Kip’s Comments - October 17, 2026
An Old Coot Found an American Coot
As I paddled the river today enjoying autumn colors, a white bill and red eye caught my attention. I could not see the entire American coot. Only the head, a little of the neck, and the bright white bill trying to hide among the branches of a tree down in the river were visible.
American Coot - Image 1164206
On first sighting I wondered if the coot was OK? Might it be suffering from avian influenza? Was the coot injured? Seconds later the coot ran on the water before taking flight. All was well with this American coot and the old coot that found it.
American Coot - Image 1164212
In addition to the coot I did see some interesting scenes.
Autumn Leaves on Water - Image 1164248
Autumn Leaf on Water - Image 1164281
Painted Turtle on Log - Image 1164386
River Birch Seedlings on Log - Image 1164457
Robust Bracket - Image 1164469
Violet-toothed Polypore - Image 1164478
Canoeing the Wapsipinicon River - Image 1164356
And fish were caught today too - enough for a meal for five!
Bluegill - Image 1164147
