I spent about 45 minutes at my local pond yesterday afternoon and one of my favorite images from being there was this American Coot with a funky reflection.
American Coot reflection – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Earlier in the morning the pond had been almost completely covered by a thin layer of ice. During the day the sun had melted most of the ice and the water was open and calm. When I got to the pond there were only three fishermen there besides myself.
The ducks and geese moved away from me but the coots barely noticed that I had walked closer to them. Most of the coots were busy feeding on aquatic vegetation. Because the coots were the birds that were closest to me, I focused on them often. I’ll most likely share more images of the coots in the future but for today I only wanted to share this photo.
The reflection is what catches my eye in this American Coot image. The gentle bow wave in front of the bird elongated the reflection of the coot and the best word I could think of to describe it is funky.
Even though I was only at the pond for less than an hour it felt wonderful to me to see the birds, blue sky and the Wasatch Mountains to the east. I was craving being outdoors. I needed to soak up some nature and my local pond helps me do that close to home.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my American Coot photos plus facts and information about this species.
Many of the bird species I love are due to knowing one individual of their species. Coot Coot was a rehab favorite. He came to us imprinted and he love to sit in your lap and have his ears rubbed. I liked to rub his feet too and he seemed to enjoy that almost as much. I am very grateful for many of the experiences rehab offed to me. Many good memories.
The reflection is a Coot with a “ducktail” hairdo! Perfect convergence.
Getting outside feels GOOD doesn’t it?
Funky is a good word to describe it! Does the soul good to be out in nature
A very cool Coot