(no subject)

[kayre]

This one was a bit of a challenge to identify. My conclusion is under the pictures.





One friend suggested it's a Black Scoter, but they have webbed feet and ducklike legs; this one has feet and legs more like a sandpiper.

Another suggested American Coot, then changed to "Rails Coot" because of the coloring. However, the Rails Coot is European, and Sibley lists the coloring on this bird as a variation on the American Coot.

So.. it's an old coot! Or maybe a young coot, but almost certainly an American Coot, and a new sighting for me.