Over the past few weeks, small flocks of American coot have been stopping by Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, on their way to more northern breeding grounds. On this cool, rainy morning, I encountered the first sizable congregation of the spring (about 250 individuals).
Abundant migrants here in spring and fall, a few thousand will likely grace the refuge by mid April, forming large rafts on the pools or grazing atop the levees. Among my favorite visitors, coot are rather peaceful, nodding their way across the waterways; since they are not generally hunted, they are tolerant of close approach. When they do feel threatened, coot rarely take flight but run across the water surface to escape danger (a choice imposed by their body structure).
We will enjoy their quiet throngs over the next month or so before most depart for the Northern Plains. In their wake, Eagle Bluffs will settle into its summer mode.
