American Coot feeding on frosty grasses – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday morning I spent part of my time focusing on taking American Coot photos in the marshes and wetlands of Farmington Bay WMA. I adore these goofy birds. The first American Coots that I photographed yesterday were on dry land. Frosted dry land. Some of those coots were actively foraging and feeding on the frosty grasses and other vegetation.
American Coot eating frosty vegetation while at rest – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Some of the coots showed a behavior I had not seen or photographed for this species before. Those coots were laying on the frost covered ground as if they were resting but they were eating the vegetation from where they had plopped their bodies down. I thought their behavior was interesting. I also wondered if they were conserving their energy and body warmth since it was a brisk 19 degrees when I photographed them.
American Coot foraging on frosty vegetation – Nikon D500, f10, 1/500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
A few of the coots seemed to be feeding as they normally do when they are on dry land. The frost was fairly thick on the vegetation in some areas.
Adult American Coot checking out ice in the marsh – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Later in the morning near the nature center I found a few more American Coots that I decided to photograph that were on ice. I enjoyed watching the coots walking around every bit as much as I did taking photos of them.
American Coot adult with a lifted foot – Nikon D500, f8, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Because they were on top of the ice I could see their big, green, lobed feet. Their feet slipped often on the ice and I could not help myself. I had to laugh.
Adult American Coot standing on thin ice at Farmington Bay – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The coots on the ice weren’t busy feeding, instead they preened and looked around. As this coot looked up I noticed that the blue sky reflecting off of the thin ice seemed especially vibrant yesterday morning.
Adult American Coot getting a sip of water – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When this coot tried to get sip of the thin layer of water on the ice I couldn’t help but notice its reflection. I also liked this pose.
American Coot watching water droplets fall from its foot – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Of all the coot photos I took yesterday morning this one was my favorite. I can only surmise that the coot was watching the water droplets fall from its foot because that is what it appeared to be doing. Whether it was watching the droplets of water or not I will never know but I like thinking that it was.
American Coot looking at its big green feet – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This last photo made me chuckle a bit. It made me wonder if the coot thinks its big, green feet are as improbable as they look. Just kidding about the coot thinking that but coot feet do look improbable. It doesn’t take much to amuse me.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my American Coot photos plus facts and information about this species.
Terrific set of shots. Love your commentary. Thanks Mia.
Yet another beautiful series. I am particularly drawn to the reflections of those wonderful feet.
I love coots due to interacting with an imprinted coot way back in our early rehab days, Coot, Coot. He loved his ears rubbed and would sit in your lap forever. He use to watch his feet too. Feisty little sh……!
Saw American Coots in your post title today and immediately hoped for some lobed toes. You did not disappoint! 😍😂
Goofy is great. Amusing series.
What a fantastic series of American Coots. I love watching them and wish we saw them more often here.