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Eurasian Coot

Eurasian Coot (Image ID 46764)
Photographed byJim Schultz on Sat 10th Nov, 2018 and uploaded on Mon 21st Jun, 2021 .
Resolution1400x970
Viewed209
ID46764
CommentThe 2018 breeding season was a terrific one for birds at Lake Gwelup, Western Australia. That year we received so much winter rain that came spring the lake was jam-packed with breeding pairs of waterbirds literally lined up along the shores and in the swamped areas, sitting on a nest. Being that close together, naturally mighty battles broke out with regular intervals, especially amongst the grebes and the coots. Here, however I a have chosen a tranquil image for publication: a parent Eurasian Coot and its juvenile offspring relaxing in the swamp after a hectic dawn feeding session. The water was up so high that it nearly licked the boardwalk planks meandering through the swamp; hence I did not have to shoot from high above, and both birds were very relaxed by my close presence, Junior even completely ignoring me and taking time off to explore his narcissistic tendencies. BOZ_0220+06.22.21BiL time of capture 06:43.
In our childhood my younger brother and I ventured out on the frozen Lake Fure (do try to google it) of our native Denmark and cut waterbirds out of the ice with an axe, bringing them home to thaw out in our mother’s washing cellar. This brought us no credit whatsoever from our parents, but we saved several coots and mallards that day. It is my hope that this mid 1960ies’ attempt at wildlife preservation at the risk of our own peril will put the Wildlife Gods in a favourable frame of minds, when our time comes.
EquipmentNikon D500 camera body with Nikkor AF-S 500mm f4G ED VR lens. Gitzo GT3543XLS Tripod, Dietmar Nill gimbal tripod head; kneeling on boardwalk.
Camera settings: Exposure Mode: MANUAL: 1/500s at f5.6; Auto ISO-560. Center-weighted Metering; Focus Mode AF-S; AF-Area Mode: Single.
Raw/CC 2021 for Tif conversion, resizing and 148% crop as well as for general post-processing inclusive of selective sharpening and removal of mild halos. ‘Australian Bird Guide 2019’ for distribution confirmation and colour checks.
LocationLake Gwelup, Western Australia
Keywordsjuvenile, adult, behaviour/display
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