The signs of spring are just around the corner here. The American Coots are in their full breeding splendor. For them, it’s not much of a change. They gain sharper, crisper feathers and they develop a red patch where their bills meet their foreheads. The pair I photographed seemed to think they were cows and got out of the water to munch on some grass beside me.
American Coot
Often when I’m looking for photos, I get this sinking feeling that the day is already over. It’s a sinking feeling because there may be great light out there at the end of the day and I’m rushing to find something to use the light on. But the harder I look, the more fruitful the search feels. Sometimes I don’t find anything, but quite often just when I have made my mind up that I won’t find anything, one last subject comes up in those last few minutes. Today was one of those days, when I found this Killdeer just standing around in the wind. The Killdeer are starting to group up and that usually means that nesting is just around the corner. They are one of the first to nest in the springtime across much of the country. So if you can’t find a Groundhog, use a Killdeer to tell if spring is coming soon!
Killdeer