American Coot chicks

A fairly common sight in spring in the marshes along Bruce Road at the William L. Finley Wildlife Refuge, American Coot chicks look little like their nearly monochrome parents. And their faint little voices can be heard most often in the reeds and cattails, trying to get the attention of the adults to bring them something to eat. Occasionally they would venture out into more open water for a brief look at their outrageous plumage.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Cornell Lab of Ornithology