“Carnivorous Coot cuties?” “Carcasses and carnivorous Coots?” Whatever the alliterative title, it was this last Saturday at Presque Isle State Park at North Pier, same spot as “Hot Spot.” A lone section of ice-ringed open water, with lots of in/out waterfowl activity, including American Coots.
At one end, what appeared to be an unusually large number of frozen/dead waterfowl carcasses. Around the perimeter, at least three individual and group Coots apparently exhibiting carrion scavenging behavior. The immediate question: do Coots eat carrion?!?
Obviously, Coots aren’t carnivorous. They’re paddling around the cattails in summer, diving underwater for vegetation, etc. Wouldn’t be surprised if they’re opportunistically omnivorous; what water bird wouldn’t like a bug or worm or snail with their pond vegetation? But carrion?
Next thoughts, maybe those aren’t carcasses? Maybe something other than “flesh eating?” Taking a close look, however, definitely appeared to be, e.g., frozen dead Scaup, and bloody Coot beaks, etc. strongly suggested carrion scavenging.
Later, Internet research was scant, indicating “Coots will eat carrion but it is not preferred.” These Coots seemed fairly enthusiastic. Then again, it was the end of a very cold week; maybe better food was scarce. Also, with the ice, perhaps physically practicable for the Coots to scavenge vs. carcasses floating in water.
Can’t tell for sure why the number of dead waterfowl (maybe the very cold weather + lack of food) or why this isn’t seen more often, but certainly fascinating behavior to witness.
In other “fun Coot activity” on this same day, they’re walking on ice!
Even better, a final shot of American Coot running on ice! One of the funnier bird things ever, as they sought to get away from humans approaching on the pier.
