Run, coots, run

To experience one of nature's most humorous performances, hide near the water's edge in a place frequented by American coots. When one or more come near, step out and watch them run across the water to get away. It's a funny sight.

This action is also performed by some small diving ducks and is necessary for these birds to get enough speed to gain flight.

Almost any local wildlife refuge with a sizable body of water will have coots.

The American coot looks like a duck but actually is more closely related to the rail family. A coot's toes are not webbed like a duck's but instead have lobes. The American coot is dark gray to black with a white beak and yellow legs. It is often referred to as a "marsh hen" or "mud hen."

Wide-ranging in North America, this bird can be seen year-round where open water remains during winter. Large birds of prey (including the American bald eagle), coyotes, raccoons and skunks are the American coot's largest predatory threat.

A gathering of coots is called a raft.

Through the Woods is a weekly nature photo column by Aaron Horrell. Find this column at semissourian.com to order a reprint of the photo.