Coot

Relatively weak fliers, Coots seem almost as happy on land as they are on the water. They can run vigorously on strong legs and possess long toes adapted to uneven surfaces. Coots also tolerate the presence of humans better than many more nervous avian species. This one – foraging for grass shoots or small insects – seemed not to mind a jot the presence of the camera. With a Coot, however, the head is rarely still and I had to lay for some time until I got the focus sharp on the bird's beak and eye.

Canon 1DS MkII, 1/640 sec, f8, 400mm at ISO 200