Yesterday morning, I spent some time taking photos of baby American Coots not far from where I live. It does seem late in the summer for coot chicks.
Very young American Coot in August – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f9, 1/320, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
A few days ago, I counted five American Coot babies on this pond. Plus, I saw an adult coot carrying nesting material into a thick stand of cattails.
I’m not overly concerned about how late in the summer it is for these baby coots. The coots tend to stay at my local pond throughout the year, unless the pond freezes over, which usually occurs in late December or January if it happens at all. The young coots at the pond will have plenty of time to mature before then.
Baby American Coot in Salt Lake County – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f9, 1/640, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Baby American Coots are a bit strange looking but I love being able to see and photograph them. I thought I had missed out on photographing them this year because my extended trip back east this spring and summer.
Late summer baby American Coot – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f9, 1/400, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
After several days of dark, cloudy skies, it felt wonderful to stretch my legs and be outside again. It was fun having the young coots in my viewfinder yesterday.
Juvenile American Coot eating breakfast – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f9, 1/400, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There were a few times yesterday when the baby coots and their parents swam so close to me that I couldn’t focus on them at all with my long lens.
I’m grateful that the sun was shining, the skies were blue, and that I can photograph these coots and other birds so close to home.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my American Coot photos plus facts and information about this species.
Ugly duckling cute. It’s nice to know he/she will become a beautiful adult Coot. Thanks Mia.
Awww. I fall into the are cute camp, and love that you were able to see and photograph them.
They are cute in an unusual way.
Cute little fuzz-balls! Thanks for a fun start to my day!
Really appreciate being able to “see” such interesting juvenile birds. Thanks again for sharing!
I have never seen them as chicks. It is hard to call them “cute” but I hope they are rugged little individuals who will survive through the winter.