By Bob Bell
If you are at LaSalle Park and see a gray, chicken-like bird swimming around, it is not a duck — but rather an American Coot.
Take a close look at their bill, and you’ll see it is not a duck bill, and if you are lucky to see one standing on a rock in shallow water, or on shore, like these two, you’ll see that their feet are lobed, not webbed.
About Bob:
Robert (Bob) Bell is an exploration geologist who had to retire after contracting Lyme disease. After settling in Ancaster, he quickly discovered the therapeutic benefits of birding as a coping mechanism for dealing with his chronic pain and illness. He is the author of “Out of the Lyme Light and into the Sunlight: Birding as Therapy for the Chronically Ill.” Bob is passionate about sharing his joy of birds and birding, and has given a number of talks on this subject on behalf of BurlingtonGreen. He would be delighted to have you follow his book and birding activity, by sending a friend request to https://www.facebook.com/TheBirderBob/, or by following him on Twitter at @ThebirderBob, BlueSky at @thebirderbob.bsky.social, or Instagram, @thebirderbob.
