Saturday, November 20, 2021

Saturday's Critters # 414

 We have been out several times this past week for drives and 
we often end up at Lake of the Lilies 
The Swans usually leave for winter but right now they are still here.
Perhaps they are a little confused with all the warm weather we have been having.
The Swans here are never aggressive, quite the opposite, 
I get relatively close to them and they seem to enjoy the company.





If you look closely, this one is either sleeping or winking at me.
I'll go with winking!

Different day, it was a little gloomy...but today was the first day all of the Coots were back.
You may remember that one Coot was here all summer, but they generally only visit us in the winter.
Coots are dumpy waterbirds with long, lobed toes that facilitate swimming.

Adults have essentially all dark plumage, the darkest is on their head and neck.
Their bill and frontal shield are mainly white, it has a beady red eye.

There are more than 25 here right now...

sexes are similar!

Sharing today's images with Eileen at 
for Saturday Critters

13 comments:

Brenda said...

Lovely pics, I adore swans, and love all birds. I have coloured doves come to my patio doors and peck on them to remind me to take their food out to the bird table in the back garden.

DeniseinVA said...

Gosh these are gorgeous Debbie, great photos! Those swans are such elegant birds and I have always enjoyed the look of the Coots. Are they the ones with the big spread out toes? Not sure if I am getting them confused with the Moorhen. I will have to now go check out the feet on both, lol!

Marie Smith said...

Swans and coots are different looking but each is beautiful in its way.

The Furry Gnome said...

You obviously get very close to those swans!

Ruth Hiebert said...

The Swans have such a regal look. No matter how often you post them, I love each one.,

Conniecrafter said...

that is so nice you can get great close ups since the swans are not so afraid of you. The coots have certainly arrived, how fun is that, they look like they are making themselves right at home doesn't it!

Linda said...

Love the close ups!!! I feel like I can reach out and touch them!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Debbie,

Awesome captures of the swans, they really are beautiful. The Coots are great to see. Wonderful post. Have a great weekend!

eileeninmd said...

PS, thank for the link and sharing your post! I hope you have a great new week ahead!

21 Wits said...

Wow, can't even pick one I enjoy better than another they are all exceptional captures. Nice post, they are loving their world.

Lowcarb team member said...

Thanks for sharing these lovely photographs Debbie.

All the best Jan

Brian King said...

The blue water is so nice with the white plumage of the swans! Coots are fun to watch on land with those clown feet!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Swans are just so special!! And you have a raft of coots!! I miss seeing them from when we used to live on the Lake in Oregon. Thanks for the memories.