The Ice Walker.

As promised here is the second follow up to my recent post Walk in the Park when I tempted a Coot to exit the water by scattering a few tit bits on the ice while I knelt on a frozen mound of grass close to the waters edge patiently trying to keep the still and composed in the freezing air.

Now from my previous encounters with this species during the winter months it certainly has no fear of walking on frozen water. Those lobed feet act like suction pads and the sharp toes are probably better than a pair of crampons so you rarely see a Coot slipping and sliding like many of the ducks and gulls.

The foot placement was slow are careful as it hesitantly closed the distance towards the lens while searching the ice for the tiny morsels. Once located the single seed was delicately extracted from the icy surface .... 

..... and then it decided that was close enough and exited stage left. 

The ultimate footwear for an 'Ice Walker'.

I am joining in with Watery Wednesday and World Bird Wednesday,

so please click the links for more interesting watery and wildlife images.   FAB.