Before I visited the local shops I went down beside the lake to see the progress of the Australian Coot chicks which I have been following since my first post on 6th October 2014.
I have blogged about them here, here, here and here.
It has been a month since I visited the lake and of course the chicks have grown hugely in that time.
There were signs of greater independence from the chicks and greater reluctance to feed by the adults. In a new move I found an adult and two chicks grazing on the grass alongside the path.
As long as I stood very still they were very happy to pass close by me and for me to get a very good look at these remarkable birds.
Constantly on the move meant anticipating when to click the shutter but here they are and look at those feet!
This close up photograph of the adult bird’s feet show fascinating webbing.
No wonder they can zip through the water at speed when they want to. The feet of the young are very similar showing that nature prepares new generations very well for survival. Factor in such vigilant and devoted parents and these chicks have had a great start to life.
I’m looking forward to seeing the striking white beak and white marking above the beak emerge fully on the juveniles.
ordinarygoodness 
Goodness me, those feet are huge! And very well designed for swift water navigation 🙂
Aren’t they special feet? Amazing.
great shots
The Coots were very obliging. They are well used to a lot of foot traffic and duck feeders. They like a bit of bread apparently.
The feet always remind me of Zygocactus “leaves” with the segments. You have excellent photos of the young ones developing.
Oh yes, you are so right about those interesting feet resembling the Zygocactus “leaves”….thanks!
I’ve really enjoyed watching the chicks develop from those tiny scraps of fluff to nearly all grown up.
It’s nice to watch their progress Lynley, and those feet are quite something!
Aren’t they doing very well Juliet. From fluffy little scraps to sturdy juveniles now. Their parents are very devoted. I did see that sometimes these older chicks help the parents raise a second brood in the season. Real family birds. I shall look out for another brood of wee ones.
Amazing shots you are getting of these quite unusual birds. Your photography skills also continue to amaze!!
Thanks! I am really enjoying getting out with my camera. Great stress relief!