458 



THE AMERICAN COOT. 



Coots breed in suitable localities throughout the state, and are partially 

 resident southerly, but the majority of those seen in spring pass farther north 

 to nest. If left absolutely undisturbed they would become almost as familiar 

 as chickens, and the observer might be delighted with glimpses of happy fam- 

 ilies at play among the reeds; but as it is, the fluffy chicks are taught to fear 

 the sight of man above all plagues. 



Nests are constructed of broken-down reeds built up into a platform, 

 which lifts the eggs from three inches to a foot clear of the water. They 



the Licking Rescrvoi 



A HAUNT OF THE COOT. 



Photo by the Authi 



are usually placed in the lakeward edge of the cat-tail patch, or else lodged 

 in the outlying clumps and along bayous. Floating nests are sometimes con- 

 structed which differ from Grebes' only in their more firm anchorage and 

 freedom from moisture above. 



