108 WATER BIRDS 



The adult Coots are very n6isy birds, constantly call- 

 ing, screaming, or complaining. Just after nightfall and 

 before dawn, most California marshes are vocal with 

 their varied cries. But, like the gallinules, they are 

 more easily heard than seen, for they are exceedingly 

 shy. If surprised and forced to flight, they rise with 

 much splattering, fly rapidly a short distance, and fall 

 back into the marsh. They are worthless as game birds, 

 as their flesh is tough^and rank in taste ; for this reason 

 the real sportsman shuns them. 



