Today I am sharing some recent American Coot images where the coot is giving me the stink eye and diving. The images were taken at a pond close to home.
American Coot stink eye – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The coot wasn’t exactly giving me the stink eye, it was merely preening. Coots can look downright amusing while they preen and I laughed out loud. Maybe that got the coot’s attention. I can’t say for sure.
For a bit I just watched the coot as it floated on the water. After the American Coot was done cleaning up their feathers I focused on them through my viewfinder again.
American Coot diving into the water – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I’m sure glad I did; otherwise, I may have missed taking this series of the coot diving into the water. In this photo the coot’s bill is just barely touching the surface of the water as it starts the dive.
I knew I was going to like this photo, a lot.
Second photo of an American Coot diving – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The next frame shows the coot’s head submerged underwater, while its body remains entirely above the surface, with water splashing around its feet.
Third photo of an American Coot diving – Nikon D500, tripod mounted, f8, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The third photo of the series just made me laugh and I’ve needed to laugh a lot the second half of this year. It has been rough and laughter helps. I’m grateful that my feathered, furry, and a few human friends help me out with that.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my American Coot photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great action shots! Coots are really fun to watch. BTW…keep the stink-eye shots coming. I love them. I get lots of those from my daughters when I say something naughty. Thanks Mia.
Dang it! The third photo is broken on my computer. But the others are fantastic!
What a fascinating series. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
These are great, it’s so fun to catch the dive sequence with birds! We should make plans to go see the snow geese again and hopefully we won’t get snowed out. I am up for a trip to the west desert too if you want to go. My work schedule isn’t any form of schedule but I can make plans for a trip and be unavailable for work.
Another great series! And a smile to start my day. Thank you for sharing your art.
It is amazing how little splash is created, a tribute to their streamlined shape and perfect angle as it breaks the surface.
Life is Good! Enjoyed this series. Laughter is the best medicine. Thanks, for all your photos. Jan