Introducing “Spike”

It was HOT today so I found myself heading for a pond that I hadn’t been to for almost a month. So many of the babies from the Mallard families  have grown up, though still in their family groups. One of the newcomers i nicknamed “Spike.”

He was the smallest of the siblings who were playing together mostly without the parents but when they showed up the young ones would beg for treats despite the fact they are able to forage on their own.The adult is busy breaking off reeds, perhaps making another nest or building the one they have.American Coots do have 1-2 broods a year but so soon?

Spike has a few reddish feathers poking out of his head apart from the mostly grey ones which is why I came up with the name.I could have named him “big foot.” since I think his feet have grown first.

Without further ado, here is Spike,a baby American Coot.

One of “Spike’s” siblings.