Spring Brings Abundance of Activity to Avila's Estuary

American coots thrive in natural habitat

By BETTY HARTIG For Avila Beach Life

It is April. Furry bunnies and quacking ducks are a favorite to see at Easter time. Avilones can spot dozens of those delightful creatures thriving in their natural habitat. The arrival of the spring season brings an abundance of activity to the estuary and its surrounding grounds. A diversity of waterfowl can be seen swimming, waddling, or pecking in the grasses or reeds. Water birds effortlessly cruise in the creek, often preening to keep feathers nicely oiled, not to be bothered with worries, resembling a carefree lifestyle.

Small, white-billed, dark feathered coots can frequently be observed swimming in Avila’s estuary sector assembled in sizeable groups, referred to as flocks, covers, rafts, and “commotion” or “swarm.” The American coot is a social bird and is the only member of the rail family to live in clusters. Coots are often misidentified as ducks. Take a good look at their rather oversized greenish-colored feet, which are not webbed, but instead designed with lobed toes, allowing them to be powerful swimmers as well as efficiently walk on open ground. Nonetheless, these birds spend most of their time in the water, comfortably living near ponds and golf courses. Coots can fly, but short wings prevent easy take-offs. To compensate, coots must take a running start across the water, rapidly flapping their wings, before becoming airborne.

Sometimes referred to as mud hens, coots are rather noisy, making a variety of calls. It is common to hear vocalization consisting of grunting, croaking, clucking, and squawking, far from a song, but clearly a form of communication that can be used as warning notes. Clattering can be heard both by day and night.

Coots are opportunistic feeders that can dive for food, eat aquatic vegetation, forage on land, and are also omnivorous. A typical pallet may consist of algae and a tasty crustacean, arthropods, or even fish. Coots have a reputation for sneakily snatching other waterfowl’s meals. The menu is extensive. American coots are not a showy bird. They are plain with little pizzazz, but their chicks are unique. Coot chicks are brightly animated, as if ready for a fashion runway. Their head is a bright red, and neck plumage is a striking furry orange, resembling a flashy shawl, oh la la! What a fashion statement. However, this brilliant display is a bit puzzling. Usually, young wildlife hues are designed with camouflage in mind. Studies indicate the colorful down feathers do serve a purpose. The parent lays six to eight eggs, far more than they can raise. The eggs hatch one by one over a week timespan. The colors are created from carotenoid pigments that the mothers add to their yolks. The more eggs that are laid, the greater the pigment. Therefore, the youngest chicks have a striking contrast with the older chicks. This vivid difference prompts the parents to feed them more. Basically, the newest born and most vulnerable receive higher levels of attention, and extra food, and are most likely to survive. It is nature’s process of elimination done in an interesting way. Preferential treatment at its finest.

The mud hens build nests over water on floating platforms, like a houseboat. Materials gathered for the nest bed are usually living or dead vegetation that is woven into a shallow basket. A hollow interior is lined with smooth material to hold the eggs. Coots breed in spring. Both parents incubate the eggs and look after the nestlings. The father responsibly has the task of leading the chicks to the water. Way to go dads! Young can swim soon after hatching. After four weeks, chicks are ready to dive.

The 1,600-plus residents in Avila are fortunate. It is a beautiful, caring, and friendly community by the sea. The wildlife is a benefit that together we can enjoy and preserve. The American coots are just one of many birds that reside in the estuary water. Take time to observe them in addition to other neighboring waterfowl while you stroll the Bob Jones Pathway.

Now, lace up your shoes. Head out to the trail and see how many birds and ducks you can identify. It is a fee-free nature show, no charge.