American Coot portraitAmerican Coot portrait – Nikon D500, f8, 1/500, ISO 320, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

It isn’t often that I have an American Coot walk up so close to me that I can take portraits of them so as usual, I took the shots because I love portraits of my subjects when they can be taken in an ethical manner.

Yesterday started off gloomy but it brightened up later in the day so a quick trip to the local pond was in order. It is close by, I can be there in a matter of minutes and I feel like I can never know what interesting bird might show up. The slightly warmer weather had melted some of the ice on the pond and there was a spot of open water near the parking area where gulls, geese, ducks and coots had gathered that was close enough to photograph birds from inside the relative warmth of a vehicle or as I like to call it, a mobile blind.

When the birds settled back down on the pond this American Coot walked up onto the shore with the open water behind it and I couldn’t resist taking portraits of it. It was almost too close to focus on but I did get some nice close ups of the coot.

I like coots, I love their bright red eyes, their big, goofy looking feet, their dark plumage and ivory-colored bills. What’s not to like?

Life is good.

Mia

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

By the way, I am super excited that President Obama designated two new National Monuments yesterday, Gold Butte in Nevada and Bears Ears right here in Utah. I was dancing for joy when I read Obama’s press release!