Coot with chicks - A first for me!

IraRunyanIraRunyan Registered Users Posts: 1,013 Major grins
edited July 5, 2010 in Wildlife
At the Viera Wetlands where the Osprey nest tower is located, you can see a pair of Coots that did not migrate back north, and what's more, they have nested and are raising their chicks! A second pair is in the same area and may be sitting on a nest.

I have never seen Coots nest here, so this is a first for me......

1.
CootChick_7125.jpg

2.
CootChick_7114.jpg

3.
CootChick_7083.jpg

4.
CootChick_7079.jpg

5.
CootChick_7151.jpg

6.
CootChick_7105.jpg

7.
CootChick_7100.jpg

Comments

  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited June 30, 2010
    That's the first time I've seen a coot chick in the wetlands. Usually the coots migrate awya in the summer and return in force in the fall. Looks like they have decided to become permaent residents.

    Good pics, the chciks look a bit like the moorhen chicks.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • Ric GrupeRic Grupe Registered Users Posts: 9,522 Major grins
    edited June 30, 2010
    Cool! thumb.gif

    Those kids look like acid rockers!:D
  • IraRunyanIraRunyan Registered Users Posts: 1,013 Major grins
    edited June 30, 2010
    Harryb wrote: »
    That's the first time I've seen a coot chick in the wetlands. Usually the coots migrate awya in the summer and return in force in the fall. Looks like they have decided to become permaent residents.

    Good pics, the chciks look a bit like the moorhen chicks.

    Well, I don't believe they will be establishing permanent residency..... Yesterday there were 4 chicks, but when I went back this morning only 2 chicks remain. (It has been a very bad year for survival of bird chicks of all species at the Viera Wetlands.).

    A photo taken today........
    CootChick_7404.jpg
  • Dennis KaczorDennis Kaczor Registered Users Posts: 2,413 Major grins
    edited July 3, 2010
    Nice series Ira, this is the first time ever seeing a small Coot Chic and boy is their heads bright red, and neat looking when they are young.
  • davevdavev Registered Users Posts: 3,118 Major grins
    edited July 5, 2010
    I hadn't seen coot youngin's til now either.
    Nice shots. I now know what to look for when visiting the ponds.
    dave.

    Basking in the shadows of yesterday's triumphs'.
  • DsrtVWDsrtVW Registered Users Posts: 1,991 Major grins
    edited July 5, 2010
    First for me also, reminds me of some of the kids that hang around Starbucks. Or maybe the guy from Rocky Horror Picture show, the bald dude
    Chris K. NANPA Member
    http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/
Sign In or Register to comment.