Full Steam Ahead!
I went over to the swamp yesterday with the idea of looking for alligators and although I did see mom and a couple of her babies, they were tucked back deep in the reeds and were clearly not planning to make themselves available for photo ops.
As usual, there were quite a few coots out picking at the various aquatic vegetation not bothering anyone at all. However, I did take notice of this one coot that was floating quietly and basically minding it’s own business because I also saw that another coot was approaching rapidly from the side. I knew the first coot immediately noticed the advancing intruder because it whipped it’s head around to the left as the second coot came blasting in.
This bird was really moving and went into full pursuit mode in what I suspect was a territorial dispute. He launched himself up and out in a flying run across the water, and with a huge splash and managed to chase off his competitor who can be seen in the very bottom of the last photo as it rapidly departs the area.
Phil Lanoue Photography 
This was so enjoyable to watch, you are amazing dear Phil, fascinated me. Thank you, love, nia
It’s very nice to know you enjoyed these Nia, thank you!
That is quite spectacular!
Those coots are a hoot! Thanks 😀
WOW!! Outstanding, every single one!!
I appreciate that thank you!
It’s nice to see something different.That last shot is simply amazing!
It’s not terribly unusual to see these guys having a disagreement, I’m just usually not able to photograph it.
There’s a pretty good coot fight in this folder here if ya want to check it out sometime Paula:
https://phillanoue.com/bittern-coot-moorhen-photos/
Starts with this photo:
https://phillanoue.com/bittern-coot-moorhen-photos/#jp-carousel-1793
Absolutely amazing! So filled with details and life:-)
I appreciate you checking these out!
How intolerant! Just recently here (back when the lakes were unfrozen), coots banded together in huge flocks on the water.
Two years ago we had hundreds in the marsh pond but they figured out that wasn’t a great plan once the eagle turned it into a coot buffet.
Scatti spettacolari, bravissimo come sempre caro Phil
Ciao, Pat
Grazie per guardare queste foto e sono felice che ti piace di loro 🙂
That certainly does look territorial! And you captured it all so that one could feel the action! I can’t believe that last photograph, and all it shows. Nice stuff!
I couldn’t believe myself how big of a splash and wake these bird created.
Thanks for looking!
This is what is known as “beating a hasty retreat.” 😀 Thanks for being there to so expertly capture the action as it happened. Spectacular photos, Phil!
Thanks very much Sylvia and yes that one coot could not have retreated faster!
We have noticed that the coots here in the UK can be very aggressive. Territorial disputes are common, and not just confined to other coots – they have a go at anything they consider to be in their territory!
Sometimes the coots here will tussle with teh moorhens but mostly they just confine the aggression to each other.
Wonderful interaction. You clearly must be doing something to incite riots. I have watched hundreds of coots around here and they get along like the best of friends.
I suppose it could be all my fault. Maybe the coots get agitated when I get the alligators agitated and it all turns into an ongoing circle of bad moods.
Amazing, every single shot!
Thank you very much Amy, so glad you liked these!
Wow! Angry birds! 😉
One was sure angry, the other one was more terrified. 😯 🙂
Love the stories that accompany your photos. Great color in the reeds.
Thank you Jeanne, glad you like the stories along with the photos. I really try to write and feature an accurate depiction of what really takes place. 🙂
Great action shots again Phil.
Thanks for checking these out Jan.
The first photo is beautiful! I enjoy the Coots!
The first photo looks like a beautiful decoy. Great action shots after that!
Fantastic. I love those shots.
Great captures! I love to see these birds take off!