Coot, Coot, Coot

I spotted an American Coot today in the south side pond. Ever hear the phrase, "Get out of the way ya ol' coot"? This saying could have possibly originated due to the slow movement of coots in comparison to ducks. There feet aren't webbed so they definitely don't have the advantage of swimming fast. They are also known as mud hens or marsh hens. They are cousins to the Purple Gallinule, who I've only seen in FL. There has been kind of a lull in the birding and the weather has not been cooperating, but I'm getting ready to go on a road trip to the midwest which I will blog about when I see something interesting.