These posts leave me feeling so peaceful. I have a pond nearby that I visit often. Much of my "writing" occurs in my mind as I watch the wildlife around me. Your photography is amazing, as are you words.
Karen, Thank you for these - all all - your terrific pictures! You are inaccurate, though - "Cooties" are the invisible pests that used to jump from girls onto boys, if we were foolish enough to ever let girls get close to us! This phenomenon disappeared after about 5th grade, I believe. In Florida, the coots and gallinules are extremely-well adapted to our canal systems. They serve as the Greek Chorus, passing noisy judgment on lads trying to fish. They also vocalize about predators in the area. I have never seen an alligator or snake osprey catch one, though. Gary
Thank you for this thoughtful and beautiful post. I’m so impressed with your willingness to get outside in the cold winter weather to take photos and do your observations. Most of us are hunkered down inside staying warm and you are braving the cold. I like the squeaking sound you describe. These coots are delightful.
Thank you Amanda! It's the beauty, wonder and my curiosity that take me out there for sure - and I have never once regretted it. There are occasionally mornings when I snuggle in bed though! (Especially if the winds are blowing strong!)
Thank you! ah, I'm sure you do! I wonder if you will see them this year. It's a curious thing, when I learn about a new bird in my area I often then see it!
Love love love!
I love cooties so much.
These posts leave me feeling so peaceful. I have a pond nearby that I visit often. Much of my "writing" occurs in my mind as I watch the wildlife around me. Your photography is amazing, as are you words.
Magical, and so nice joining you in your cove as you giggle at the sweet antics of the Cooties
A tender story about such gentle, diligent creatures. Nicely rendered, Karen. As usual, your patient observation reaped big rewards.
Thank you Lauren
OMG! That last picture! Such a combination of graceful wings and big clumsy feet. Beautiful.
:) Thank you
Cootie Portal - yes! where the interdimensional sweetness pours in
Ooohhh, I love that, yes the interdimensional sweetness!!
What a great show they put on for you ❤️😍👍 sweet and simple living❤️❤️😍😍
I know, they were so generous! Thank you Aunt Sharon!
Karen, Thank you for these - all all - your terrific pictures! You are inaccurate, though - "Cooties" are the invisible pests that used to jump from girls onto boys, if we were foolish enough to ever let girls get close to us! This phenomenon disappeared after about 5th grade, I believe. In Florida, the coots and gallinules are extremely-well adapted to our canal systems. They serve as the Greek Chorus, passing noisy judgment on lads trying to fish. They also vocalize about predators in the area. I have never seen an alligator or snake osprey catch one, though. Gary
Lol, I am rehabilitating the completely unfair reputation of the cooties that came from grade school children. That and snipe hunts!
Great photos! What camera do you use?
Thanks Jefferson! I currently use a Nikon D500.
This is wonderful. Beauty in the small moments. Thanks so much. And, yes, their feet are amazing.
Thank you!
Thanks for giving props to Coots! And the photos are great! Didn’t realize their feet were so massive! Beautiful words.
Thank you! Their feet are just the best.
Thanks, Karen, for your wonderful observations and ponderings. I needed this one today. Peace!
Thank you Uncle Bill!
Thank you for this thoughtful and beautiful post. I’m so impressed with your willingness to get outside in the cold winter weather to take photos and do your observations. Most of us are hunkered down inside staying warm and you are braving the cold. I like the squeaking sound you describe. These coots are delightful.
Thank you Amanda! It's the beauty, wonder and my curiosity that take me out there for sure - and I have never once regretted it. There are occasionally mornings when I snuggle in bed though! (Especially if the winds are blowing strong!)
Thank you! ah, I'm sure you do! I wonder if you will see them this year. It's a curious thing, when I learn about a new bird in my area I often then see it!