Newfoundland Travel - Birding: American Coot

Hey there, I'm an American Coot. I bet my bright red eyes and captivating green legs have caught your interest. If you want to learn more about me, check out this amazing photo album featuring, you guessed it, me! #americancoot #birding #birdphotography

American coot standing on the shore, its bright red eyes and huge feet clearly visible.

Don't let my huge feet distract you. These give me grace on land that many of my duckie friends don't have. Plus, it gives me a diving advantage in the water (honestly, though, sometimes I just dabble for my food). #birdfeet #americancoot #waterbird

American coot walking off the rocky shore and into the lake.

Some people say I walk like a chicken and that I'm a little bit chunky. It's just my metabolism. I mean, I spend most of my time swimming and I eat mostly plants and small fish. I prefer to think of myself as muscular and conditioned. I'm actually pretty hardy too and can withstand a Newfoundland winter quite well. #americancoot #coast #waterbank #bird #birding #birdingnewfoundland

American coot standing at the water's edge and looking for fish in the shallow water.

This is an embarrassing picture, one of my lazy day shots. You see, I was enjoying the warm sun and checking out the small fish swimming close to shore, trying to score a fresh meal without dampening my sleep black feathers. #americancoot #birdfeet #shore #waterbank

American coot, its right foot extended, is wading in a lake as sun heats its back.

Alas, the sun reflecting brightly off the water drew me in. Here I am doing a side paddle, feeling that beautiful warmth throughout my body. Man, it was hard on the eyes though!!! I was glad that the camera lens never gave me that dreaded "red-eye" glare or caused that red smear on the bridge of my beak to over-contrast. Days like this, I wish I had some bird shades, lol. #americancoot #water #waterbird #birdphotography

American coot standing on water as it prepares to dive for fish.

Oops, gotta rush! That shimmering little fish is calling my name. Coot, coot, coot. Yesssssssssssss! Ooh, what a hoot, I'm an American Coot. #americancoot #waterbird #bird #birding #birddiving

American coot, feet extended and bottom up in a lake, completing a dive for fish.

Bottoms up, I think I got one. Oh, excuse this less than delicate shot and please don't share across social media. Argh!! #birdfeet #birddiving #water #lake #birdfeet #americancoot

American coot, its right leg extended and showing its large feet, is wading in a lake.

Aah, I got that seafood cuisine and it was absolutely purr-fect! Here's my little "happy dance" before I get back to some serious sunbathing. Gosh, the way I'm talking, you might think me snooty. I'm just a little timid, actually. #birding #americancoot #water #birdphotography #birdfeet

American coot, its head bent slightly downward, is strolling along a rocky shore.

It's the end of a long day. The sun is starting to set and I'm going to drag myself home with pleasant memories of my day at the beach (ok, it's not exactly the beach but it's my zone and I love it). I chose to walk home because I'm not that graceful in flight. As strange as it might seem, I have to start flapping my wings really fast and run across the water to get a lift into the air. That's something I choose not to share here because, well, it's just not pretty! Anyway, it was a pleasure having met you. Thanks for visiting and getting to know me better. #birdwalking #birding #americancoot