This morning's sketch - is a new series I'm starting - American Coots at Lake Gregory.

I wanted to emphasize those cute feet - so they are kind of bright in my sketch.

I have enjoyed these birds a lot over the last couple of years when I see them and until a few years ago had never thought anything about them until I learned from my brother in law they were called coots .  Now I see them all winter long at the lake. 

If you've never seen them run across the water with these feet - you're missing out on quite a funny spectacle. 

For the most part they disappear in the spring and summer except for just a handful who stay at the lake.  I don't know where they go but they come back in fall and winter.  I was fortunate enough this last year to visit a different lake at a lower altitude (well of course now I get where they go) and it was during the time they were having their coot babies.  I even was able to get photos of it.  Saying this reminds me to sketch one of the babies.