I remember feeling very thrilled when I found this leucistic American Coot on January 2, 2023. I’d been hoping to find a leucistic coot for quite a long time.
The day I found the coot, it was dreary and gray, and the coot stayed well out in the middle of my local pond. I shared the presence of this coot with friends, neighbors, and some local photographers.
After that, it became a goal for me to get better photos of the wonky-looking coot.
Leucistic American Coot and reflections – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I had no idea that the leucistic coot would hang around until sometime in April, so I visited the pond frequently, hoping to get closer, better quality images of it.
Last winter was especially snowy and gray down in the Salt Lake Valley; most of the time when I saw the coot, the light was awful, and the coot stayed way out in the middle of the pond.
It wasn’t until spring arrived that my wish came true.
American Coot with leucism in Salt Lake County – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On the 7th of April, I was able to take photos of the leucistic American Coot that I liked. Even though the coot wasn’t close, I like the funky colored reflections on the water.
Leucistic American Coot and red roof reflections – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f7.1, 1/4000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The red reflections contrasted nicely with the coot’s unusual black and white plumage, and the reflections complemented the coot’s red eyes as well.
At that time, I still hoped to capture closer images of this striking coot.
Unusual leucistic American Coot – Nikon D500, f8, tripod mounted, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On April 9th, I was finally able to take the photos of the leucistic American Coot I had longed to create. I was standing on the shore of the pond with my dear friend and photographer, April Olson, when the coot swam towards us.
I didn’t hesitate, I took hundreds of photos of this unique looking, leucistic American Coot. I’m so very glad that I did.
Leucistic American Coot looking at me – Nikon D500, f8, tripod mounted, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
By the time April arrives here in northern Utah, American Coots are in their breeding season. A few coots do breed at this pond, now that the pond-side vegetation has become overgrown. However, this coot moved on for the breeding season.
After April 9th, I no longer saw this coot at the pond.
Leucistic American Coot in spring – Nikon D500, f8, tripod mounted, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Every time I have gone down to my local ponds and looked at the Jordan River from the trail or the road, I look for this unusual leucistic American Coot.
It may or may not show up again. Me? I’m going to keep on looking for the coot.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my American Coot photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to see posts on other leucistic birds that I have found and photographed.
Wonderful series. I love how you captured the detail; the Leucistic Coots reflections and, above all, the movement of the water. All the right stuff. Thanks Mia.
Rather a dapper looking little fellow in his black tie attire.
Very interesting pictures. Have never seen a leucistic Coot.-Jeri S.
I am so glad that your patience was finally rewarded.