Teen-aged American Coot With Swirly Reflections

I kind of missed out on spring migration, nesting season, and baby birds in Utah this year. That is okay. And really, I’m not complaining, just stating the facts. I was where I needed to be to help my mom transition, and it was my honor to assist her. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

I did miss out on seeing tiny American Coot chicks this breeding season. Some people call them ugly, and truthfully, they are kind of strange-looking when they are young. On my walk yesterday, I was delighted to come across about a dozen teen-aged or immature American Coots at my local pond.

When I arrived at the pond, it was bright and sunny. However, as I walked around it looking for birds, fluffy white clouds moved in front of the sun. Those fluffy white clouds created interesting and appealing swirly reflections on the water. When this young American Coot swam past me I knew I was going to love those swirly blue and white reflections in my photos of the coot.

This American Coot is at an age where some people might have trouble identifying it because it doesn’t have the dark-ringed, ivory-colored bill and red eyes of adult coots. However, looking at the body and bill shape, especially in Utah where there aren’t any Common Gallinules, should help even a novice birder with the correct identity. Of course, noticing the presence of big, lobed feet, which can’t be seen in this image, would help too.

I took quite a few images of young birds yesterday before those fluffy white clouds I mentioned earlier blotted out the morning light. It was a good walk, and I’m glad I went. I needed it, the birds I saw, and the fresh air.