Over the past four months I wanted closer, better photos of the leucistic American Coot that I found on January 2nd. My patience and persistence paid off.
When I found this coot it was a crappy, low light day and my photos reflected those conditions. I pointed out the coot and shared it with a few neighbors that are interested in birds because it is so unusual looking.
Back view of leucistic American Coot in spring – Nikon D500, f11, 1/320, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Whenever I would head down to the pond to photograph birds or to walk around it for exercise the coot pretty much stayed way out in the middle of the pond. I’d admire it from a distance and hoped that I could get better images of it one day. That day came last Sunday.
Morning view of leucistic American Coot – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The coot with the plumage aberration came closer to me than it ever had before. I jumped on the opportunity literally in front of me.
Leucistic American Coot swimming past – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This leucistic Coot seems like it has more white on it now than it did when I first found it. I don’t believe that is just because I have seen it in better light than I had on January 2nd.
Leucistic American Coot on calm water – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Standing at the edge of the pond, my camera mounted to my tripod allowed me to take these photos of the leucistic coot as it swam past me on calm water. The calm water allowed neat reflections of the coot to appear.
Staring leucistic American Coot – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I could have shared more photos of this leucistic American Coot in between January 2nd and now. The thing that stopped me is that I wasn’t happy with the distance between me and the coot. I wanted close up, detailed photos of this strangely colored bird.
Profile view of an leucistic American Coot – Nikon D500, f8, 1/500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
And I was willing to wait, hoping to get the chance to show off this coot’s unique appearance. I was thrilled when it swam in as close as it did last Sunday.
Preening leucistic American Coot – Nikon D500, f8, 1/500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Then to top it all off the weirdly colored American Coot paused and preened in front of me for a brief period of time. I took hundreds of photos of this leucistic American Coot. Why? Because I may never see another one, it is as simple as that.
But wait!
I’m not through with the leucistic birds I saw and photographed that day. Nope. I found another oddly colored bird.
Foraging leucistic Great-tailed Grackle male – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
A leucistic Great-tailed Grackle flew past then walked over close to where I was standing. I moved my tripod to get better light on the grackle with white tail, neck, and marginal covert feathers! I have more images of this leucistic grackle but will hold onto those for a future post on another day.
Two leucistic birds in one day. Isn’t life grand?
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.
Fascinating shots of a very unusual Coot. The Coots reflections are also wonderful. Thanks Mia.
It was definitely you “leucky” day, Mia! Excited to see the coot again — such a striking bird! The grackle’s markings make me think of a printer error.
Wow.
I am endlessly grateful for your patience and your persistence. Thank you.
An unusual find, Mia! Thanks for sharing.
You really had a leucistic day! Great close-up documentation. It does appear to have more white than previously– interesting.