Joe mentions the rarity of Coots in these parts. Sad but true, but the American Coot captive breeding and release program is starting to bear fruit. I understand their numbers are growing!

-Rolan

Joemeche at aol.com wrote:
American Bittern
My all-time favorite encounter took place when I was so preoccupied with another bird that I was 'ambushed' by a bittern. I was sitting on the ground, underneath my tripod, photo'ing a Marsh Wren at the nest when I noticed a rustling in the cattails at 3 o'clock. I turned my head slowly to see what it might be and there came a bittern--straight at me! I sat as still as I could and the bittern walked right up to me and changed its course just enough to walk behind me--not 6 feet away--and continued on its way. This experience proved the benefits of my grandfather's old exercise of sitting still and seeing what finds YOU!
American Coot
Who couldn't love these goofy birds? Best coot viewing is when they have a raft of young ones in tow. You don't see many coot sightings reported on Tweeters....too bad they're so rare.

Cheers, Joe Meche
Bellingham





Rolan Nelson
Fircrest, WA
rnbuffle at yahoo.com

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