American Coot

Rithet's Bog in Saanich (Greater Victoria) continues to provide some interesting bird life during this cold season. The pond where this photo was taken was occupied by about 50 Mallard Ducks and this single American Coot. He was very busy foraging among the small plants poking up from the ooze.

American Coot (Fulica americana)

I've never seen these along the seashore though they are water birds. They like to hang out at Swan Lake and can be seen there year round. This is the American Coot (Fulica americana). (I'm still unpacking so you have to bear with archival photos for another few days.)

American Coot (Fulica americana)

I mentioned yesterday that I saw some larger, more distinctive birds while out at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary a few days ago. Here is one, an American Coot (Fulica americana). I can see why people become quite enthusiastic about bird-watching because I experienced a distinct thrill when I spied this bird poking about amongst the reeds that line the shore of Swan Lake, since I had never seen one before. (Or never noticed one before - which is pretty much the same thing.) These birds have been around for several hundred thousand years and remind me once again that I should look more closely at what I see instead of wandering around half-asleep.