American Coot eating – Nikon D200, tripod mounted, f9, 1/400, ISO 320, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 257mm, natural light, not baited
Some times when it is as hot as it is lately in the Salt Lake Valley and triple digits seem to be the norm I like to open images I have taken in the middle of winter to remind me that soon it will be that cold again.
By the way, July was the hottest ever on record here at the time I am writing this.
I photographed this American Coot on a very chilly day at a pond near where I live in Utah.
There was a blanket of snow on the ground with crystalline blue skies, even the old rug I was kneeling on couldn’t keep the cold from affecting my knees and feet.
I am sure my cheeks were rosy even though I was bundled up against the cold. The pond hadn’t frozen completely over but there wasn’t much open water either so the birds that were on the pond came in closer than they usually might have.
After settling in and by not moving much the birds seemed unconcerned about my presence.
American Coots aren’t thought of as “gorgeous” birds but I do find them appealing and a challenge to expose properly because of the high contrast between the very dark feathers and the whiteness of the ivory colored bill.
Besides, they have about the goofiest looking feet of most birds I have seen.
Yep, when I look at this, I think of cooler days that will be arriving before I know it even though some triple digit temps have been predicted for this week.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my American Coot photos plus facts and information about this species.
That f/9 gave you detail all around Mia. I feel awful I spent so much time next to a whole colony of A. Coots while totally ignoring them because I was after the Great Blue H. I would have given them more time.
It is a lovely shot of a Coot.
It’s interesting that you’ve just had your hottest July on record, as we did too in Melbourne (and it’s our winter). I also like to look at cool images when it’s hot!
Your hot weather has been filling me with horror. I do hope the cooler days come – soon. And the coot is a delight, thank you.
Well done!
You had me at cold winter day……:)
Beautiful shot of American Coot.
I have always loved the Coots! Great shots, Mia!