Tony's Takes Photography

Wildlife, landscape and weather photography

Red Tailed Hawk catches a coot

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Out for a drive northeast of Denver today and I see a flurry of activity near the road. Four hawks were clearly enjoying some sort of meal. As I got closer, three flew off but one lingered. I was able to get a few images of the Red Tail as it took off and flew away with what was left of an American Coot. Unfortunately it flew right into the sun so the images didn’t come out that great but it was a lot of fun to see.

View more pictures of the event below the main image.

A Red Tailed Hawk flies off with the rest of its meal, an American Coot. (© Tony’s Takes)
A Red Tailed Hawk flies off with the rest of its meal, an American Coot. (© Tony’s Takes)

American Coot closeup

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These little birds are oftentimes thought to be related to ducks but they are not.  Coots are found across much of North America and are quite common, frequently occupying the same waters and areas as ducks.  Their distinctive white bill and red eyes make them easy to pick out.  While not shown here, their legs and feet are a funny green color.  This particularly bird and some of his friends were hanging out at Ketring Lake in Littleton, Colorado, USA.

Read more about the American Coot here.

An American Coot on a pond in Littleton, Colorado. (© Tony’s Takes)
An American Coot on a pond in Littleton, Colorado. (© Tony’s Takes)