Last week, a person I met at my community storm pond was telling me how much they like the American Coot and how they were hoping this year, with many of them nesting in this pond, we'd get to see their babies. And a couple days ago I was SO excited to see these little ones, seemingly newly hatched tiny little things.
Their heads are bright red because the parents prioritize feeding the brighter-colour babies! It helps the parents choose favourites.