The temps are dropping here in the Salt Lake Valley, two days ago it was below freezing when we went out shooting. Winter brings challenges and birds we don’t see during the summer so I am excited about that.
The American Coots (Fulica americana)Â in Utah will be here until the water freezes solid, if there is any open water they hang around. So when there is ice on part of a pond it can be fun watching the coots slip-sliding around.
Coot on slippery ice – Nikon D200, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/750, ISO 250, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
American Coots are common in North America and even though that is true I like to photograph them because they are a challenge to expose correctly because of their dark feathers and that ivory-white bill. Usually in winter I can get closer to them. They will walk on the ice to avoid a fight with another coot which is what the one above was doing when I took the image.
Sinking American Coot – Nikon D200, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 320, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
The coot above avoided a fight and was standing on ice that barely support its weight which is why there is a circle of icy water around its feet. Coots might not be very colorful or as powerful as a raptor but they are great fun to photograph. American Coots on thin ice provide great opportunities to photograph them slip sliding around and seeing unique behaviors.
I’m looking forward to winter and the great bird photography opportunities it will bring.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my American Coot photos plus facts and information about this species.
Mia:
Why did I not think of this — photographing the Coot walking on ice to get a great view of the lobed toes? Oh! we don’t have ice in Pensacola … don’t guess that will work for me.
Great shots! Wonderful exposure setting.
Dave
Love these photos Mia! While I do get to see lots of Coots, I don’t ever get to see them on ice! It reminds me of a uncoordinated kid on ice skates:)
Tammy, your description of what Coots on ice remind you of made me laugh, I could see that in my mind. Thanks for commenting.
Hi!
From a OLD Coot! As a young wife enjoyed watching the Coot’s also, while fishing. Fishing is one of my life’s most loved pleasure’s! I have always loved the outdoors and all criters.That I have seen that way.
Mia you have a inherited love of nature from your great Grandfather,thru granddad and to me.
Your picture are beyond words of beauty. Keep it up! Love ya
Thank you Mom. You aren’t an old Coot though.
I like both #1 and #2 and I love their feet!
Thanks Maria.
Wonderful photos Mia! I love ccot feet more than just about anything, so your photos made me smile. 🙂
Linda, I am glad my coot images made you smile! Thank you.
I have to say it, these guys are so odd looking. God is not always kind. Carol
Carol, Coot are a little odd looking but great fun to observe and photograph. Thanks for commenting.
Mia, I’m so glad we have crossed paths. Yesterday I was reading your posts…..your photos are increndible…..seriously excellent images. Look forward to following your work:)
I am very glad we crossed paths and that you enjoy following my blog Roherbot! I think I have fantastic subjects.
I love to see Coots out of the water with those wacky looking greenish legs and those segmented toes. Nice shots!
Thanks Scott, I enjoy seeing them out of the water too.
I love how the coot looks sort of tentative while walking on the ice, wonderful series, Mia!
Prairie Birder, they do look like they are very aware of how slippery the ice it. Thanks for commenting.
Great post! Coots are very interesting birds. 🙂
I agree Beverly, they are very interesting birds. Thanks for your comment.
He/she has got big feet just ours has, nice photos.
Thanks Bob, both our coot and yours are big-footed!
I love all your photos, but these tickled me especially! What nifty birds!
Thank you ThreeCollie
Great series Mia – love the look of their feet too.
Thank you Dan, those feet are amazingly big.