American Coot

I don't ever see coots flying. They are content to swim away or run along the top of the water. But today was different. This was not just another day at the lake for these coots. Danger was in the air. I saw a Bald Eagle and all the birds knew he was around.

Danger has a way of waking people up. Defenses and preparations are made. The trouble is most people don't have a clue there is danger and live life as if nothing at all is wrong.  But we have an enemy and he is prowling to devour people spiritually. Many are easy pickings and lose their life spiritually because of the devastation that comes their way.

Don't be an easy target. Instead prepare for the future by returning to God and staying close to Him.

Mark 4:15 "Some are like the seeds along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them."

1 Peter 5:8 "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Father, I look to you. For You will pluck my feet out of the net. (Palm 25:15)

American Coot

These birds are more like a Sandhill crane than a duck. On land they walk like chickens and don't waddle like ducks.

When I have seen them fly they don't get far off the water. It looks like they are running on top of the water as they fly to the other side of the pond. They are predominate in most rural area ponds that I have been to. In West central Missouri they are a little north of their year around range. Though I think some of them stay at a wildlife refuge I frequent, all winter.

Most people don't like to eat them. I read one article where a guy cooks them for his dog.

Psalm 77:11-15 "I shall remember the deeds of the Lord;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
12 I will meditate on all Your work
And muse on Your deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy;
What god is great like our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders;
You have made known Your strength among the peoples.
15 You have by Your power redeemed Your people,
The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah."

Father, You make all things good for their place. Thank you for the beauty I see.

American Coot

These coot run along the water to start flying. After they get airborne they can fly well.

These birds are seen in the water like ducks.

Voice slow low pitched slow grrrr, grrrr, or grrrt or katoot katoot.

When I hunted ducks, I never shot these. I guess they weren't good eating.