A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Fulica americana
Black and gray bird with silver beak and red eyes. The feet are yellow and black and resemble leaves. This one was part of a group called a cover or raft. The chicks can be seen at: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/118... and the juvenile at: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/126...
Small pond in Ramona amongst Mallards and American Widgeons.
The video was taken two weeks later in Escondido and shows the playful and defensive sides to this bird. "Although coots seem rather weak fliers, like most rails they have considerable stamina once airborne. These birds require a great deal of effort to become airborne, pedaling across the water with their feet before lifting off. The way in which their heads bob when they walk or swim has earned them the name "marsh hen"or "mud hen"." - Wikipedia
8 Comments
I agree!
fascinating feet!
Thank you beallburton and Antonio. Maybe it's true what they say about those without the great looks have a great personality. :)
Cindy i love the video,very complet spotting
Very funny video. Coots might be a pretty plain bird, but they have plenty of personality.
I took some video of the behavior of the American Coot. Since I didn't get a still image, I just added it to this spotting of one from a couple weeks ago.
I couldn't believe it actually stood still for a few seconds! It quickly retreated to the water but not before I got some shots in :)
How did it let you photograph it's feet!