The American Coot (Fulica americana) is a bird of the family Rallidae, inhabiting wetlands and open water bodies. About 16 inches (40 cm) in length and weighing 1.4 lb (0.65 kg), adults have a short thick white bill and white frontal shield, which usually has a reddish-brown spot near the top of the bill between the eyes. (from Wikipedia)
The American Coot is an odd looking bird. But, it looks even stranger when it takes flight from the water. Below is a sequence showng the steps required to get off the water and into the sky.
Step 1. Get focused and ready to take flight.
Step 2. Look over to make sure the photographer is ready.
Step 3. Wait for a swell to make liftoff easier.
Step 4. Strong flap of the wings to get out of the water.
Step 5. And run!
Step 6. Run faster!
Step 7. Another flap and he's in the air.
And that's all there is to it. It's not graceful or pretty, but it gets the job done!
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Comments: 46
Such a camera ham....making sure you were watching :)
OH! I see....
Thanks for posting this to River Magic
Great sequence.
God Bless and have a great week!
Congratulations!
I do hope you will check it out.
This is great. If you had a set of the Blue-footed Booby landing they would make a great matched set!
I can't even imagine being a good enough photographer to take this. I have to drug my cats so they'll sit still for photo ops... {;~')