Utah Bigfoot Bird, an image of an American Coot showing its very large feet. Farmington Bay WMA, UtahUtah Bigfoot Bird – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 320, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Early in January I was able to photograph a few American Coots as they walked on ice at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management area and marveled again at how big their feet are.

American Coots are part of the rail family but instead of being secretive lurkers coots are found in the open swimming, chasing or fighting with each other. Here in Utah I often see them in the company of grebes and ducks in the marshy areas near the Great Salt Lake and at certain times of the year I see them in large numbers on the shoreline of the lake. They stay around until the water freezes over and then come back before the ice is completely gone.

Back to those big feet, American Coots use those feet to paddle in the water and when they fight they often use their feet to attack each other. It kind of makes me happy that the old coots I have in my life don’t fight that way even though that would be funny to see!

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to view more of my American Coot photos plus facts and information about this species.