American Coot walking on ice – Nikon D500, f9, 1/640, ISO 320, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
American Coots are common and abundant in many places in North America and because they are rather plain there are bird photographers that will take a pass on photographing them, I’m not one of those photographers. Not only do I enjoy taking photos of these big-footed members of the rail family I also enjoy watching them because at times their behavior can be outright funny.
I especially enjoy watching American Coots in winter when they try to use their large greenish feet to walk on ice because that can be rather comical and I love to laugh. As I recall this coot had another coot chasing it across the ice so it was walking on the ice in a hurry and using its wings to try to maintain its balance.
American Coot sliding on ice – Nikon D500, f9, 1/500, ISO 320, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Just a few seconds later the coot’s big feet slid out from underneath of it! I missed the shot where the coot’s bottom hit the ice, probably because I was laughing which shook my camera. I’m glad I didn’t pass up the opportunity to take photos of this coot.
Life is good.
Mia
These photos were taken in December of 2016.
Click here to view more of my American Coot photos plus facts and information about this species.
Very funny.
The second shot makes him look like an Olympic speed skater. I love Coots as well — their antics and squabbles never fail to entertain.
Love them.
And envy your winter. We still have fires burning. And burning.
Human homes and lives have been lost, and are highlighted in the news. And I think of the birds and animals. Who feature less often but suffer. Badly.
Hope you guys get some relief soon, EC.
The first photo looks like the American Coot is ready to do a Double Salchow. Too funny. I’m sure you did laugh and shake the camera. I would have too. Thanks for the morning laugh.
Too funny.
I think some of the funniest pictures I have are of coots as they always look a little goofy with those big feet.
Thanks for the giggle this morning.