Saturday, December 10, 2011

Camera Critters #192

I may get a lot of flak by saying this, but the Mud Hen is one ugly bird.

Also known as the American Coot, this blackish bird with a white bill is easy to identify when seen.  Although primarily a waterfowl, it isn’t in the duck family.  It's closest relatives are rails, which are marsh birds.

I see Coots all the time.  In the water, they appear rather graceful (although still ugly), but on land…well, I think the phrase “Duck out of water” was coined after first seeing this bird waddle around.

Enough of their story…8v)  It’s time to show off my better images of the old coots.

American Coot 1

Coot feeding young

-CRW_2562

Coot feeding on pond-weed

Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.

5 comments:

DeniseinVA said...

I don't get to see these birds that often and have enjoyed your photos. Have a great weekend.

Donna said...

Unattractive? Not to another coot! You still got some fine photos. :)

Misty DawnS said...

Yeah? Well, they don't think you're too hot either! bwahahahaha

Martha said...

Great photos. I don't think they are ugly!

My CC

Pat said...

Nice shots! The first one is really sweet.