Saturday, March 15, 2008

American Coots


American Coots are prolific around the shores of Lake Parker. I continue to marvel at the variety of bird species represented at this city lake. At this oasis in the midst of the city, the birds are able to live for the most part unmolested without the fear of humans. In many ways conditions here are better than for the birds living in more remote rural areas.

5 comments:

Tom said...

Nice to see your Coots... I noticed the differance with ours right away.. we have a saying over here that fits me quite well... and thats "As Bald as A Coot". Thats not to say our coots have bald heads but the white patch goes over the head where these in stops at the beak.

I came across two last year in a quiet spot that gets few visits, I had stoped for a rest and to eat some dinner.. the two coots came right out the water besides me and shared my food. These birds are normally so timid. It was another one of the rare moments we get to be a part of at times.

Kerri Farley said...

I think of an "old coot" as a persnickety old man....I didn't realize they were water fowl :)
I don't believe I have ever come across them. I'm glad that they have such a nice place to live!!

Meggie said...

I'm with Kerri...I didn't realize a coot was a bird. I love learning all these new things from fellow bloggers. Thanks for the lesson, Salty. Perhaps I will be lucky enough to see one now that I know what they are. I'll have to check my Audubon field guide and see their territory.

Anonymous said...

Nice old coot! A favorite expression of many had "coot" in it somewhere.

Your photo is nice, Salty.

It is nice if wildlife can have an oasis in the city. We have a few but also complaints from people about goose gum on sidewalks. LOL

DeeMom said...

Hrea picture... GOOSE GUM? Now that is funny...but then I do not live in the city...